RFID System Design

Methods for conducting a system design analysis. In order to be effective in conducting this type of analysis, the investigative team or engineer should seek to collect information effectively. An approach that is suggested by Foster (2003), a six-step design life cycle for products and processes, is shown in Figure 12.1. They are listed as follows:1. Idea generation 2. Preliminary design 3. Prototype development 4. Final deŽnition 5. Product design and evaluation 6. ImplementationAs we tailor this process for RFID system design cycle, we suggest the following steps (Figure 12.2):1. Gain ideas through understanding 2. Preliminary design 3. Prototype development 4. Choose an alternative 5. Test and retest the chosen alternative 6. Implement the solutionIn this step, we seek to document the environment that is being investigated. Techniques such as ¯owcharting and values stream mapping should be utilized to understand the operations. Validation of these types of tools by operations is critical to allow for operational understanding. Also, dialog with operators, managers, and technicians is recommended for keen understanding of common problems that RFID may improve and/or create. The collection of operational data in speciŽc areas such as parts or product selected per hour will provide estimates on how much equipment may be needed for operations. Understanding of the source of the data may provide an evaluation of the credibility of the information. Oftentimes, this type analysis is accomplished by evaluating the real operation by using an on-site analysis. RFID on-site analysis can be demonstrated in three parts: equipment evaluation, environment evaluation, and human factor evaluation.