Effect of variables and their interactions on RFID tag readability on a conveyor belt — Factorial analysis approach

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an identification system used to create an automated tracking solution to provide real time inventory visibility, operational status, movement of assets through the supply chain. The problem with successful RFID implementation is the lack of application specific optimization. In a packaging environment the variation in product, speed of conveyor, tag position, distance of tag from antenna cannot be generalized. To gain optimum performance from an RFID system these factors should be optimized. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between speed of the conveyor belt, type, orientation and placement of the tag. Full factorial and fractional factorial designs are considered to determine the effect of critical factors and the interaction between them based on tag readability. Recommendations are provided for the combinations of the potential factors and their levels in order to obtain the best possible readability.