Radio-frequency identification can be a powerful tool in enterprise asset management (EAM)--especially for mobile assets like pallets, reusable packaging, tools, and portable equipment like testers or laptop computers.
The main component of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology is a coded tag, which emits item-identifying data via radio frequency. Tags can be passive or active, read-only or read/write. Active tags incorporate an onboard battery and transmitter. Passive tags must be positioned near a reader, which excites the tag and captures the data. Tags are available in a variety of form factors. A smart-label option embeds RFID chips and antennas in a pressure-sensitive label printed with human-readable information.
When applied to mobile assets, RFID tags can provide track-and-trace capability and item visibility. If read/write tags are used, data can be updated to provide asset genealogy. Since assets have relatively long lifespans and typically remain in closed-loop systems, return-on-investment for tag, reader, and infrastructure costs can be compelling.
One application in existence since the early 1990s applies read/write tags from RFID Inc. (Aurora, CO) to pallets traveling in a closed-loop system at Lemans Corp. (Janesville, WI), a warehouse/distributor for manufacturers such as DaimlerChrysler Corp. and Harley-Davidson Motor Co. Since each pallet is used repeatedly, tag costs are actually less than a penny per trip.
More recently, TrenStar Inc. (Englewood, CO) has organized pools of returnable assets that it owns and maintains, including RFID-tagged kegs for brewers in the U.K., Spain, and Portugal, and aluminum containers for shipping bulk synthetic rubber worldwide. Kraft Foods North America (Northfield, IL) has contracted TrenStar to move and maintain stainless-steel intermediate bulk containers for fruit ingredients being shipped to its plants in the northeastern United States.
TrenStar also recently organized a partnership to replace traditional tank and bag-in-box systems for carbonated soft-drink syrup with a keg system and management solution. Franke Holding AG (Aarburg, Switzerland) provides the stainless-steel kegs, customized with tamper-resistant valves and dispensing systems from Micro Matic LTV (Odense, Denmark). KHS Till GmbH (Kriftel, Germany) supplies the sterile keg filling line.
TrenStar owns the RFID-tagged kegs and provides bottlers with the filling system and keg management services. Bottlers have no up-front costs but pay for each use of the container. RFID technology not only provides product visibility, but also delivers previously uncollected inventory and sales data.
Another specialist in asset tracking, Savi Technology Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA), supplies RFID technology and supporting software for shipment tracking to the U.S. Department of Defense and U.K. Ministry of Defence.
Savi also is working with China International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd. (Shenzhen, China), the world's largest maker of intermodal containers, to equip units with RFID-based tracking, condition sensing, and intrusion detection systems.
Other suppliers with RFID-based EAM applications include Intermec Technologies Corp. (Everett, WA), which offers technology to track and manage tools on shop floors, within plants, and between facilities; and Texas Instruments Radio Frequency Identification Systems (TI-RFid; Plano, TX). TI-RFid recently teamed up with Emerging Foundations Inc. (Dallas, TX) to offer an integrated solution featuring its smart labels and S6500 Long Range Reader/Antenna with Emerging Foundations' Web-based Logistical Tracking System software. The smart labels allow manufacturers to efficiently manage inventory, track items for maintenance, prevent theft, and cost-effectively deploy assets.
RFID Benefits for EAM
·Readers do not require line of sight
·Multiple tags can be read simultaneously
·Tagged items can be scanned while in motion·Unattended scanning is practical