Specialized Automation in Manufacturing - Essay Example

Full Paper Introduction Technology provides a wide range of innovation in terms of automation based on technology. Organizations can now enhance their products, processes and resources to develop strategies based on customer likings. One of the effective inventions powered by Information and Communication Technology (ICT) that assist in supply chain management is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). There are a lot of websites containing detailed information regarding RFID, documentation and papers correlated to RFID. The internet has a lot of information regarding security and privacy policies that are interconnected with RFID. Specialized Automation in Manufacturing Apart from the provision of advanced industrial engineering powered by Information Technology, RFID has also provided contribution in the dedicated manufacturing division. Likewise, the objectives of this division are to produce specific products and applications by utilizing methods that are low in cost. For example, if an organization is not able to develop the product as per expectations, the organization may lose customers, may incur a high labor cost, revenue cut in sales and audit cost will also be effective. Likewise, a research conducted by (Jones, Riley, Franca, & Reigle, 2007) indicated a significant cost cuttings by implementing non-calibrated tools powered by RFID technology. Calibrated tools are vital for quality production and require constant tracking for most advantageous labor efficiency and productivity. The RFID solution will track the calibrated tools and reduce cost significantly. The study also concludes the calculation of a net present value analysis as compared to do-nothing scenario, , by deploying the RFID technology, the cost saving figures were approximately $ 60,000. By implementing RFID, other areas can also be integrated to save more cost and produce efficiency. Therefore, RFID integration in specialized manufacturing is beneficial in terms of cost, efficiency and tracking. Moreover, asset management systems that are integrated to Enterprise resource planning (ERP) will be useful when integrated to RFID technology. The objective of asset management systems is to locate accurate assets, specifically at the exact time, and present information about each, along with its status. In order to carry out processes in asset management systems, a tag is attached to each asset, which allows the transmission of information, by frequency identification to the reader. After receiving the data, the reader sends it to the inventory management system for tracking the location via the production facility (Jones, Riley, Franca, & Reigle, 2007). Specialized Automation in Logistic Control The other dimension of RFID is passive RFID that is implemented in automated manufacturing and logistics control. The passive RFID technology is beneficial for any business process requiring fast flow of items. Moreover, passive RFID systems transmits energy entirely from the reader devices called transponders which are relatively inexpensive, making them the ideal choice and easy to apply for manufacturing and logistics control systems. Likewise, these transponders are easy to fix on the object for identification. Furthermore, RFID technology facilitates real time object visibility with high accuracy providing organizations to continuously identify and locate all items with real time data management (Keskilammi, Sydänheimo, & Kivikoski, 2003). Associated literature In order to gain a better idea, some real world examples will illustrate the operations and processes that are facilitated by RFID in organizations. This section will describe some real world examples of implementing RFID for improving the efficiency of production in a department for packing integrated circuit. Liu and Chen conducted a study in 2009 for improving production efficiency in an integrated-circuit packaging house by implementing RFID technology. The integration with electronic framework, RFID technology, and ERP system was implemented along with Oracle AIM. The system reflected two modules named as electronic receiving modules and inventory transaction module respectively. The conclusion and results highlighted the implementation of electronic receiving module is utilized to enhance accept / check operation issues, operations associated with stock-in-record processing and document hauling operations. On the other hand, inventory transaction form is capable to handle demands for entry information related to accounting, transaction form request related to inventory, transaction records and processing replacement. By implementing RFID integrated electronic control system, the processing takes less time along with elimination of client’s complaints to a minimal level along with reduction of penalties. Moreover, manual operations eliminated by electronic control system along with significant reduction in labor and operation cost for the packaging house. Moreover, ‘Yard operations’ is a “solutions such as access, in/out control, equipment pool and yard location. This allows companies the ability to maximize asset utilization for operational planning, and minimizes time-consuming yard checks, equipment searches and lost equipment with time and date verification for management reporting. Intermec products are used in a wide range of Yard Operations applications, including Asset Tracking, Dispatch, Labor Productivity, Paperless Repair Operations, Parts Inventory, Asset Utilization, Fleet Yard and Gate Management, Overage, Shortage or Damage and Security Compliance” (Intermec transportation and logistics solutions: Yard operations ). RedPrairie has integrated RFID technology with yard management via a new module for warehouse management. RedPrairie productivity solution provider with “34,000+ customer sites, Over 20 sales and service offices globally, Global headquarters in Alpharetta, Georgia, Approximately 1,100 employees and customers in over 40 countries” (About RedPrairie ). The features of this solution provides advanced visibility by integrating RFID technology to monitor and trace trailers from ‘check in’ and ‘check out’ gates. RFID passive tags are used, to track the movement of trailers (RedPrairie introduces RFID solution for yard operations.2008). Below are few examples that will define the importance of implementing mitigation privacy and infrastructure security for the RFID users. Moreover, it will also illustrate how to identify the hacking and security threats in RFID technology. The identification of threats and risks leads towards the implementation of strong and better protection policies for the RFID. The RFID is a vulnerable technology and is more prone to hacker attacks and penetration of security risks. Following are the few measures that support the RFID from security