RFID: Radio Frequency Identification

RFID can be a perfect solution for manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution companies seeking to improve work processes, track assets, or automate labor. TDS has worked with many organizations to implement RFID solutions with proven ROI and can determine if RFID would be a good investment for your company.

If you are considering RFID, it is important to closely evaluate your application and work processes to ensure barcoding isn’t a more cost-effective solution. Many companies seeking RFID technologies can often accomplish the same goal with barcodes for much less, however, TDS can work with your company to understand which solution is the best fit. 

If RFID is the optimal solution, it will be important to understand how RFID will be implemented in your processes. Every company is unique, and it is crucial to learn your workflow, asset data, application database, data integration, and end-goals for implementation. Being able to grasp the total picture of your application and processes is essential for TDS to determine the proper hardware such as RFID tags, readers, and software to meet your needs and provide a return on your investment.  

RFID Hardware Partners: Zebra and Impinj

RFID Software Partner: Stratum Global

How Are Companies Using RFID?

If you are wondering if RFID is a fit for your company, consider how RFID is being used in other applications and think about your work processes and assets. Is there an area where RFID could be implemented to lessen product waste, automate labor, prevent errors, prevent product over/under fill, find assets quickly, or prevent lost/stolen assets? 

Examples:

• Distribution center uses RFID to ensure assets are moved to correct docks for truck transportation. RFID readers are placed at dock doors and give workers a green light if asset is being placed on the correct truck.
• Distribution center uses RFID to ensure all configurable parts are included for transportation reducing errors, becoming more efficient, and reducing the need for labor oversight. RFID system paid for itself within 6 months. 
• Distribution center uses RFID tagged pallets to quickly find warehouse location of assets.
• Product molding uses rugged RFID tags to track rotations through the production line. After X rotations asset is signaled to be pulled for maintenance.
• Various product moldings have unique RFID tags to identify the exact filling for each mold to prevent product over/under fill.
• Wood products are RFID tagged to prevent product from accidentally going to scrap.
• Wood company uses RFID to identify percent of production going through rework and reasons why via RFID breadcrumbing. 
• Wood company identifies true dwell times between operations from parts cutting, through to finishing and assembly. 
• Utility and construction companies RFID tag valuable assets on job sites for employee “Check-in/Check-out” as loss prevention. RFID system paid for itself within 1 year. 
• RFID used to track assets for real-time answers for dealer/customer inquiries.
• RFID is used in the NFL to track player and ball position of every play. Data is used for statistical analysis to evaluate and improve player performance.

RFID solutions have improved operations for many companies and it is possible that RFID could enhance your operations as well. Contact Taylor Data Systems today to inquire about an RFID solution for your company or sign up for one of our upcoming RFID  webinars where we will discuss modern RFID hardware/software technologies and applications that can help your business.