One of the questions we’re frequently asked is in which industry section do we have the largest customer base for RFID? The answer is clear, but the reasons why vary. Manufacturing embodies our largest customer base for RFID. Also, it represents the industry in which there still is the most opportunity for development. The use of RFID in the manufacturing industry is vast. There are so many probable applications for RFID in manufacturing. From asset tracking to work-in-process, the opportunities are seemingly endless. Potential applications aren’t the only thing that is seemingly endless when observing RFID in manufacturing. There are several benefits to incorporating this powerful technology into your operations as well.
Top Reasons Use of RFID in the Manufacturing
Here are our top reasons for the use of RFID in the manufacturing industry.
Improve Reliability and Accuracy In Your Supply Chain
A big concern supply chain managers are facing today is the potential for errors. These errors could lead to running out of inventory, missed shipments, product losses, or deliveries ending up at the wrong locations. Manual processes are a general issue as many systems are still operating using handwritten information. Hence it is often leading to errors. Even barcode scanning needs some level of manual interaction. However, with RFID tracking can be automated and updates can be real-time.
Improve Production Line Efficiency
Does a particular part get painted were another part doesn’t? Where does a specific part go next in the manufacturing process? A quick read of the tag – even under a coat of paint. This helps in allowing you to streamline and segment your production processes, freeing up valuable resources to use in other areas. This is another use of RFID in the manufacturing industry.
Tracking Equipment Maintenance
In addition, the potential to quickly read and have important information about critical production equipment readily available for use in the scheduling process is another way to enhance production line efficiency. Thus, using this data to schedule routine maintenance during off-peak times. And keeping equipment available and running during busy periods. Therefore, this supports ensuring parts get out the door on time for your customers.
Increasing Accuracy Of Inventory Management
Using RFID in your inventory management process is a more effective way. To keep you stay on top of what you currently have in stock and what needs to be restocked. Tagging raw materials or even the location of raw materials leads to a more precise approach to inventory control. Thus, it allows for more efficient production planning. Moreover, helps in providing real-time visibility into inventory levels so you easily can monitor and prevent shrinkage.
Carrying out a manual inventory comes with expensive labor costs. And incorporating RFID into your inventory management process is a method to help reduce those expenses.
In addition, implementing RFID technology in inventory management allows for better forecasting of raw materials. This also may direct towards better pricing from suppliers if you can take advantage of larger volume discounts or quantity price breaks. Not to mention eradicating additional shipping costs or even rush charges if you need to expedite an order because of inaccurate inventory.
Maximizing Asset Utilization
Where should we start with this advantage? Depending on what assets you are referring to, i.e. production equipment, this benefit reflects our second benefit. Which is improving Production Line Efficiency. However, that’s one of the important things about manufacturing environments – lots of different applications and lots of assets.
Improve Overall ROI
Perhaps you have considered the use of RFID in the manufacturing industry. However, applications in the past were not able to justify the investment. Because of the increased rate of adoption as well as the increasing number of potential applications available to manufacturers, the obstacles to entry have never been lower. Infrastructure that may have been too expensive in the past has become more commonplace. Therefore, more affordable. In addition, the ability to utilize the infrastructure for multiple RFID applications decreases costs and increases ROI even more.
Also read: The Impact of Emerging Technologies on the Transport System
Conclusion
In summary, incorporating RFID into your manufacturing operations will drive towards increased efficiencies, ultimately saving time and money. With increased visibility into your supply chain data, you’ll be able to create quicker and better business decisions for yourself as well as your customers.
If you are interested in taking an initiative in the manufacturing business and looking for industry experts, then kindly contact us at support@aeologic.com
FAQs
How manufacturing is using RFID?
RFID in manufacturing is assisting processes that demand excellent quality. It may be the solution when you have to use definite materials or strict formulas. RFID tags can monitor WIP and report data at significant production stages. The record may be beneficial in root cause analysis in case of damage or manufacturing flaws.
What are the factors to consider when selecting an RFID tag?
The factors affecting tag type selection are read range requirements, sensor requirement, size, cost, weight, and the type of application. The most unique factors between passive and active tags are read distance, size, and cost.