risks and threats. In the year 2006, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK has implemented wholesale outlets in order to exercise code for operating Radio Frequency Identification Technology. In the UK the legislative offices have studied and accepted the document related to the RFID policies. The exercise code is accepted and studied by the Legislative officers of Science and Technology located in UK. This exercise code determines the security related issues and provides solution for the threats for RFID. Moreover, this study was directed by the European Union and on the government website it is demonstrated for users. In fact, in the year 2009 an article was published describing the information regarding protection and privacy fundamentals for the applications using RFID. The website shows the counter techniques and measures that help to protect the RFID in EU. There are several rules and regulations are forced for the data linked with RFID policy and privacy. These rules are obligatory and must be regularized. Moreover, the data that is insightful and includes updated threats will only be broadcasted by legislators. There are a number of organizations that are developing update RFID codes. Now a days RFID tags are technologically update and more secure. The companies are also working on the RFID website and making it more helpful for the clients by mentioning certain risks and threat that exists in RFID technology. The RFDump software is developed in Germany and is categorized as ready-software. The software enables to re-write the tags on duplicate chip and is skilled in reading the tags related to RFID. The software is available for the download via Internet and can be implemented on PC. However, the personal computer must contain the RFID reader/writer. In the Washington year 2008, The law was circulated in the news stating the "malicious" RFID detective was identified. In relation to the news, the person must take the permission in prior with the related authority before scanning the tags. The legislation passed this law and highlights this in the category of apparent criminal abuse related to RFID technology. This law is applicable for all the retailers and other clients utilizing this technology. The companies are liable to monitor their clients in order to prevent any security risk. Unfortunately, due to immense pressure from corporate clients this requirement was waived off from the law. A conflict is formulated in the news over the show casting RFID chip-hacking. In the year 2007, an article is published illustrating the threats for the stakeholders that are utilizing RFID technology. In the same year, the “HID Corp” is utilized by the companies located in Washington to combat against IOActive. The “HID Corp” comprises of tools and techniques to reduce the RFID threats. The Chris Paget highlights the significance of security for the RFID tags and readers and demonstrates this on his video. There are several other articles that are published for example, “RFID and privacy: contest heating up in Washington” and “Is RFID secure”. In this article the author discusses the pros and cons for the security of RFID tags and providing the better solution to the problems related to security and protection. In the year 2005, the same author has previously discussed the security policies related to the RFID usage. However, in the year 2009 similar article has been published by the same author highlighting risks that are associated with the use of RFID tags mentioning the Chris Paget as an example. In addition, the significance of utilizing accurate application for the correct situation against the security threat is demonstrated by the author. There are some Tesco products that are labeled in order to track down a customer. This information is available on Boycott Tesco website. In a news article related to e-passports, “Think Electronic Passports Are Secure? Think Again”, an ex-student student of a university states that the Radio Frequency Identification Technology uses the tags on the passports that can hacked or copied the information and is vulnerable to security threats and risks. This news was published in “Think Electronic Passports Are Secure? Think Again” article for news. On the contrary, about 50 % of functions related to security are tagged by the companies that highlight the significance of RFID security. The denial-of-service attack was demonstrated in the two videos. the technically sound procedures and coherent technique is used for the counter attack on the Radio Frequency Identification Technology. Conclusion We have discussed how technology has facilitates small medium enterprises for the provision of industrial tools that can be utilized for new organizations. Likewise, the radio frequency identification can enhance and streamline supply chain management powered by enterprise resource planning. The first section comprehensively defined what RFID is, and what the components that are associated with it are. The carrier i.e. electromagnetic waves, on which the technology travels is also defined in detail. After describing RFID, the usability factors comes in, that describes how RFID is used by the organizations and its significance in the domain of industrial engineering is demonstrated by different studies by the researchers. References Sabbaghi, A., & Vaidyanathan, G. (2008). Effectiveness and efficiency of RFID technology in supply chain management: Strategic values and challenges. Journal of Theoretical & Applied Electronic Commerce Research, 3(2), 71-81. Kamaladevi, B. (2010). RFID - the best technology in supply chain management Advances in Management. Jones, E. C., Riley, M. W., Franca, R., & Reigle, S. (2007). Case study: The engineering economics of RFID in specialized manufacturing. Engineering Economist, 52(3), 285-303. doi:10.1080/00137910701503951 Keskilammi, M., Sydänheimo, L., & Kivikoski, M. (2003). Radio frequency technology for automated manufacturing and logistics control. part 1: Passive RFID systems and the effects of antenna parameters on operational distance. International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 21(10), 769-774. Liu, C. M., & Chen, L. S. (2009). Applications of RFID technology for improving production efficiency in an integrated-circuit packaging house. International Journal of Production Research, 47(8), 2203-2216. doi:10.1080/00207540802380556 Jones, E. C., & Chung, C. A. (2008). EDUCATION in modern solutions. Industrial Engineer: IE, 40(8), 29-33. Intermec transportation and logistics solutions: Yard operations Retrieved 3/23/2011, 2011, from http://www.intermec.com/solutions/transportation/yard_ops/index.aspx About RedPrairie Retrieved 3/23/2011, 2011, from http://www.redprairie.com/about-us/ RedPrairie introduces RFID solution for yard operations. (2008). Apparel Magazine, 50(3), 38-38. Read More