In June, Kumho Tire Co. announced a global first – it will place radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags on all tire products it manufactures. 
Kumho’s RFID program is being rolled out as part of the “u-IT New Technology Verification Project” supported by South Korea’s National IT Industry Promotion Agency. A key aim of fitting RFID tags is to increase workflow efficiency.
Furthermore, with the expansion of its RFID-embedded tires to all product lines, Kumho expects to cut KRW10.4 billion in annual logistics, production and quality control costs.
The RFID tag Kumho uses was co-developed with Asiana IDT and delivers information on product quality. The patch-type tag is implanted inside the tire’s innerliner during the manufacturing process. Each RDIF tag-fitted tire is given a unique identity, which can be tracked by a database system at Kumho’s headquarters. The tag contains information on quality and performance and detailed records relating to the production process, distribution and sales.
“Under the RFID system, the entire product lifecycle can be managed systematically by streamlining the whole process from product quality in the course of manufacturing to product record tracking to distribution channels to warehousing and to inventory management,” explained Kumho in a statement. “It can also prevent possible distribution through illegal channels or selling of defect products, helping raise consumer confidence and satisfaction.”
Since early this year, Kumho has fitted RFID tags on all truck and bus tires manufactured in its Gwangju and Gokseong plants in South Korea. As of the second half of 2013, RFID units will be built into all domestic market passenger car tires, and from 2014 all manufacturing sites in South Korea and overseas will adopt the RFID system.
“Kumho has always introduced new innovative technologies to the industry one step ahead, raising quality control efficiency and consumer confidence at the same time,” said Bok-soo Park, chief technology officer of Kumho. “We will remain committed to customer satisfaction and production innovation in the tire market while systematically managing product information under the new system.” (Tyres & Accessories)
