RFID process integration is at the core of smart factories and spans multiple industries. These industries are leading the way by making process improvements for Industry 4.0. Following their lead, other industry players can hugely benefit from the advantages of RFID.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) has been around for years, but it’s far-reaching benefits are now enabling Industry 4.0 implementation in the supply chain.
You have probably already encountered RFID in everyday life without even realizing. It is, for example, enabling contactless payment by card and phone. It’s also used for marketing purposes to build brand awareness, engage customers and enable brands to gather specific user data. In the supply chain process, RFID labels are integrated as a way to reduce manual labor significantly and to increase the speed of production.
ALT Technologies has over 50 years of experience in the self-adhesive production field, providing solutions in various industries such as Automotive and Home Appliances. We are also well versed in the various requirements and standards to which RFID applications must comply.
An RFID tag in its most basic form, consists of two components – an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals, and an RFID chip which stores information.
RFID tags can be integrated in labels that are made to withstand particular environments, while at the same time allowing a second verification option using text or barcode. After encoding and thermotransfer printing, which can be done at the same time and with the same printer, the labels are affixed to parts in order to track them throughout the supply chain and in the aftermarket.
RFID tags transmit data through a reader via radio waves. RFID gates and handheld readers enable quick and flexible reading of RFID labels while at the same time communicating with the company’s database or ERP system. Large quantities of parts can be read by a simple wave of your arm, and documented within milliseconds using RFID.
Due to the fast processing of data, RFID technology is becoming more popular as a way to quickly move parts through the supply chain, as well as reducing manual labor. Data from large batches of these labels can be instantly yet accurately captured which reduces errors, therefore increasing cost-effectiveness and simplifying processes.
The introduction of RFID can be seen across many industries and their unique supply chains. However, the Automotive Industry is leading the way by implementing RFID as a leap to Industry 4.0 and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) and catering to enhanced safety and efficiency in the car manufacturing process. We are well versed in these developments through working with the Automotive Industry on RFID solutions.
Increased Efficiency
RFID gates or handheld readers reduce manual labor, which increases the speed of production and keeps items easily trackable throughout the supply chain.
These vast efficiency gains make major improvements to every step of the supply chain, from incoming goods through to the warehouse and in the production line. RFID eliminates the necessity of being in line-of-sight with each separate item barcode.
Enhanced Accuracy of Inventory Tracking
The scanning process reduces the mistakes made when tracking inventory manually with the barcode. For example, when someone does several identification checks on one component.
This optimized manufacturing control also ensures that there is a “digital twin” stored in the database. A digital twin is a virtual copy of physical assets or products that collect real-time data from the installed RFID sensors.
Prevent Counterfeit
RFID technology can be used to prevent counterfeit in the aftermarket. In this case, the RFID holds the product’s EPC (Electronic Product Code) to ensure product authenticity, so products can be uniquely identified with these serial numbers. This can also be automated: smart electronics in end products can recognize parts as being original, and therefore only function with original spare parts or refills. This ensures customer safety and satisfaction and increases aftersales for the OEM.
Working with ALT on RFID labels means customized, long-term RFID label and full process integration solutions. Our extensive range of expert partners means we can draw from multiple resources to bring you the highest-standard solutions that suit your needs. We are able to translate the requirements into customer-centric engineered products that fulfill all specifications.
Our knowledge in RFID requirements caters to solutions for challenging environments, including glass surfaces, electronics, near-liquid and on-metal applications, as well as RFIDs that need protection during in-molding processes. Developing solutions for difficult-to-adhere-to surfaces and demanding application conditions which fulfill all required specifications, lies at the heart of our business. ALT helps find the right RFID label solutions for successful RFID process integration, no matter what the industry is.
The ALT team provides customized solutions, using:
● IATF standards and APQP project management;
● Innovative R&D;
● Long-term converting and material experience;
● Customer-specific engineering;
● Cost effective and hassle-free solutions;
● Just In Time (JIT) delivery;
● Our global footprint; we are geographically close to our customers.
RFID labels provide end-to-end inventory and item tracking solutions for increased accuracy, visibility, and efficiency. ALT Technologies continues to meet these demands and all other customer requirements for an innovative and efficient future. If you would like more information on RFID process integration, our RFID label converting solutions or customer specific engineering process, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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