Various technology-based solutions are used in production to automate various day-to-day operations. Production is a complicated task that involves procuring raw materials and optimizing the supply chain, inventory, and production operations. The use of RFID technology in production offers several advantages when it comes to item tagging, identification, and inventory management.
Now, since RFID technology allows you to tag items with RFID labels and track them with the help of RFID handheld and fixed readers (and antennas), it is crucial to understand which kind of labels are needed for a particular product and which type of RFID reader and antenna are required to get the best results.
From the procurement of raw materials, tools, and labor to inventory control and tracking of finished goods, RFID technology can streamline production for small and big businesses. Let’s see how we can efficiently use RFID labels, readers, and antennas and get the best results when it comes to production automation.
Match RFID Labels with Items
While implementing an RFID-based solution in production, it is crucial to pay attention to RFID labels being used on items. Choose RFID labels that match the item and are able to run through the entire operation without interference. The interaction of RFID tags with hardware and the system is crucial here.
Also, how you apply an RFID label on an asset is important for best results. Many items that are made of metals contain liquid, they are not easy to track with RFID technology due to interference issues. Consequently, RFID mount on-metal labels are used for all such items.
RFID hard tags are also used in production under extreme conditions related to temperature, abrasion, etc.
Since each production process is different, it is crucial to encode each label with the information that ensures connectivity of the tagged asset to other hardware and software throughout the production, inspection, and finished good inventorying.
There are also low-cost RFID tags made of paper and polyester that can be used on items, depending on the production process and business domain.
Choosing the Right RFID Hardware
Apart from the RFID labels, it is also crucial to select RFID readers, antennas, and printers that fit the production needs. You need to have efficient RFID fixed readers and RFID handheld scanners that accurately track and trace the RFID-tagged assets without a misread.
The RFID reader and antenna receiver sensitivity must be adjusted accordingly to get accurate reads throughout the production floor, inspection, and warehouses.
Focus on the following factors while choosing the right RFID hardware:
1.Choose efficient fixed and handheld readers.
2. The receiver sensitivity must be high to detect RFID-tagged assets where the tag reflects less powerful signals resulting in misreads.
3. The built quality of the RFID readers should be good, with IP ratings of 52 to 65.
4. The RFID antenna must have a high antenna gain. For short-range RFID tracking, the antenna gain can be less or adjusted accordingly.
5. Choosing an RFID handheld reader is a good thing for mobility applications however the RSSI value must be adjusted when searching for items on the production floor, inspection floor, and warehouses.
6. A high RFID read rate is important. Choose an RFID reader such as the Zebra FX9600 Fixed Reader or the Zebra RFD40 handheld SLED for high read rates of 1200+ tags and 1300+ tags per second.
7. In warehouses, RFID fixed readers are perfect for creating zones where large amounts of raw and finished materials are stored in distinct zones and accurate tracking of all the items coming in and going out is crucial.
8. RFID handheld SLED readers are great as portable readers, suitable for item finding and auditing, and stock taking.
9. The FX9600 RFID reader comes with 4-port and 8-port antenna configurations where multiple RFID antennas can be connected to monitor distinct zones in the warehouse and throughout the production floor. Having the right information in the right place is crucial for the entire production process.
10. Choose suitable fixtures and antenna cables for minimal power loss.
Automate your business with RFID.
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Implement an optimized RFID System
Another important factor to consider while implementing RFID technology solution in production is to have an optimized RFID software system. Your RFID system must be carefully optimized to gather and process information from the production floor, quality inspection, and final inventory.
The RFID system should:
1.Accurately record all the information from all connected RFID readers and tagged assets.
2. Process the information from readers, antennas, and tags in real time.
3. Show discrepancies in collected information from each reader in distinct zones.
4. Allow users to quickly toggle and switch between various data points.
5. Allow for audits and cyclic audits using an RFID handheld reader.
6. Allow for quick inventory control and replenishment.
Benefits of RFID Technology in Production
The RFID technology in production processes offers many advantages in terms of inventory tracking, audit, and accurate data capturing from various zones including raw material inventory, production floor, assembly lines, and finished goods inventory.
Some of these benefits of RFID technology in production include:
1.RFID tagging of items in production offers complete visibility on raw materials, tools, labor, and finished goods.
2. It offers an accurate and effective inventory.
3. The inventory control, audit, and stock-taking are streamlined.
4. With RFID technology in production, it is easier to find items with great accuracy, up to a few feet.
5. RFID system integration in production also leads to minimized human errors.
6. With an RFID handheld, staff can track the assembly line, finished goods, and rate of production on any given day.
7. The RFID-based solution also ensures cost-effectiveness in the production process and minimizes losses.
To summarize, RFID-based automation is the need of the hour in production, irrespective of the industry. Whether it is merchandising, garments, home and furniture, sports and electronic gears, or medical, educational, transportation, and agricultural equipment, RFID in production processes streamlines assembly line automation and benefits production facilities. RFID is particularly beneficial in tracking raw materials, inventory, and finished goods with great accuracy.
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