Design and implementation of an RFID-based dock door system at a distribution center

Abstract

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), for long, has shown potential to replace the current asset identification technologies like barcode readers in the warehouse. However, while the capital costs of implementing RFID technology are well-defined, its benefits in many cases remain intangible and unclear. This thesis seeks to evaluate the technical feasibility of implementing an RFID-based dock door portal for automatic identification and receiving of consumables shipped from Ireland to the Global Distribution Center of Waters Corporation. A systematic procedure is outlined, starting with the assessment of electromagnetic activity at the distribution center to the implementation of a pilot run on a real shipment. Important aspects of RFID system deployment including identification of interrogation zones for the portal, selection of the RFID tag, and its optimal placement on the SKU are studied. Finally, recommendations are made to Waters Corporation based on the performance results of the pilot run.