Manufacturing
Real‑Time Work‑In‑Process Tracking With RFID
How a mid‑sized manufacturer gained real‑time visibility across every production stage, reduced bottlenecks, and improved throughput by deploying UHF RFID for Work‑In‑Process (WIP) tracking.
The Challenge: Blind Spots on the Production Floor
Before RFID, the manufacturer relied on paper travelers and manual barcode scans, creating major operational blind spots:
22%Avg WIP Delay
18%Rework Rate
0%Real‑Time Tracking
Phase 1: Tagging Work Orders
Each assembly was assigned a durable UHF RFID tag that traveled with it through the entire production process, tied directly to the MES.
Phase 2: Automated Tracking
Fixed RFID readers were installed at key checkpoints—machining, assembly, finishing, and QA—to log progress automatically.
The Results: A Smarter, Faster Production Line
31%Throughput Increase
45%Reduction in Delays
6.2 MoFull ROI
By providing real‑time visibility and automated stage tracking, the manufacturer eliminated production blind spots and optimized cycle times.