RFID tags are often used in Real time location systems to provide accurate, real-time data. In general, this data can improve quality control, reduce scrap, and improve production efficiency. RTLS delivers a way to make a process truly visible by creating data. In many industries, this data is essential for maintaining quality and reducing costs. In addition, RTLS can be tailored to the specific needs of each business, making them a necessary tool for any company that wants to improve its operations and processes and achieve greater transparency.
You can also manage, analyse and leverage data improving and controlling processes in your production line. For example, RTLS uses tags or transponders to track the location of people or objects in real-time. The tags communicate with a network of sensors, which then relay the information to a software application. This application can then be used to view the location of the tagged items on a map or dashboard in real-time.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags are one type of tag that can be combined with RTLS systems. RFID tags emit a radio signal that sensors can detect. This allows the tag to be tracked even if it is not in direct line of sight of the sensor. This makes RFID tags ideal for tracking people or objects that move frequently or are challenging to see.
RTLS systems can provide several benefits, including:
– Improved safety: RTLS can track the location of people or objects in real-time, which can help improve safety in hazardous environments.
– Increased efficiency: RTLS can be used to track the location of assets and personnel, which can help to optimise production processes and reduce wasted time and resources.
– Greater transparency: RTLS can provide visibility into the location of people and assets, which can help to improve decision-making and communication.
RTLS solution are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and retail. In many cases, RTLS can complement or replace existing systems, such as barcode scanners or CCTV cameras.
An RTLS solution can track the location of people or objects in real-time, which can help improve safety in hazardous environments. As a result, RTLS systems are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and retail. In many cases, RTLS can complement or replace existing systems, such as barcode scanners or CCTV cameras.
Like any other integration, integrating an RTLS is a complex task. It’s a project based on integration flows, budgets, and staffing, so you need to do an integration audit before you start. This includes an analysis of your existing and planned interfaces, systems and workflows. Following, you define an integration implementation strategy, including an estimate of costs (architecture, integration and operating costs), identifying debugging and testing tools and understanding the significant integration challenges.
RTLS based on RFID offers cost-effective, reliable technology for real-time visibility of physical assets and people. But without integration, the results are isolated functionality, redundant manual activities and inefficiencies – the exact opposite of your RTLS business case. An RFID RTLS integration project needs an audit and a strategy, but mostly the experience of a knowledgeable person or team who implements and integrates hardware and software into the existing enterprise software stack.
In our latest whitepaper, we discuss the integration of RFID and RTLS into a production process including the main steps in such a project.
