Automatic Inventory of Wiring Harness Components Using UHF RFID Technology

Background: Integrating Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology into storage areas within the wiring harness manufacturing industry enables real-time component traceability and supports the implementation of fully automated inventory processes. While RFID systems provide continuous data regarding component type, quantity, and location, periodic inventory validation is still required to verify and correct records in the warehouse management system. Methods: This study examines the feasibility of passive ultra-high-frequency (UHF) RFID technology for automatic inventory management in a components warehouse. It also reviews relevant scientific literature on autonomous RFID signal measurement and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)-based localization methods, which are subsequently adapted for inventory applications. An experimental setup is developed to characterize the reading field, hysteresis effects, and the influence of distance and tag orientation on detection performance. Results: The findings indicate that RFID-based automatic inventory is achievable with high accuracy and stability, especially when tag trajectories correspond to areas of high detection probability and antenna polarization is optimally configured. Conclusions: The proposed RFID-based system can be implemented with minimal hardware changes and low investment, thereby improving stock accuracy, traceability, and operational efficiency in automotive component logistics.