Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) application at dell computer

Abstract

Dell Inc.'s assembly centers previously used bar code scanning to track components and kits through the process. The bar-code system had low read-accuracy rates and was difficult to trouble-shoot when problems occurred and required additional headcount. The success of a pilot Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) led to a project to convert the assembly tracking to RFID. As a result of this implementation, read-accuracy improved from 95.86% to 99.86% and Mean-Time-To-Repair was reduced by 38%. The Return-on-Investment was 122%. This paper will highlight RFID technology, the project goals at Dell, how their benefits were achieved, and the lessons learned.