RFID technology in product/part tracking during the whole life cycle

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a new way for identification of products/parts and their tracking during the whole life cycle, from the manufacture and assembly phase to the disassembly phase. Design/methodology/approach Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is applied on a chosen product, an in‐mould labelling (IML) robot. Findings This paper discusses a case study that highlights the use of RFID as automatic identification technology, especially in the processes of assembly/disassembly of the IML robot. The application can be expanded onto any kind of product, with the exception of some life cycle phases that are specific for a particular product. Practical implications The paper gives an example of how RFID technology can actually be realized in the case of the IML robot to improve the quality of tracking its main components. Originality/value The users have the possibilities to access and analyze information about the products/parts during their cycle.