RFID-enabled gateway product service system for collaborative manufacturing alliances

This paper discusses innovative "Plug-and-Play" scalable gateways using RFID devices and establishing a Gateway Product Service System (GPSS) framework for cost-effective deployment of RFID-enabled manufacturing solutions. A unique contribution is that the GPSS overcomes "three high problems", namely high cost, high risk and high level of technical skills through a shift from individual investments in RFID devices and skills to common sharing of real-time visibility and traceability services among manufacturing alliance members. This approach substantially reduces start-up investment costs, reduces level of required specialist skills, speeds up installation processes and streamlines maintenance services, and improves sustainable success of RFID adopted projects. © 2011 CIRP.link_to_subscribed_fulltex