Automating Asset Management, Orders With RFID

Three years after deploying passive 125 kHz RFID tags to track its tool usage, the Byrne Group, a U.K. concrete substructure construction firm, has expanded its use of the system to identify users of its 16,000 assets—including tools, excavators, trailers and other heavy equipment, as well as consumables, such as gloves and boots—across its numerous construction projects. The company is also using the technology to manage the online ordering of those assets. In this session, hear how the firm, which is employing 125 kHz RFID to expedite shipments of equipment and supplies to its workers, as well as to track usage, expects to recoup its investment by 2011.

Speaker:

Matthew Preston, Group IT Director, Byrne Group

Takeaway:

• Why the Byrne Group chose an integrated RFID solution to manage, track and attain visibility into its plant, stock and equipment
• How the firm is utilizing the system to automate the issue and return of those assets

Pack and Sea Uses RFID to Automate Crate Tracking

Pack and Sea, a Danish company that leases crates to the fishing industry, is employing radio frequency identification to track the locations of its plastic crates. The containers hold fish as they are caught at sea, and later as they are sold at market. The company had relied mainly on a manual method of tracking its containers, using pen and paper to record the number of crates a fisherman, auction house or buyer has at any given time, along with when they need to be returned. The firm turned to RFID to streamline the tracking of crates and invoicing of customers. Learn how the system delivers a real-time overview of the number of fish crates in various parts of the logistics chain, as well as providing documentation of the actual location and status of the individual fish crate, whether onboard the vessel, at the auction or at the manufacturer.

Speakers:

Simon Johansen, Division Manager, Pack and Sea
Bent Kirk, Managing Director, Pack and Sea

Takeaway:

• How RFID can support food traceability by providing visibility into the location and contents of each crate
• Using RFID to decrease labor costs by reducing time spent searching for crates

Looking Ahead—Exploring RFID and Related Emerging Technologies for Construction

As the construction and facility-management industries begin to deploy RFID solutions, new issues beyond the selection of readers and tags begin to emerge. This session will explore some of these emerging issues, including infrastructure setup (communication options to consider in an open environment), alternative mobile devices as readers (digital pens and tablets, interactive hands-free or head-mounted mobile devices, and cell phone readers), and unique issues involving rugged and metal-friendly tags (including ATEX certification and data standards).

Speaker:

Francis Rabuck, Director, Intelligent Infrastructure Lab, Bentley Systems

Sketching the User Experience—Rapidly Deploying RFID for Maximum Success at Bombardier

Bombardier, a manufacturer of state-of-the-art planes and trains, is working with leading transit authorities to design and develop a solution that will enhance safety in the transportation industry. Understanding an end user's needs and designing an engaging experience was identified as a key objective to making sure the project results in a successful deployment. This session will discuss the approach that was followed to create the user experience, as well as the impact it has had on the evolution of the proposed ingenious and sustainable solution.

Speaker:

Pankaj Sood, Founder, McMaster RFID Applications Lab

Choosing an RFID Solution for Tagging PCBs

Schneider Electric, a global energy-management firm headquartered in France, is currently using a data-matrix identification solution, as well as a mix of high-frequency (HF) tags and bar codes, for logistics within its manufacturing environment. The next step will be to replace the current HF system with one utilizing ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID technology. In this session, learn how the company evaluated different technology solutions for use in the tagging of printed circuit boards (PCBs), as well as the types of RFID solutions chosen.

Speaker:

Michel Ollive, Manager, Advanced Manufacturing Design and Technologies, Schneider Electric

Takeaway:

• The results of feasibility studies being performed to evaluate the evolution of PCB tagging solutions
• Future uses of the solution after the UHF RFID project has been successfully implemented

Minimizing Picking Errors With RFID

Order-picking is one of the most important processes in internal logistics, and can impact the customer-supplier relationship regarding quality and timely deliveries. In this session, learn how a preset scenario in which an automated high rack supports pick-by-light picking spots, as well as the possible application of innovative identification and measurement systems for monitoring a pick process in order to minimize errors, has been implemented at one facility. Hear how identification and measurement technologies, such as RFID, scanning and weighting, have been combined with suitable sensors to facilitate an evaluation in a lab-based scenario.

Speaker:

Dieter Uckelmann, Manager, LogDynamics Lab, University of Bremen