Conference article

Developing Distribution Chain Traceability in Continuous Processes

Björn Kvarnström
Quality and Environmental Management, Luleå University of Technology, Sweden

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Published in: 10th QMOD Conference. Quality Management and Organiqatinal Development. Our Dreams of Excellence; 18-20 June; 2007 in Helsingborg; Sweden

Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 26:39, p.

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Published: 2008-02-15

ISBN:

ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)

Abstract

A traceability system simplifies investigation of causes of product failures and is therefore vital for many industries. Traceability systems are extensively used in manufacturing industries; but creating traceability in continuous processes implies great challenges. The aim of this paper is to illustrate how traceability can be achieved in the distribution chain for iron ore pellets. Radio frequency identification (RFID) was used as a technique to trace iron ore pellets. Experiments were performed to verify the suitability of the technique. The results indicate that RFID is an appropriate technique. With one stationary RFID reader; about 50 % of the tagged iron ore pellets were identified. Possibilities for higher read rates are discussed.

Keywords

RFID tag; process industry; residence time; read rate; bulk product

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