RFID is quickly gaining ground as a leading method for automatic identification in logistics and manufacturing around the globe. As a world leader in manufacturing sensors, safety systems and automatic identification products, SICK Automation is the obvious choice for this technology. RFID has been used for years for everyday activities from entry to your workplace, to tracking goods in distribution and manufacturing environments.

Historic technologies

Only a few years ago RFID was considered an expensive alternative to laser-and-camera-based data capture technologies. The cost and risk of implementation outweighed the benefits for most users. Today, the situation has changed considerably with more retailers are recognising the benefits. The tagging of individual items, pallets and cases add a new layer of dynamic information that travels and changes with an item as it’s moved through the chain. The cost of RFID tags has dropped dramatically while the performance and reliability of the systems has improved sustainability.

Trending

Current trends show a dramatic increase in the use of RFID. It’s used in receiving and shipping applications to verify goods, and it accommodates a much broader product mix including garments and apparel. Using this technology enables retailers to improve the efficiency of receiving and shipping processes, increase order accuracy, achieve real-time visibility, and monitor product availability more closely. For retailers, the boost in visibility is crucial for creating enhanced customer experiences and for competitive advantage in the omni-channel environment. In addition to improving customer satisfaction it’s also a necessary tool for predicting process state to enable more predictive analysis of operational effectiveness. 

Challenges

Adoption is widespread, but challenges exist as users make the transition. This is where SICK comes in – completely configuring the system to suit individual applications. Tag filtering can be configured so only the right data from the right item is captured. Systems can be easily integrated including software and parameterisation and hybrid solutions combine the best of bar coding and RFID. It’s useful to know where a tagged item is between points A and B, and SICK’s RFID technology easily addresses product mix and seasonality.

 RFID systems customised by SICK

 With an RFID based tunnel system at your receiving areas you’ll always know where the goods are. This system reads the RFID tags continuously and fully automatically – even for objects that are close together on the conveying line. Gain visibility into cartons and verify content and quantity without having to break down any packaging. Since shipment verification is critical to ensuring customer satisfaction, make sure that your customer receives exactly what was ordered using an RFID tunnel system. This system ensures that those goods that were ordered are delivered to minimise expensive returns.

Compact RFID read/write devices optimised for logistics feature an integrated antenna and a definable reading field. This ensures RFID tags can be assigned correctly even when objects follow one another in quick succession.

Intelligent identification

Radio-based RFID technologies supplement SICK’s industrial automation portfolio. In applications where process-relevant data is modified remotely, RFID makes it possible to store data on writable and rewritable media. RFID provides reliable identification of all objects – despite dirt and everyday wear.