RFID Solutions
RF Pathways™ RFID Applications
When asking where would RFID work for me, basically the answer is anywhere there is a need to track the movement of goods or items. RFID technology eliminates the common need of line of site and the physical scan and interpretation of a barcode. Barcodes are still widely used in most WMS applications but with RFID there is the opportunity for better and faster data capture.
RF PATHWAYS WMS MARKETS SERVED
- Supply Chain, Logistics and Distribution – tracing material attributes such as lot, expiry, serial numbers.
- Third Party Warehousing and Distribution- stock replenishment.
- Transportation – real time tracking of inbound and outbound containers, pallets, cases.
- Mining and Metals – Supply chain automation and maintenance inventory worldwide visibility in real time.
- Manufacturing – process control from multiple production work areas to finished goods storage and distribution.
- Medical and Pharma Distribution– manufacturer, lot, batch, expiry.
- Automotive Parts Manufacturing – production, asset control, storage, inventory worldwide visibility.
- Electronics – serial number controls, manufacturing data, circuit card tracking for MRO
RFID APPLICATIONS WITH RF PATHWAYS WMS
- Lot Number Tracking
- Serial Number Tracking
- Shipment/Load Confirmation
- Tote/Pallet Licence Plates
- Pick to Tote
- Advance Ship Notice (ASN) Receiving
- Stock Rotation FIFO FEFO LIFO
- Tool/Asset/Drill Bit Tracking
- Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)
- Worldwide Inventory Visibility in Real Time
RFID Tags
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags or transponders are small devices that utilize low-power radio waves to receive, store, and transmit data to nearby readers. RFID tags are comprised of the following main components: a microchip or integrated circuit (IC), an antenna, and a substrate or protective material layer that holds all the components together.
There are three basic types of RFID tags: passive, active, and semi-passive or battery-assisted passive (BAP). Passive RFID tags do not have an internal power source, rather, they are powered by the electromagnetic energy transmitted from an RFID reader. Active RFID tags have their own transmitter and power source on-board the tag. Semi-passive or battery-assisted passive (BAP) tags are comprised of a power source incorporated into a passive tag configuration. Additionally, RFID tags operate in three frequency ranges: Ultra-High Frequency (UHF), High Frequency (HF), and Low Frequency (LF).
RFID tags can be affixed to a variety of surfaces and are widely available in various sizes and designs. RFID tags also come in a wide array of form factors including but not limited to wet inlays, dry inlays, labels, wristbands, hard tags, cards, stickers, and fobs. RFID tags are suitable for many different environments and applications the logistics supply chain and warehousing. Serial Number tracking, Lot number tracking, load verification, EDI, Pallet license plate, ASN receiving, stock rotation, tool tracking, and IT asset tracking. RFID tags are visible inside cardboard boxes and specific tags can be easily located by the portable scanner over a substantial area.
When using Zebra Portable RFID Readers (Terminals) with Bar Code Scanners always use the following Tag Specification – EPC Global UHF Class 1 Gen 2 Frequency 860-960 Mhz.
Metal-Mount RFID Tags
When you are mounting RFID tags on metal surfaces, you should be aware that if you use non-metal mount RFID tags, your system will not function as desired as the metal will detune any passive RFID tag that is not designed to be placed on metal. Using tags that are specifically calibrated to the materials you need to track makes reading, tracking, and inventorying them easier and provides for greater read range. Metal mount RFID tags are typically rugged, difficult to damage, and easy to weld, screw or otherwise attach. Zebra supply their Silverline metal Tags. Ask us for some samples.
RFID Printing
Zebra have RFID ready printers with Thermal Transfer Labels with RFID chips and antennae built in. This functionality allows programming the required serial number inside the chip at the same time the paper label is printed. Think of the possibilities. In addition, Zebra also have small portable RFID ready printers that can be attached to an operator’s belt.
