Radio frequency identification (RFID) allows data to be written and retrieved from tags using radio signals. Tags are typically used to store a unique serial or identification number for a product or an asset. RFID is used in environments and applications where they provide a significant advantage over bar codes. As opposed to bar coding, RFID allows multiple tag readings at once, and each tag can hold specific unit information. These added benefits increase output while allowing you to cut costs through automation.

Piloting, integrating, and implementing RFID represents a substantial challenge to organizations today. In addition to dealing with the basic issues associated with learning and acquiring a new technology, divergent compliance requirements and evolving standards are forcing organizations to spend more time gazing into the RFID crystal ball than solving the real world problems that RFID is intended to address: Increased productivity, traceability, security and so on.

Genesta provides expert and proven RFID assessment, design, development, and installation services to allow for seemless RFID Inventory Tracking. A Genesta site assessment will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of potential use cases along with associated physical infrastructure and hardware design requirements. From this design phase, Genesta provides design and deployment services to ensure that functional requirements translate into reliable operational systems.

Genesta offers a configurable RFID Client with customizable host side code. The RFID Client can operate locally or remote via an http session. Based on the VXML 2.1 standard, the Genesta RFID Client can manage complex behavior on several 3rd party RFID readers. Events based on presence detection, turning on lights, forward data all occur real-time regardless of the network design. Combined with a customizable .NET project, end users and partners can directly integrate RFID tag data and related controller events directly into databases or files.

Key benefits of this architectural approach are:

• Scales to thousands of deployed RFID Readers / Controllers
• Provides a reliable and proven connectionless model for deployment over various WLAN / WAN / LAN / WiFi communications networks
• Performs sub-second processing capabilities at the reader that is extensible via simple scripting
• Integrates easily with other web-based applications
• Operates on several 3rd party RFID hardware platforms (Intermec, Impinj, Motorola)
• Allows for direct integration to existing databases and management systems

If you are looking for help understanding or implementing an RFID base solution, simply request a free consultation to get started.

RFID Case Study

Industry: Automotive

Background: An automotive company was looking to increase efficiency throughout their engine production process. This company tracked engines circulating in their facility on an overhead conveyor system using bar codes. The bar code system was tied to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) from Allen Bradley that controlled the conveyor. The data from the bar code was used to trigger diverters that routed the engine through the plant. Unfortunately, bar codes get dirty in an automotive facility. Buildup of oil, grease, and dirt reduced the reliability of bar code reads. Maintenance workers had to regularly clean the bar codes to keep the system operational. Missed bar code reads resulted in incorrect routing of engines, which left employees waiting for work and caused delays in shipping engines to their assembly plants.

Goals: Increase Routing Accuracy and Reduce Shipping Delays

Solution: Genesta replaced the bar code readers with smart RFID readers. The readers were equipped with software that made them look like bar code readers to the PLC, eliminating the need to change the PLC software. The supplied RFID tags and readers allowed data to be read and written to the tag. The write capability allowed engine specific data to be married to the engine when loaded on the conveyor.

Some readers in the plant were equipped with additional software that provided the capability to interface with PLCs controlling assembly and paint operations. Data fed to these PLCs automated these processes. The software on the readers was flexible, allowing for the addition of new readers to be used to automate additional assembly steps. New readers continue to be added today.

Value Delivered: Genesta's solution increased efficiency from a 75% read rate to 90%. This improved tracking efficiency lead to fewer errors down the production line. RFID not only allowed for immediate improvement in engine tracking, but also opened the door for other improvements in the operation, including automation.