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Auto-ID technology, which acquires identifying information through the use of RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tags., RFID, Integrated Technologies, Solutions
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RFID
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Among the Auto-ID (automatic identification) technologies that automatically acquire the identifying data of objects and persons, the use of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags is becoming increasingly common.
RFID technology is based on the ability to store and remotely access data using electronic devices (called tags or transponders) that are able to respond by communicating the information they contain when “interrogated”.
The availability of a system for managing RFID technology is another possibility for improving the precise control of the supplychain, by making the information contained in the RFID tags applied to products, boxes, pallets or containers usable in real-time.
For this reason, the architecture of StockSystem®Evolution, Replica Sistemi's WMS, has been enhanced with specific modules that manage and control a wide range of devices for reading and writing RFID tags.
The two main RFID technologies used in SupplyChain management are HF (High Frequency, 13.56 MHz) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency, 866-917 MHz).
HF
RFID tags using HF technology are generally used for proximity applications or, in any case, when the distance and population of tags are not excessive (a maximum of 10-15 cm). It has the advantages that it costs less than UHF, can be applied to a label and is not constrained by the materials to which the tag is applied.
It is indicated for tracking single units or packages.
UHF
UHF-technology RFID tags are generally used when operating distances are great. The liberalization of UHF frequencies with 2W of power means reaching distances of more than 3 meters in open air. However, it has the disadvantage that some materials can absorb the waves, thus altering the reading and writing conditions.
It is recommended for identifying handling units (such as pallets,crates, etc.).
In particular, StockSystem® Evolution has two main components for managing the total interaction with RFID readers and tags: The Production RFID module and the Shipping RFID module.
In the Production RFID module, the software uses an adequately positioned antenna to receive information read from the RFID tags of the single items (tracked with HF technology), the packages that contain them (tracked with HF or UHF) and the beds on which the packages are sitting (tracked with UHF) and it can also write the relative data, for example, the production batch or the production order number.
The data is saved in the database in a table available for consulting and processing.
The Production RFID module is then integrated with the Shipping RFID module that manages picking and order preparation.
For picking, stocking and bed movements, forklift trucks are equipped with an RFID on the forks that can read the data in the tags applied to the beds. The antenna, in turn, is connected with the radio terminals over a TCP/IP network.
During picking,the radio terminal sends the picking command generated by StockSystem® Evolution. The packages indicated pass before the RFID detection antenna in the established number. In this way, the system perfectly identifies and tracks which packages and itemspicked are linked to a determined shipping order.
In the context of RFID projects, it is possible to configure the events to be managed and the management rules, also establishing data filters linked to the events.
The system is also able to perform checks and managed exceptions and alarms.
In implementing projects based on RFID technology, Replica Sistemi collaborates with several of the main partnersin the sector who specialize in the supply of extremely high-performance RFID devices that meet the highest standards of the market and provide good performance for the price.
RFID hardware
Replica Sistemi offers active and passive RFID systems integrated with the software applications it has developed for easily managing and controlling a wide range of devices for reading and writing RFID tags (fixed and vehicle-mounted computers, hand-held computers, printers, tags and labels).
Using the hardware devices described above, StockSystem® Evolution intercepts the signals to locate and identify the merchandise, products and/or goods to transport provided with special electronic labels. These smartor intelligent labels allow the automatictracking & tracing of merchandise/goods through the entire supplychain.
RFID Tags (or Transponders)
Depending on the field of application, RFID tags can have different shapes, sizes and consistencies, based on the required use, and be of the following types:
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active: with an internal battery and, thus, capable of automatically transmitting a signal. This type is used in situations that require the ability to read/write at distances of several meters;
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passive: more economical and, thus, without a battery, they contain only a microchip, antenna and condenser that, stimulated by a magnetic field, allow the transmission and reception of data at close distances.
Readers
Readers can be fixed, handled or mounted on vehicles:
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Fixed readers: these can be installed on doors near loading and unloading bays or on high-speed conveyor belts, to read tags on palletsor large boxes. The identification is made by filtering the data and checking the peripherals for precise and effective supply-chain management.
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Hand-held readers: these allow users to bring the technology to the point of work, exactly where they are needed. They are the ideal, economical choice in cases where it is more practical to bring the read/write device to the object with a tag rather than move the objects near a fixed reader.
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Vehicle-mounted readers: these provide the maximum mobility in managing the supplychain without having to modify standard procedures. Instead of moving the material to perform the read, it is possible to read the tag while it is being transported to the loading bay, in the warehouse or on the truck.
RFID label printers
An RFID tag containing a microchip and relative antenna can be placed on an adhesive label.
The quantity of data that can be stored, and its relative allocation in memory, depend on the microchip used. Each microchip (and, thus, each label) contains a UID (Unique Identifier) that was programmed at the time of the production of the chip.
With the help of its qualified partners,Replica Sistemi has a wide range of devices able to print, code and check RFID labels accurately and simply.
RFID printers are easily integrated with Replica Sistemi's softwareapplications to manage warehouse logistics, guaranteeing that all articles are labeled and tracked via RFID and providing fast and precise data collection.
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