Rolls-Royce is using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to track parts used to manufacture military aircraft.

The company is using the technology across its UK supply chain to improve the tracking and visibility of components used in military transport and combat aircraft and helicopters.

Lee Doherty, Rolls-Royce’s head of supply chain services for the Defence Aerospace division, says RFID is improving efficiency. ‘We have been working with RFID for some months now to track engine parts through the supply chain,’ he said.

‘We have found it speeds the tracking process and helps us meet deadlines in the delivery of contracts to key suppliers.

‘By being able to see where each part is between it leaving the manufacturing plant to its assembly, we can plan which deliveries are best routed where, according to customer demand.’

Doherty says that RFID is also being used to improve customer service, and that if the technology proves successful, Rolls-Royce may extend its use to other parts of the company.

‘The use of RFID in the defence aerospace supply chain allows us to look beyond one division to its application across our global operations,’ he said.

‘And if we are able to prove the business case for RFID here, we could see the technology in use throughout the company when it becomes more mature.’

Doherty says the company has been working to overcome RFID issues that have also been experienced by early adopters of the technology, such as Tesco and Wal-Mart.

‘The price of tags is less of a barrier to us given the cost of the final items that contain the parts we track. But we, like the rest of the industry, are waiting for that to come down,’ he said.

‘The level of read quality when parts are received for assembly could be better. But we expect this to improve as use of technology matures,’ he said.

‘The technology will continue to be used to support both short-term business and short-term operational strategies of Rolls-Royce, to improve the company’s management of its assets.’