|

How RFID Technology is Expanding Manufacturers Traceability Capabilities

September 13, 2023

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology has been making great strides in expanding the capabilities that manufacturers have in Traceability. Due to its industry-proven, robust, short, and long-range design to identify, track, and trace products and carriers, RFID offers solutions beyond optical barcode reading. It can also be easily integrated into automation platforms using standard Network protocols like EtherNet/IP.

By providing a Traceability resource for manufacturers in industries such as automotive, electronics, food & commodities, and more, it enables real time quality control data, ensures optimal production, and prevents potential costs of recalls.

Let’s look at the different RFID solutions that are helping manufacturers expand their Traceability capabilities.

No more worrying about not being able to read barcodes on the dirty, smoky factory floor.

RFID technology excels in challenging work environments such as smoky, dirty factory floors. Optical barcodes are often too difficult to trace in these conditions leading to a loss of quality control data and increasing the potential costs of recalls. Omron’s RFID writer readers have powerful antennas that are built-in allowing an extended range and ensuring that a product’s data can be read regardless of the work environment or visibility conditions. The V680 and V780 series RFID products offer short and long-range methods to read the identity of a product, write quality inspection data, and trace it throughout the entire manufacturing process.

Real time quality control data reduces risk for product recalls.

There is often trouble determining if products’ Traceability identification numbers are being read properly. If these numbers cannot be identified, then the quality control data cannot be recorded in real time, or, if the data is missed entirely, it may lead to potential product recalls. With RFID systems, manufacturers never have to miss a read status indication again! With highly visible indicators, operators are given reassurance that the system is recording essential data in real time.

Easily able to transfer factory floor data straight into QA databases.

It is often a struggle for manufacturers to get the quality data from the individual products on the factory floor into their databases and cloud storage. However, Omron RFID systems are easy to integrate with existing or new manufacturing lines. Multiple Network communication options give manufacturers access to factory floor data that may be transferred through a machine automation controller into their quality control databases.

Taking out the guesswork in RFID system and tag compatibility.

It is usually difficult to guarantee that a RFID system will work with a particular RFID tag. When incompatibility exists, loss of Traceability data may result. Some industries, like Automotive, Oil & Gas, and Mining use specialized tags that are often purchased from different vendors than the writer reader. In those cases, is it difficult to guarantee that a RFID system will work with a particular RFID tag due to data formats managed by each.

The RFID industry standards ensure that the frequencies and data formats between the writer readers and tags align. By using compliant RFID systems like the Omron V680 (ISO/IEC 18000-3 (15693)) and V780 (ISO/IEC 18000-63: 2013) series, manufacturers can rest easy knowing that they will be compatible with RFID tags that are compliant with the same set of standards.

Makes programming easily accessible.

Do you have trouble maintaining your software for your systems due to expiring operating systems, firewalls, antivirus software issues, or incompatibility with other automation software? Well, you’re not alone. Most programmers find it difficult to program their RFID systems due to various issues.

The latest RFID writer readers from Omron allow any Microsoft Windows-based computer with a RJ45 EtherNet Port and a web browser to program the RFID writer readers. This makes it easily accessible for manufacturers to integrate this technology.

Important_Links_Bar.jpg

More Information

Related Articles

Network Infrastructure Featured Product Spotlight

PBUS 14 Panduit logo 400

This webinar presented by Beth Lessard and Keith Cordero will be highlighting three Panduit solutions that will optimize network equipment and cabling to ensure that your spaces are efficiently and properly managed to support ever-evolving business needs of today and beyond. Products that will be featured include PanZone TrueEdge Wall Mount Enclsoure, Cable Managers, and Adjustable Depth 4-Post Rack.

REGISTER HERE


Editor’s Pick: Featured Product News

Siemens: SIMOVAC Non-Arc-Resistant and SIMOVAC-AR Arc-Resistant Motor Controllers

The Siemens SIMOVAC medium-voltage non-arc-resistant and SIMOVAC-AR arc-resistant controllers have a modular design incorporating up to two 12SVC400 (400 A) controllers, housed in a freestanding sheet steel enclosure. Each controller is UL 347 class E2, equipped with three current-limiting fuses, a non-load-break isolating switch, and a fixed-mounted vacuum contactor (plug-in type optional for 12SVC400). The enclosure is designed for front access, allowing the equipment to be located with the rear of the equipment close to a non-combustible wall.

Read More


Sponsored Content
Electrify Your Enterprise

Power is vital to production, and well-designed control cabinets are key. Allied Electronics & Automation offers a comprehensive collection of control cabinet solutions including PLCs, HMIs, contactors, miniature circuit breakers, terminal block connectors, DIN-rail power supplies, pushbutton switches, motor starters, overloads, power relays, industrial Ethernet switches and AC drives engineered to keep your operations running safely, reliably and efficiently.

Learn more HERE.


Products for Panel Builders

  • AutomationDirect: Endress+Hauser Intrinsically Safe Analog Input Isolators

    AutomationDirect: Endress+Hauser Intrinsically Safe Analog Input Isolators

    AutomationDirect has added Endress+Hauser intrinsically safe analog input isolators to provide cost-effective galvanic isolation for process instruments located in hazardous locations. This ensures that only a safe amount of energy resides in a potentially explosive atmosphere. Endress+Hauser RN22 0/4 to 20 mA input isolators are offered in 1-channel, 2-channel, or signal doubler options. They feature… Read More…

  • AutomationDirect: Wera Multi-Bit Driver & Hex Keys

    AutomationDirect: Wera Multi-Bit Driver & Hex Keys

    AutomationDirect has added more top-of-the-line Wera tool options to their continuously growing Tool and Test Equipment lineup. New tool sets include maintenance sets, a Joker self-setting/self-adjusting wrench set, a Tool-Check PLUS socket/driver bit set, and Kraftform Kompakt multi-bit screwdriver sets. Screwdriver additions include Kraftform Micro precision screwdriver sets, Kraftform Kompakt multi-bit screwdriver sets and multi-bit… Read More…