Criticality index analysis based optimal RFID reader placement models for asset tracking

This study is aimed at optimising the RFID network design in the healthcare service sector for tracking medical assets. Two different optimisation models corresponding to two possible scenarios in RFID network design are developed based on the enhancement of location set covering problem (LSCP) and maximal covering location problem (MCLP). They are validated by considering a healthcare facility to optimise the real-time locating system for tracking assets. The methodology is original in that it analyses the trade-off between cost effectiveness and overall RFID system performance and hence provides possible decision guidance to optimise the RFID system. It is vital for healthcare providers to locate crucial assets in the shortest possible time, particularly in emergency situations where human lives are at risk. Hence, increasing the overall RFID system performance will definitely have a valuable effect on real-time information sharing, thereby decreasing related search time for crucial assets.