Automotive Auto-ID Applications
AutoID Solutions
By applying an RFID tag to the vehicle chassis and installing RFID readers along an assembly line, vehicles are tracked through all production steps.
Warehousing and Automation in the Supply Chain
In material management, Chinese companies and service providers also have to be measured by the “six Rs” of logistics: the right product, quality, amount, place, time and cost. However, the trend in this sector towards greater automation and increasing logistics performance only started around ten years ago. One reason for this delayed development could be the handling of hazardous substances and the special safety requirements and technology associated with it.
The precise inventory overview and localization of items enables improved production planning. Excess and reserve inventories are reduced and inventory management is managed using an e-Kanban system. Another benefit is that if the RFID tag remains in a product or in a component installed in the vehicle for its entire lifetime, the tag can be used by both suppliers and OEMs. The ability to accurately manage inventory is extended to the entire automotive value chain.
Intralogistics with RFID and RTLS
By tagging production components as well as load carriers with RFID tags, the unique IDs of both items are digitally "married". Items and load carriers are accurately tracked. The status of the load carriers is displayed in a software application as "free", "reserved", "defective" or "in maintenance". An accurate location overview of the containers as well as their contents is generated.
Defective containers are digitally recorded and a quick repair is made possible. The timely supply and transport of necessary components and intermediate products to designated production sites within an automotive factory is ensured. By means of the K-RTLS system, the load carriers in the factory can be tracked down to the square meter. Material flow control is optimized.
IoT Solutions Networked with CrossTalk Software
In addition to the RFID hardware, Kathrein Solutions offers the corresponding software. CrossTalk provides the data for the visualization, which takes place in the leading system. The tagged items are tracked in the software application and can be located effectively and in real time.
Traffic and material flows within production are managed more efficiently. Data processing of mobile or wired data from RFID systems, automated production, RTLS systems, GPS and barcode are guaranteed. The IoT suite is compatible with devices and systems from various manufacturers and enables operation with several thousand devices.