Applications of RFID and mobile technology in tracking of equipment for maintenance in the mining industry

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is a crucial factor in reducing the down time in equipment maintenance in the mining industry. The paper describes a tracking and verification system using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and mobile RFID technology developed for an SME in the UK to monitor the assembly of parts for a manufacturing company. The system uses low cost passive tags (costing few cents) to provide information in real time using TCP/IP protocol which is internet compatible and can be viewed anywhere in the organisation worldwide to provide more effective management control. The RFID technology and mobile RFID equipment is able to operate in a manufacturing and fabrication ‘metal environment’ with read/write distances of up to 6m. The information can be linked to a CAD system and/or Witness Quick 3D to provide visualisation and simulation of the shop floor in terms of equipment and personnel movement. This information can also be linked to digital imagery and used to provide evidence and visualisation for agile management systems in mining machinery workshops and stores.