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Ask the Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) Expert: Scheduling Assistance
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Looking Into RFID

Asked on Sep 12 2005 9:07:24:000AM

Q

I would like to learn more about RFID applications in Facility Engineering management area. Do you have any information? Or, if you can tell me where to start from?

Alex Shum, San Antonio, TX
AAlex: There are a number of sources of information on the use of RFID in the facilities management area depending upon the applications you may be considering. The applications with which we are familiar and which are being successfully addressed with RFID today include:


  • Location identification; i.e., bin, rack and even floor locations


  • Reusable container, tote, tub and pallet identification and tracking


  • Lift truck and other vehicle identification and tracking


  • High-value or critical item identification and tracking


  • Work-in-process component and assembly tracking


  • Personnel identification


  • Access control, etc., etc.

Resources you may wish to initially tap include:


  • AIM contains a comprehensive listing of most RFID standards and many applications.


  • AutoID.org provides links to a wealth of standards and applications data.


  • The Automotive Industry Action Group addresses RFID use for returnable container identification and tracking, tire identification and other automotive industry applications.


  • Department of Defense provides links to various Defense Department automatic identification initiatives.


  • EPCglobal is the primary resource for information on Walmart-like and consumer packaged goods applications.


  • HighTech.org is another good resource for information on multiple applications and standards.


  • ANSI:
    1.
    ANSI MH10.8.4 - RFID for Returnable Containers

    2.
    ANSI MH10.8.8 - RFID for Parcels, Packages, & Flat Mail

    3.
    NCITS 256:2001 - RFID standard for item management


  • The International Standardization Organization has published standards for RFID applications ranging from items to freight containers; simply query on "RFID".

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Meet the expert

John M. Hill

Principal, ESYNC

John advises clients on strategies for implementing bar code, RFDC & RFID, warehouse and transportation management systems. Prior to joining ESYNC, John was COO/CEO of a number of automatic data collection and supply chain execution systems firms. He is also a co-founder of the Automatic Identification Manufacturers (AIM) Trade Association and a charter member of AIDC 100, a non-profit association of automatic identification / data capture (AIDC) professionals. John is also former president of the Material Handling Education Foundation Inc. and the Material Handling Institute Inc., and is a member of the Board of Governors of the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA). He is also a co-founder of MHIA's Supply Chain Execution Systems & Technology Group and is a faculty member of The Logistics Institute at Georgia Institute of Technology.
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