Industrial automation spares supplier European Automation has created a handy bitesize guide for using radio frequency identification (RFID) in a manufacturing environment. The infographic is available for download HERE.
More robust than barcodes and with a longer range, RFID tags have been underutilised in the manufacturing world so far. However, as companies begin to see the practical benefits of the technology, RFID implementation has increased.
Automotive manufacturers have been successfully experimenting with RFID for tracking newly manufactured vehicles through outbound preparation and shipping at multiple global factories. This saves the driver having to get out of the vehicle to get paperwork stamped.
European Automation's infographic contains 10 simple tips - or jump off points - for companies wanting to implement RFID technology in a manufacturing environment. These include types of tag, suggested uses and issues to be aware of.
"RFID technology has actually been around since the Second World War," explains Darren Halford, director at European Automation. "People may not know it, but most of us use the technology every day, whether it's in our smart phones, car keys, passports or automatic toll booths.
"Retailers tend to use RFID tags for security reasons - to detect when an item is taken out of the store without payment. Their versatility has meant the manufacturing industry has started to implement them too.
"RFID helps logistic chains achieve perfect timing and guarantees items aren’t forgotten in shipping docks or warehouses for days on end. The technology can also be used to keep electrical records for those industries where products require constant validation."