Visit the National Instruments web site

RFID handhelds speed up offline data collection

A Balluff product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 21, 2009

Being able to read and write data to RFID tags using handheld programming helps to easily and reliably manage data, and in some cases increases the visibility and effectiveness of the process.

This is especially true for manual rework stations or at manual delivery and inventory collection points, such as shipping/receiving or stocking areas.

The availability and access to the process data at these points can also lead to significant reductions in manufacturing and processing errors.

Advantages include: easy access with simple transmission of RFID tag data; increased visibility of data at manual access points; significant error reduction in manual processes; simple RFID reader interface and battery operation; wireless access and data transmission to networks; and the combination of RFID with barcode-reading capability.

The RFID handheld allows an operator to easily and reliably access and change data on an RFID tag in an offline rework station for palletised manufacturing.

The handheld is used to access the parts' manufacturing data, such as part identification, assembly progress and testing results.

This eliminates the need for paper records and therefore error-prone, paper-based part or rework information.

Handhelds also allow operators to write rework data to the tag to maintain maximum visibility throughout the process.

For closed-loop logistics stations, by using an RFID-enabled handheld unit, logistics data written to an RFID tag on totes or skids can be easily accessed or modified.

Data such as identification of contents, destinations for processing or storage and retrieval location data, is readily available.

These handhelds also support barcode readers and wireless WAN or Bluetooth options in order to write or retrieve data from network servers.

This provides maximum, real-time visibility for any closed-loop logistics system.

An RFID-enabled handheld unit simplifies assessing, tracking and identification.

The RFID asset tags can be used to track mobile assets, such as quality apparatus, welding guns and hand tools.

These assets can be 'tagged' temporarily or permanently and the data on the RFID tag can be used to identify and track the whereabouts of the assets anywhere in the facility.

This data can then be immediately transferred to a database to maintain maximum visibility of these assets, improving operational efficiency and record keeping.

Not what you're looking for? Search the site.

Back to top Back to top

Google Ads

 

Contact Balluff

Related Stories

Contact Balluff
Newsletter sign up

Request your free weekly copy of the Engineeringtalk email newsletter ...

Visit the National Instruments web site

Browse by category

All suppliers A - Z

A Pro-talk Publication

A Pro-talk publication