Application of RFID technology in manufacturing

Most manufacturers have realized that radio frequency identification (RFID) technology can serve the supply chain well, but they often overlook that the technology can also bring huge benefits in the manufacturing process. RFID can address numerous manufacturing challenges, including security, quality control, production execution and Asset MANAGEMENT. When applying this technology in a manufacturing environment, the focus is not on the tags or readers, but on the data that can be obtained through this technology. The purpose of this is to allow manufacturers to obtain data through RFID technology and use the information to further improve their competitive advantage.

The manufacturing process is a particularly good link to leverage the value of RFID and obtain return on RFID investment, because RFID tags are applied in a closed-loop environment where RFID tags can be reused. RFID can bridge the gap between manufacturing execution systems (MES), enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and the production floor, providing more accurate and timely data than other alternatives.

RFID systems greatly improve workxl

Security RFID can be used for factory floor security management, it can replace passwords required for access and parameter changes, log in and out for operators in the application; multiple operators with different security needs working on the same node; or supervisors Help when you forget to log out of your account. RFID can link users, machines and tasks together so that only designated personnel can maintain and operate equipment. It also allows users to view and track employee work tasks to ensure the quality and safety of work.

General Motors' European car manufacturer OPEL uses RFID technology to deal with security issues. Its production process requires computers and systems to be specially configured to coordinate the different production steps through approximately 650 programs. Today, every worker has a transponder on his keychain with a glass casing that protects against dust, moisture, shock and high temperatures. If a person wants to access the control panel of a specific machine, the reader must verify the transponder in the person's hand to confirm identity before accessing the control panel. By using RFID technology, the company achieved its goals of reducing input errors, monitoring and logging tasks, and protecting the system's sensitive data. Tag ID records changes to system information through time and date stamps, so that when a problem occurs, the cause can be analyzed from the created history record.

Quality control companies are always looking for ways to improve quality. When the production process requires certain materials, when the production needs to be carried out according to a certain plan, or when certain sensitive materials required for manufacturing have deteriorated due to exposure to high temperatures or expired, RFID technology may be a good solution. RFID tags can track a product throughout its production process and report data on demand at critical stages. In addition, RFID-supported data can meet Six Sigma real-time data requirements for statistics and data analysis.

A pharmaceutical company uses RFID to monitor and inspect a production process in which 1,000 bottles are placed on metal racks and then placed in an autoclave for sterilization at 120°C. If there is any doubt about the time or temperature of sterilization, the entire batch must be destroyed. Previously, tracking and controlling product production was done manually, so errors were possible. To solve this problem, the company installed a conveyor system to automatically move the racks. RFID tags are used to track and inspect the sterilization process of each shelf, ensuring precise control of time and temperature during the sterilization process.

RFID technology can accurately control the pharmaceutical process

Production execution RFID can also provide users with real-time data needed for production execution. RFID tags with read and write capabilities can modify and reconfigure production steps based on incoming materials and assemblies. For example: BMW requires flexible vehicle assembly in a factory where each vehicle is assembled to a customer's custom order. With different options for colors, engines, interiors and tires, there could be hundreds of variations on the production line. The solution BMW is using is to attach RFID tags programmed to each vehicle's specifications to the skids that carry each vehicle. When the slide moves at each station, the operator or robot will read the information on the tag and assemble the required accessories or perform the required production process based on the data on the RFID tag.

RFID technology is applied to automated automobile production lines

Compared with other types of data collection methods, RFID can create more granular product data information, all the way down to batches, groups or individual items. Northern Fine Foods, a manufacturer of processed meats and cheeses, uses RFID for raw material and product tracking. As raw materials are received from each supplier, operators install RFID tags on pallets or containers of raw materials. The tags are integrated into a data tracking system that indicates which container will be used and when, and alerts when any container is about to expire.

Nowadays, RFID technology has been widely used in various industries, and there are many types of RFID electronic tags. Almost every application of RFID technology will produce a new RFID electronic tag. Its strong appearance plasticity also makes RFID technology Can adapt to more application scenarios. With the continuous innovation of RFID electronic label production technology, after years of technology accumulation and process improvement, professional RFID hardware manufacturers have made the production cost of their RFID electronic labels very low, which means that the application threshold of RFID technology has become very low. and costs are also gradually decreasing. In the future, RFID technology will appear in all walks of life in different ways, changing the world in ways you can't imagine!