A case study for integrating lean six-sigma and RFID applications in construction processes through simulation approach

Various attempts have been made to apply Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technologies to current construction operations and processes; however, RFID applications have still required considerable investments and efforts to be successfully applied in the real construction projects. This paper examines the RFID technology applied to construction projects. A simulation model is developed to quantitatively evaluate the possible productivity benefits of RFID in construction. The model is based on the case study of a real construction project where the critical points of economically feasible solution for RFID application can be searched variable depending on the costs of RFID tags and RFID readers The simulation model also compares performances to apply RFID applications before and after. The results of simulation showed that RFID technology is effective for enhancing the project performances improvement at the operation and process level by reducing cycle time, decreasing queuing time, and improving other benefits including reliability of construction operations compared to invested costs. The results, however, also indicated that RFID application needs for further analysis in view of assessing qualitative aspects as well as implementation obstacles, based on more broaden case studies. Copyright ASCE 2010.