An active tool-tracking system for increased productivity

Keeping track of tools is essential for smooth running of any production un it. Being one of the critical resources for production, non-availability of tools can affect productivity of any manufacturing shop floor seriously. I n this paper, a novel tool-tracking system, which can be used to monitor th e movements of tools in a shop floor to prevent tool loss and tool hoarding , is described. The system uses miniature transmitters embedded in the tool s together with a number of receiver stations located strategically around the shop floor. Each tool intermittently transmits a coded signal so that i t may be identified as well as located. Simulation studies show that the sy stem is effective particularly in situations where the productivity would h ave been low because of high tool losses.