RFID and RTLS Real Time Location System Tracking in High Tech Manufacturing

Production Process

Accurate tracking is critical during production, where the right type of RFID inlays and tags must be selected to ensure that fabrication is as safe and efficient as possible. Proper RFID systems promote the following benefits:

•  High-Speed & Accurate 

Inventory and asset count are made possible through special RFID chambers, portals and innovative designed zone-based equipment.

•  Durability in harsh environments

These tags can be customized to boost durability for even the most challenging manufacturing processes. This makes RFID labels a wise investment for harsh production environments, in which alternative tracking solutions might succumb more quickly to wear and tear. High-temperature RFID tags, for example, can withstand extreme heat during production.

•  Store large amounts of data

Many types of these tags boast exceptionally high data capacities. As such, they can be called on to handle large volumes of important information. This ability will prove even more valuable as the Internet of Things (IoT) is increasingly utilized throughout the manufacturing sector.

•  Monitor operations, equipment, and materials with real-time visibility

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing world, every possible source of efficiency improvements must be used to its full extent. Significant streamlining is possible when real-time visibility is provided — and that is exactly what RFID tags enable. These tools make it easier to observe the flow of materials and the status of essential equipment. Problems can be detected and addressed far sooner than would otherwise be possible, thereby limiting the potential for downtime or other interruptions to workflow.

• Quality control

The fast pace of modern production sometimes prompts issues with quality control; inspections may not be sufficiently thorough or the data they produce might not be captured or retained. RFID addresses this problem by improving traceability and business intelligence. Under an RFID-oriented system, quality control patterns are easier to pinpoint and analyze.

Supply Chain Operations & Inventory Management

Beyond production, this technology can play a vital role in promoting an efficient supply chain and effectively managing inventory. The following are a few of the many applications RFID holds in supply chain operations: 

•  Accurate rtls asset tracking system

Without accurate real-time tracking for mobile assets (such as forklifts), it’s easy for essential equipment to be lost or damaged — and for these problems to not be addressed until they’ve caused major economic damage. RFID resolves this problem when strategically integrated within a high-functioning asset tracking system. This robust, time-saving solution reduces the need for time-sensitive, error-heavy manual processes while providing a steady stream of real-time insights. As a result, manufacturers are less likely to invest in unnecessary assets or neglect critical ones.

• Accurate material and shipping information

RFID systems can expedite shipping processes, thereby improving the likelihood that inventory is sent out and received on time. The accurate information these systems collect and convey can be used to reduce bottlenecks — or quickly address them, should they occur.

• Provide data security

Data integrity represents a chief benefit of modern RFID systems. This strength is made possible, in part, by the ability to operate without a consistently direct line of sight. What’s more, should any attempts to remove tagged items occur, instant alerts can ensure that these potential problems are addressed as soon as possible?

• Reduce resource waste

 As mentioned previously, these systems can be used to address the ongoing issues of unnecessary asset and inventory purchases in the manufacturing sector. Excessive inventory can lead to multiple types of waste, including extra space, utilities, overproduction, and unaddressed defects. All these issues can be addressed once manufacturers enjoy access to real-time data. Not only does this lead to significant cost savings, but it can also help manufacturers reduce their carbon footprint and operate in a more eco-conscious manner.

Cost Savings

Manufacturing operations are sometimes sceptical about RFID due to the seemingly high cost of implementation. however This concern is often overblown, Yes, there is an upfront cost associated with RFID; tags cost more than barcodes and need to be implemented with care to ensure they are used properly. Following this initial investment, however, manufacturers quickly see major cost savings in several areas. Examples include:

• Significant reductions in inventory shrinkage due to improved tracking accuracy and better organization.
• Reduced labour costs as traditionally manual processes (such as inventory counts) are automated.
• Easier modification of tag data in a dynamic environment, reducing bottlenecks or downtime if circumstances suddenly change.
• Asset optimization, reducing the likelihood of double purchasing expensive equipment.
• Quick and sustainable Manpower to scale up operational volumes

How to Truly Benefit from RFID & RTLS Solutions

Based on Intellistride’s years of experience, this technology holds a lot of potentials, but this cannot be fully realized unless RFID solutions are selected and implemented strategically. Unfortunately, many businesses have struggled to properly enact RFID systems, leading to unacceptable waste that makes it difficult to achieve the desired return on investment.

A common misconception? That advanced technology alone will deliver desired results. In reality, the integration of technology within a specific environment matters even more than the specific technical solutions themselves.

This is evident based on findings presented in the many High-Tech companies that Intellistride has consulted and implemented solutions, which reveals that the RFID and IoT solutions of tomorrow will become even more cost-effective as they are deployed across the entire supply chain, rather than used sparingly in specific situations.

Additionally, insights into the value of RFID and IoT are better captured when connectivity and mobile solutions are emphasized, rather than relying on static technology. With these adoptions, clients experience multi-fold benefits:

• In Reduced incidents of meeting demand or stock situations.
• More accurate just-in-time and avoidance of unnecessary manual orders.
• Streamlined warehouse receiving processes.
• Eliminate human errors in receiving, detracting, put-away, auditing and overall processes.

Intellistride Technologies: improved business operational performance in the High-Tech Manufacturing Sector

Coming out of the pandemic provides strong learning to be agile in production strategies and the fast-paced manufacturing sector. Our targeted solutions are capable of meeting a wide array of enterprise objectives. With Kathrein’s 103 years of Radio Frequency pioneering experience and Intellistride’s decades of IoT solutions, we optimized solutions with cost-effective investments into long-term sustainable solutions.

Our depth of knowledge can be observed throughout the entire process, ranging from discovery and proof-of-concept to deployment and beyond. We take the guesswork out of RFID and IoT implementations to ensure that all our manufacturing clients reach their desired ROI. Speak to us today to discover how your enterprise can digitalize and transform its business operations in the shortest possible time. We take measured steps to give you clarity and visibility in the whole process to ensure everyone is on board and to make it a success.