RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) can automate the identification of materials, work-in-progress, tools, and finished products in a manufacturing company without the need for direct contact or optical visibility, as is the case with barcodes. The result is higher productivity, fewer errors, and more accurate real-time production data.
Tracking Materials and Work in Progress (WIP)
Each pallet, crate, or production carrier is equipped with an RFID tag.
As items move through the production process, the following information is automatically recorded:
- Where is the product located,
- What kind of surgery has he already undergone,
- Who performed the surgery,
- Start and end times of production,
- Number of units produced.
Advantages:
- An instant overview of the production status,
- Less paper-based record-keeping,
- Easy tracking of work-in-progress.
Production Operations Management
RFID can automatically: start a production operation, load a production recipe, set machine parameters, and verify that the production process is correct.
Example:
The operator places the production carrier at the workstation. The reader identifies the RFID tag, and the system automatically displays the correct work instruction.
Product Identification
Each product is assigned a unique RFID number, which makes it possible to track:
- Serial Number
- Date of Manufacture
- Batch
- Materials Used
- Quality Control Results
This greatly simplifies the claims process and traceability.
Tracking Returnable Containers
(Very common in businesses.)
RFID makes it possible to track:
- Plastic boxes
- Metal Containers
- KLT crates
- Pallets,
- Carts
The system can:
- Where are they located?
- Who uses them?
- How many are there?
- How long do they stay in one place?
Tool Management
An RFID tag can be placed directly on:
- Forms
- Preparations
- Gauges
- Welding Preparations
- Pressing Tools
Advantages:
- Simple Search
- Loan Records
- Calibration Planning
- Service Records