Improving visibility using RFID – the case of a company in the automotive sector

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present some results of an ongoing project that intends to improve internal logistics visibility using RFID at an electronics company of the automotive sector. The first step of this project was to identify the traceability problems of raw materials at the company and to design an RFID–based solution to solve such problems. Additionally, the main challenges related to the implementation of that solution were identified and discussed. Through interviews, documental analysis, and observation, the current internal logistic processes are described and the main traceability problems identified. This paper is, mainly, concerned with presenting the problems and the difficulties found by the project team. Additionally, the RFID based solution is proposed (prototype description) as also the key challenges, expected results and advantages (e.g. more increased control of raw materials and automatization of handling and storing processes).