Honda Transforms Production With RFID

Honda has deployed an RFID system at its plant in Atessa, Italy, to monitor the traceability of critical components, work-in-process and inventory replenishment. By replacing its paper-based component tracking system with an RFID solution, the motorcycle manufacturer has reduced errors and improved production efficiency. Learn how the new solution was deployed, and how it improves Honda’s ability to quickly order new materials when inventory levels are low.

Speaker:

Angelo Coletta, RFID Project Leader, Parts Supply & Warehouse Manager, Honda Italia

Takeaway:

• How RFID can be utilized to improve parts replenishment and improve production
• How RFID can be used to track parts bins in a noisy manu­-
facturing environment 

The Benefits of RFID in the Steel Industry

ThyssenKrupp Steel, a major German steel producer, and Accenture, the international consulting and outsourcing firm, are leading an initiative to align steel industry players around a common effort to use RFID to help steel makers and customers streamline business processes, harness automation more extensively and reduce costs. Learn where RFID can provide real benefits to the steel industry and how to overcome problems reading tags on metal.

Speaker:

Loïc Feinbier, Head of Competence Center RFID, ThyssenKrupp Steel AG

Takeaway:

• The benefits RFID can deliver to all players in the steel industry
• How to use RFID to track large steel assets
• Insights into the emerging standards for RFID in this industry

RFID Secures Distribution of Hazardous Materials

With the threat of terrorism and rising energy prices, securing potentially dangerous products has become a priority for many companies. Emco Wheaton, a U.K.-based manufacturer of petroleum tank truck equipment, has introduced an RFID security solution for liquid petroleum and fuel oil road tankers that also facilitates real-time tracking from terminal to delivery point. Hear how RFID can be employed to track, monitor and secure high-value cargo and hazardous materials.

Speaker:

Christopher Greenslade, Engineering Manager, Emco Wheaton SBU

Takeaway:

• Best practices for using RFID to secure delivery of liquid petroleum, fuel oil, and other hazardous materials
• How a system that provides immediate event alerts and monitoring of tank truck openings can be installed on existing road tankers and equipment

Using RFID to Create a Safer Workplace

Preventing workplace injuries and minimizing health hazards are top priorities for construction companies. U.K. construction firm Carillion is using RFID to gauge the safety of employees at risk for overexposure to heavily vibrating equipment. Researchers at Lancaster University are halfway through a four-year pilot that examines both the technical and psychological aspects of tracking an individual’s exposure to vibration. Hear the results of this groundbreaking study.

Speaker:

Dr. Gerd Kortuem, Senior Lecturer, Computing Department and Program Director, MSc on E-Business and Innovation, Lancaster University, Computing Department, Infolab 21

Takeaway:

• The benefits of using RFID with built-in sensors to measure vibration in tools, as well as how long each tool is in use
• How to make employees on the job site aware of workplace risk so they can make informed decisions.

Glass Manufacturer Uses RFID to Automate Shipments

AGC Flat Glass Europe, a maker of coated, laminated, and patterned glass, has introduced RFID on a packing line, enabling it to work in an almost fully automated environment. The system has increased worker safety, eliminating waiting times for trucks, and assured the complete traceability of glass entering or leaving the packing area. Learn how the system was designed and installed, and how it is delivering a return on investment today.

Speaker:

Eric Deneye, IT Program Leader, AGC Flat Glass Europe

Takeaway:

• The benefits of using RFID to automate shipping
• How to employ RFID to build a cost-effective infrastructure for gathering item-level data

RFID Keeps Manufacturing Material Moving

Finnish log house manufacturer Honkarakenne has deployed an RFID system to track individual logs and ensure they get to the right place at the right time. The company applies more than 2,000 EPC Gen 2 ultra-high frequency tags each day to logs after they are cut. The tags communicate instructions to readers along the production line, which activate automated equipment as necessary. Learn how applying RFID tags to production material allows manufacturers of all types to increase speed and efficiency.

Speaker:

Reijo Virtanen, Vice President of Production, Honkarakenne Oyj