An assessment model for the implementation of RFID in tool management

Management of moveable assets is a key issue in most industrial manufacturing companies. With complex production systems, numerous and various machining centers, it becomes quite hard to carry out an effective and cost-efficient management of the tools and fixtures needed for ensuring the correct and timely execution of the planned production cycles. A pre-requisite for a correct management of moveable assets is the adoption of proper identification systems to support the traceability and data collection of those pieces of information, which could turn out to be relevant along the life cycle of an asset. Aim of the paper is to provide an empirical model for evaluating the benefits and costs related to the adoption of RFId tags as identifications systems for moveable assets, and in particular in managing machinery tools in a production premise. In order to provide a practical example of applicability of the model, a case study is reported with an in-depth analysis of the potential pros and cons deriving from the implementation of RFId tags.