Freightliner Factory Will Use RFID to Track Production

Freightliner will analyze the tag ID numbers and associated data (times and locations) for each vehicle to improve efficiencies on the factory floor. This is expected to help determine, among other things, which areas on the production floor are underperforming and creating bottlenecks during assembly.

Thus, Freightliner can leverage the RFID implementation to further enhance its lean manufacturing practice. This methodology is intended to eliminate all waste from the manufacturing process, encompasses a number of modern practices, including just-in-time processes that seek to have parts arrive when needed for production, rather than ending up as inventory.

Fleischer says the RFID technology will also be integrated with other systems, including the company's manufacturing execution system (MES), used to track and manage work-in-process functions on the plant floor, and a video-streaming system that documents response times to events during assembly and various production actions. "Video streaming will enhance the real-time RFID data," he says. "You can monitor the actual event with real-time video streaming for a visual verification. You can view events [as they happen] to verify the severity and make a decision right now, instead of waiting for the line to shut down."

Freightliner expects the RFID deployment in the Portland plant to serve as a showcase for other divisions within the company, and is exploring additional RFID applications designed to help track and manage the production of engines, transmissions, hoods and fenders.

Ultimately, RFID will benefit Freightliner, its customers and its suppliers "by making the [supply-chain] process completely transparent, and by generating a pool of real-time data for sound decision-making," Fleischer says. "The adoption of real-time tracking will improve the quality of our products and boost our output, as well."