Applying Lean Manufacturing system in industry have a high impact on increasing the  productivity, profitability , reduce costs and improve quality. However, applying this system needs a huge amount of continuous information about the products’ path, which is very difficult to be achieved in a labour intensive industry . The main objective of this research is to overcome the problem of acquiring accurate and timely data to be used in the different Lean manufacturing tools. This research identifies implementation areas where RFID can have the greatest impact on work-in-process management, manufacturing flow tracking and defects control in lean manufacturing environments. The study specifically focuses on how RFID can help identify, reduce, and eliminate the seven common types of waste identified by Taiichi Ohno. To support this objective, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) System is designed and applied in garment industry.  Industrial case studies were performed at a garment factory to verify and validate the designed RFID system. The RFID software/hardware is designed and implemented on the manufacturing process. The study expands the knowledge of manufacturing waste reduction through the use of RFID technology.

The study concluded that the reduction of manufacturing waste can be achieved through the deployment of a well-designed RFID system which can be integrated in the manufacturing process. This study fulfills an identified need to study the implementation areas where RFID can have the greatest impact and add value within lean manufacturing settings in labor intensive industries. The research includes implications for industry practitioners and researchers by providing a better understanding of the benefits of RFID in manufacturing.