Applying the ZigBee™ and wireless sensors to monitor the efficiency of workflow

Abstract

This project focuses on applying the wireless ad-hoc network and sensor technology to monitor the efficiency of workflow. The project aimed at building a working prototype to demonstrate how these technologies can be combined to facilitate the analysis of the workflow efficiency, with the real-time data being captured through numerous low-cost and customizable sensors installed in different corners of a manufacturing plant. Besides, through any WiFi-enabled consumer electronic devices such as a smart-phone or pocket PC, a manager/supervisor can easily access such real-time analysis about a particular machine, a specific pipeline or section of machines anywhere, inside or outside of the plant, through the nearest WLAN access points provided. A wireless sensor implemented with realistic networks configurations will be presented. This research has produced results delineating the performance and limitations as well as the future development. ©2009 IEEE.