Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) as a tool for lean production

Lean production is regarded as a very effective production system, but is reliant on accurate real- time information. RFID has developed to become an effective technology for information gathering and sharing. This book examines whether RFID can work as a tool in order to introduce and sustain lean production in companies. The company studied for this application is Oceaneering Rotator, a world leading supplier of topside and subsea control and injection valves to the global oil and gas industry. The production at Rotator is recognised by highly specialised low-volume products, and is in that regard different from mass producing companies normally using RFID and lean principles. The book has a comprehensive theory section including production paradigms, lean production and its philosophies as well as RFID technology and usages as a foundation for the research. The analysis shows numerous exciting and promising uses of RFID in combination with lean production principles in specialised production, and will be of interest for professionals in companies with similar production characteristics to Rotator's as well as others interested in lean production and RFID.