RFID Solutions
RFID, or radio frequency identification, is a generic term for technologies that use radio waves to automatically identify people or objects. There are several methods of identification, but the most common is to store a serial number that identifies a person or object, and perhaps other information, on a microchip that is attached to an antenna (the chip and the antenna together are called an RFID transponder or an RFID tag). The antenna enables the chip to transmit the identification information to a reader. The reader converts the radio waves reflected back from the RFID tag into digital information that can then be passed on to computers and RFID software which can make use of it.
Bar code scanning software can generally be used with any barcode scanner. Serial barcode scanners, RFID scanners and keyboard wedge scanners are some examples. In addition to inventory tracking, there are other valuable applications where bar code scanning can be applied.
In-line high-speed scanning systems can collect production counts, product changeovers, downtime and other efficiency data. Collecting critical, real-time data from the factory floor with bar code scanners, Pocket PCs and other hand-held devices can be invaluable information to a manufacturer.
What are some of the most common applications for RFID?
RFID is used for everything from tracking cows and pets to triggering equipment down oil wells. Payment systems are common applications (toll collection systems, for instance), access control and asset tracking. Increasingly, companies are looking to use RFID to track goods within their supply chain, to work in process and for other applications. In manufacturing, RFID can be used for inventory control, pallet tracking, product tracking, equipment maintenance and more. What are some other applications? The application of RFID is limited only by our imagination, (and budgets). Hospitals have begun using RFID solutions to track in house hospital personnel, equipment and even blood products.Is it worth it?
Clearly, automated reporting of real-time, accurate data which RFID solutions can provide means tremendous advantages in all kinds of industries from express parcel delivery, to healthcare and life sciences, transportation, entertainment, manufacturing and retail. In addition, RFID’s ability to support asset tracking and the creation of a pedigree (or historical document) is of great interest to a number of industries.About RFID software
There are numerous software providers who have developed applications to deal with RFID reader and printer/encoder management, plus “tag data capture event” management. As with most business applications software, packages are typically customized to meet customers’ requirements rather than being ready to go “off the shelf.”Let's Talk about RFID Software
Let’s talk about RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) a bit more. These “smart” tags can be placed on or incorporated into a product, animal or person for the purpose of not only identifying what the object is, but being able to track location as well by use of radio waves. There is a growing trend of use with RFID within SCM (Supply Chain Management) for improved efficiency of inventory tracking and management.
RFID’s store detailed information which allows manufacturers and retailers to track products at the unit level, as well as identify, locate, monitor and even manage products on the plant floor. Benefits: • Improves inventory management in the supply chain. • Provides real time data throughout supply chain, and increased visibility into supply chain • Provides detailed information on what the product is, where it is going, and how to handle it • Provides the ability to read tags without requiring line-of-sight reading • Enables JIT manufacturing • Increases real-time decision support and automates and speeds processes
RFID tags are available in 3 varieties (passive, active and semi-passive). Passive do not require an internal power source, therefore are only active when a reader is nearby to power them. Active tags have an internal battery that powers them which has a shelf life of up to ten years and have operational ranges of hundreds of meters. Semi-passive (aka semi-active) have their own power source of a battery, however it only powers the microchip and not the broadcasting of a signal.
Find a company that offers SaaS or ASP as well as agile, browser based software. Browser based means that the software is not installed on each user machine. It is hosted from a single server, either on site, or hosted by a third party vendor. This is called Thin Client Technology. Thin Client is very beneficial due to the fact that you can access the system from anywhere you can connect to the internet! This also enables the system to run on just about everything. As well as being able to run on a variety of PC’s, you can access the information you need from your PDA’s and Smartphones.
 Manufacturing ERP |
ShopFloorReporting.com |
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Thin Client ERP |
Wireless ERP |
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Plant Schedule |
IBM |
| Barcode | ERP |
| Industrial Control | Industrial |
| Lean Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
| MES | RFID |