Enhancing efficiency is one of the best ways to create a more productive and profitable business. When it comes to manufacturing, there are many different ways to tweak workflows and processes to squeeze out more efficiency from work processes. One of the most flexible and game-changing technologies to enhance manufacturing efficiency is the use of RFID.
RFID technology utilizes radio waves to transmit data from RFID software attached to objects. This data is then read by an RFID reader and processed in a number of different ways depending on the use case. This is the same technology used in key fobs, security access cards, and even contactless payment cards.
But how exactly do RFID solutions boost productivity in manufacturing? In this post, we’re going to discuss the use of RFID manufacturing solutions, how they boost efficiency in manufacturing, and how they can be implemented.
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Understanding How RFID Technology Works
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is a form of wireless communication that uses radio waves to transmit data from an RFID-enabled tag to an RFID reader. An RFID tag can be virtually any item from a key to a plastic card. However, the important component is the microchip inside of the tag that contains a unique identification code and possibly some data.
On their own, RFID tags don’t do much because they aren’t powered by anything. In order to send data, an RFID tag must be powered by the radio waves emitted by an RFID reader. RFID readers that have been enabled will emit a field of electromagnetic energy that communicates with RFID tags but also powers them briefly so that the tag can send its unique identification code and any potential data stored in its components. In short, RFID tags are essentially useless on their own because they require an RFID reader to receive and process the data.
The RFID reader will then process the data and send it to a piece of software or another system. For example, in the context of a payment processing system, the RFID reader will read the information on the card and then use it to process a payment.
Components of an RFID System
RFID systems consist of several main components.
● RFID Tags: These contain a circuit and antenna that is protected by a casing, such as a plastic card. These tags store data and transmit it to RFID readers when they’re powered by the electromagnetic waves emitted by a reader.
● RFID Readers: Readers emit radio waves to both power and communicate with RFID tags. These readers can then transmit the data to a backend system to be stored and processed.
● RFID Software: The data accessed by an RFID reader is typically sent to a piece of software to be analyzed, collected, and processed. This can be designed to track a logistics system, store customer data, or other similar uses.
Types of RFID Tags
While the most common type of RFID tag doesn’t require power, there are actually multiple different types that could be more suitable for various situations.
● Passive RFID tags are the most common, requiring no power on the tag. These are widely used for inventory management, supply chain tracking, and access control purposes. They’re cost-effective, ideal for high-volume tagging scenarios such as manufacturing, and can be quick to deploy.
● Active RFID tags require onboard power sources, such as a battery, to enable the continuous transmission of data and also extended read and write ranges. This enables faster real-time tracking, making it suitable for keeping track of assets and vehicle identification purposes.
● Semi-Passive RFID tags work without a battery source but can have their range extended with a power source. This combines the benefits of both passive and active RFID tags but can be more costly to set up.
RFID Technology Versus Barcodes and QR Codes
RFID technology sounds similar to existing barcode systems that use patterns of black bars and white spaces that are read by a scanner. It’s also similar to modern quick-response (QR) code systems that use a two-dimensional matrix barcode. The latter was even invented to track parts in vehicle manufacturing processes.
However, RFID technology has a number of advantages over these existing systems.
● Read Range and Speed: RFID tags can be read at different distances depending on one’s needs, and they don’t require direct line-of-sight unlike barcodes and QR codes. This enables fast, efficient, and convenient scanning.
● Data Capacity: RFID tags can contain more data than barcodes and QR codes. This allows an RFID system to wirelessly transmit larger amounts of data beyond just a unique identifier or a string of text and numbers. This can include product details, manufacturing dates, maintenance records, and more. It’s even possible to send data and overwrite whatever is on an existing RFID tag.
● Durability: RFID tags are usually more durable and resistant to damage compared to barcodes and QR codes. This makes them suitable for harsh manufacturing environments.
In short, RFID tags are superior in many of the use cases where barcodes or QR codes can be used in manufacturing processes.
The Role of RFID in Manufacturing
RFID technology can address many traditional manufacturing challenges that often stem from inefficiencies that hinder productivity and profitability. It can mitigate the limitations of manual tracking and manufacturing processes, and provide real-time insights with fast and efficient data capture through RFID tag scanning.
Challenges in Traditional Manufacturing Processes
Most traditional manufacturing processes develop inefficiencies over time, resulting in challenges that can slow productivity and reduce profitability. This may include issues such as manual data entry errors, the lack of real-time analytics, and inefficient workflows which lead to bottlenecks in manufacturing processes. This can also lead to stock issues and delays which ultimately hurt a manufacturing business’s bottom line while also impacting customer satisfaction.
To address these challenges, manufacturers are turning to technology solutions such as RFID tagging to streamline operations, improve data accuracy, and identify ways in which the overall efficiency of the manufacturing process can be improved.
Addressing Challenges in Traditional Manufacturing with RFID Technology
RFID technology aims to provide effective solutions to many common manufacturing challenges. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Enhanced Asset Tracking: The best asset tracking RFID software solved a range of concerns. RFID tags can be attached to assets in order to minimize loss and prevent the need for replacements. For instance, a manufacturer could use RFID tags on components, tools, and equipment to better track their use and current location. This prevents tools and components from being misplaced, and it also enables accurate maintenance schedules and service history for each asset.
● Improved Quality Control: RFID tagging allows for real-time monitoring of materials and components as they’re transformed into finished products. It can also be used to verify the authenticity of products from trusted manufacturers, and the technology can even be used to create environmental sensors that monitor sensitive factors such as temperature, humidity, and pressure. Lastly, RFID-tagged products enable the rapid identification and recall of product batches that have been labeled with manufacturing defects, ensuring that customers don’t receive faulty products.
● Accurate inventory Management: RFID technology can help manufacturers maintain accurate inventory records which is essential for optimizing production efficiency. Automated data capture systems can keep track of raw materials and components as they’re processed into finished products, and continuous communication between RFID tags and readers allows for the real-time tracking of stock and inventory levels. These automated systems reduce the chance of manual errors, and the data can be used to identify trends in the manufacturing process. This can help point out inefficiencies in the manufacturing process and help businesses make more informed decisions.
Considerations When Implementing RFID Manufacturing Solutions
RFID manufacturing solutions are rarely simple drop-in replacements for existing systems. Implementing them requires careful planning and consideration, especially if a business wants to minimize manufacturing downtime.
Assessing Current Business Needs
Start by identifying current manufacturing needs and objectives. Determine which areas of the manufacturing process are suitable for RFID implementation, and where it can deliver the most impact. This is usually in areas such as asset tracking, quality control, and inventory management.
Analyzing Cost-Benefit
Conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis will help evaluate the investment required for RFID implementation. This can be compared to the expected returns, giving you a much better understanding of how it could benefit your business. It’s important to consider the cost of all RFID components and implementations. This includes the tags, readers, and software infrastructure.
Infrastructure Requirements
Manufacturers will need to identify existing infrastructure challenges and determine if upgrades or modifications to existing processes and systems will be necessary before deploying RFID solutions.
Employee Training
Manufacturers will also need to provide comprehensive training to employees who will be handling RFID technology. This will need to include explaining the benefits of RFID technology, how to use and maintain RFID-enabled devices, and how the system works as a whole. Be open to addressing concerns or resistance to change, and pay close attention to employee feedback to identify challenges.
Conclusion
RFID technology introduced by the best RFID company offers transformative solutions for the manufacturing industry. It’s able to address common challenges such as inventory management and quality control and provides real-time reporting and insights to help manufacturers identify inefficiencies and make better decisions.
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