Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is commonly used in the logistics industry to track the movement of freight all over the world. The largest shippers in the world use it, but its usefulness extends far beyond shipping. It can be used in automation systems that involve the manufacturing and packaging of products, helping businesses tag and track products throughout the production process, which comes with a whole host of benefits.

Benefits of RFID Tracking

• Increase efficiency: production execution becomes more accessible and streamlined with every automated process, including the scanning and tracking of parts and products.
• Improved quality control: RFID can track products and materials throughout production, ensuring that suitable materials are being used and reporting data back to users during critical stages of production.
• Greater automation of manual processes: less workforce is needed to check parts during production manually.
• More transparency and data collection: real-time data collection is consistent and allows users to monitor, assess, and improve automation processes.
• Reduced costs and better overhead allocation: greater efficiency and fewer production mistakes lead to a reduction in production costs and material waste.

To get the most out of these RFID tracking systems, they must be implemented efficiently into an automation system.

Features of RFID

RFID systems in manufacturing can:

• Read and write data without direct contact: scanners read RFID tags that track and monitor automation processes.
• Transform items into information, allowing for better management of quality without errors.
• Extensive data logging features to evaluate long-term performance and help reduce troubleshooting times.
• Identify products at varying distances with no effects on reading rates.
• Monitor communication status via web browsers. They can act as diagnostic tools to maximize uptime.
• Communicate status changes in real-time.

Applications for RFID

Many manufacturers can benefit from RFID implementation. A few application examples include:

• Automotive: this allows the detection of the automotive chassis from several meters away.
• Parts tracking and management: accurately supply parts in high-mix production lines, including tracking details on pallets and racks throughout production.
• Materials handling: help with product sorting, especially in harsh environments where traditional readers cannot quickly scan standard barcodes.
• Hanging conveyance: can identify moving products when distances change without a line of sight.
• Error proofing: multiple RFID tags ensure the usage of the correct materials in assembly during production.

Contact us today for more information on potential RFID products for your application.