Systematic Production Control
Transparency in Vehicle Engineering
Production control is one of the key topics in manufacturing operations. Businesses which consistently manage to achieve further automation of their processes can harness enormous value-added potential. Automatic identification systems enable exactly this.
Auto ID systems are increasingly being used as standard tools in manufacturing operations. They enable production processes and the required logistics to be perfectly timed with pinpoint accuracy. Both, barcodes and RFID labels—or a combination thereof—are used for this purpose, always in combination with respective readers and customized software. Barcodes as well as transponders have specific advantages: While barcodes can be read out directly on the object with a scanner, RFID labels perform additional tasks. The transponder allows far more data to be stored and remotely read out, even at greater distances. This enables identification and control of goods or entire bundles of goods in packaged condition.
Fully Automated Control
Production and supply processes can be controlled fully automatically, consistently documented and tracked & traced by means of RFID technology. In view of a worldwide division of labor in a global economy, these capabilities are becoming increasingly important. The challenges are always posed by detailed aspects, as every manufacturing process is different. What is important for a business is a competent development partner possessing both the required technologies and the corresponding development potential. Only then can auto ID solutions be developed which exactly fit the process flows of the respective business. The solution of choice depends on the requirements of the concrete marking project. The road toward a functioning auto ID system always involves a comprehensive analysis.
Reliable Identification under Difficult Conditions
Intelligent auto ID systems have been making headway into an increasing number of applications. A case in point is RFID labels on metallic substrates. When writing to and reading out the transponders using wireless transmission, electromagnetic fields are generated. In the past, when using labels on massive metallic substrates, this would result in transmission problems and limitations of range. This shortcoming has by now become a thing of the past, as modern UHF-onMetal-Labels even take advantage of the metallic environment. Their special antenna design works with intentional electromagnetic couplings between the label and substrate. The label itself thus becomes an extended antenna and ensures reliable data transmission with long ranges.
Caption: UHF-onMetal-Labels are applied to the body of a vehicle throughout its lifecycle. This guarantees clear traceability even after many years.
Automotive Vehicle Body Tracking
“Automotive body tracking,” for example, opens up completely new possibilities in the automotive and mechanical engineering industries. To enable control of the production of an automotive body from the body shop all the way to delivery of the vehicle, several different systems were required in the past. Since many conventional identification systems cannot be used in the paint shop, production data had to be transferred to a different system during the transition from the body to the paint shop. This, for instance, is achieved by auxiliary metal sheets bearing a stamped identification code. These or costly encapsulated (completely sealed and thermally insulating housings) active RFID systems are not attached to the vehicle itself but to skids on which the body is pulled through the paint shop. This change in media is complex, labor-intensive and, in addition, represents one of the major sources of tracking errors. The new UHF-onMetal-Labels eliminate such disadvantages. The innovative RFID labels consistently remain on the body and, in addition, offer significant manufacturing and handling benefits compared with previous systems. This progress has been achieved through intensive research and development work. The new high-tech transponder labels not only have to function on metallic substrates and feature a particularly flat design but also have to withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees centigrade as well as the painting process unscathed.
More Security through Traceability
UHF-onMetal-Labels can remain on the vehicle body throughout its life cycle and thus enable definitive traceability even after many years. This increases transparency and security for manufacturers as well as consumers—in case of product liability issues, for example. In case of safety-relevant components traceability of the product history is even required by law. These labels are used in engineering industries which must comply with such stipulations. The self-adhesive transponder labels are not only able to store all manufacturing steps but can even be used after delivery to the end customer. Personnel in specialized repair shops and garages, for example, can query all the data of a component in a contactless process using appropriate write/read systems. Afterwards, the maintenance and repair work performed can be documented on the label. Alternatively, Flag-onMetal-Labels or FlagTags can be used. Thanks to their specific composition, they enable variable antenna positions, thus achieving ranges of up to four meters.
Caption: The special composition of Flag-onMetal-Labels enables variable antenna positions.
Mobile Logistics Control
RFID labels provide valuable services when used on glass substrates. WindShield-Labels, for example, enable the control of loading processes after production. Which vehicle is to cross which ramp for loading onto trucks, railcars or ships? Where such information could only be obtained from extensive loading lists, if at all, in the past, modern transponder systems today handle logistics control. For this purpose, each vehicle is provided with a special label on the windshield. The driver then receives instructions on stationary displays along the loading route as to where the vehicle is to be stopped as well as the fastest route to reach the destination. In case of any en-route delays, the system quickly registers and indicates them. This accelerates the loading process and clearly reduces costs.
Modern auto ID-systems enable varied uses in engineering industries and make many processes notably more efficient. The potential of these technologies is very high already and will see significantly increasing growth through systematic new developments in the next few years.
For further information:
Schreiner LogiData, a competence center of
Schreiner Group GmbH & Co. KG
Bruckmannring 22
85764 Oberschleißheim
Tel.: +49 89 31584-4140
Fax: +49 89 31584-4109
rfid@schreiner-logidata.de
www.schreiner-logidata.de