{"id":49049,"date":"2022-06-07T13:28:20","date_gmt":"2022-06-07T11:28:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intranav.com\/?p=49049"},"modified":"2022-06-07T14:05:10","modified_gmt":"2022-06-07T12:05:10","slug":"integrating-auto-id-into-logistics-and-production-in-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/intranav.com\/en\/integrating-auto-id-into-logistics-and-production-in-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Integrating Auto-ID into Logistics and Production in 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Integrating Auto-ID into Logistics and Production in 2023<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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From warehouses to supply chains, software-driven facilities<\/strong><\/a> are the future – and auto-ID is a key component of the automation of these facilities. Industry leaders are turning to software-driven processes to make their facilities smarter and more efficient, especially with the rising competition in Industry 4.0<\/a><\/strong>. In this post we\u2019ll go over what auto-ID is and how to integrate it into logistics and production processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Auto-ID?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Auto-ID refers to the automatic identification and data capture of any assets in a facility, from equipment to forklifts. With auto-ID, information about objects is automatically retrieved, and entered into computer systems without humans being involved, which gives organizations the ability to gain insights about their assets at any given time in a software-driven facility.

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In a facility where the identification of these assets is done manually, workers are required to identify an asset or package by finding its serial number or material ID and scanning a barcode. But in software-driven facilities, auto-ID accomplishes this without barcode scanning because all assets are tagged with sensors that can be read automatically, without the need for human input.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Does Auto-ID Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most popular technology used for auto-ID is radio-frequency identification (RFID), which uses electromagnetic fields to identify and locate tags attached to objects automatically. Another technology that can be used is a Real-Time Location System (RTLS) that leverages radio-frequency technologies such as Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (BLE)<\/strong> or chirp (CSS)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


So if a package needs to be sent to a specific address, instead of a worker manually scanning the barcode with the shipment ID and bringing it to the truck, auto-ID means that the ID is recognized automatically and does not need to be handled manually. In facilities that use auto-ID, tagged objects also usually have a printed barcode as backup in case the RFID reader has been damaged or isn\u2019t working properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When a tagged object is recognized, information on it can be easily found such as its material ID, article ID or production number. This can be specific to the type of materials, processes or industry that is being used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Integrate Auto-ID in Your Production Processes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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The three main steps to take when integrating auto-ID into production processes and logistics are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Analyze the current production process from beginning to end
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  2. Identify the stages where manual identification takes place
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  3. Determine which type of auto-id technology could best replace these stages<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

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    Depending on what facility auto-ID is being used in, there are a few more key considerations. For example, the type of RFID labels a company may choose to use greatly depends on the material or contents of assets. Companies that use steel objects need RFID labels compatible with metal, versus plastic or paper boxes which are okay to use with standard RFID labels. There are other labels that can be suitable for various use cases, such as handling food and beverage, which meet the standards of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). <\/p>\n\n\n\n


    From a software perspective, companies need an auto-ID middleware such as     INTRA<\/strong>NAV.IO<\/strong><\/a>, which interconnects with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or WMS (Warehouse Management systems.) It\u2019s also crucial to be aware of integrations of software interfaces you may need such as REST API connected to an SAP system, or other enterprise resources needed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


    It\u2019s important to choose technologies that match your processes, be aware of trending technologies such as Near-Field communication (NFC) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) which can enable auto-ID along with RFID, and make sure to meet requirements such as GSI 1 standards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    How Auto-ID Impacts the Supply Chain <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The main impact that auto-ID has on the supply chain are the time-savings and improved efficiencies that result from eliminating significant amounts of manual work.  There are many human errors that can take place, from scanning the wrong items to material mismatching \u2013 but when done automatically, errors can be detected early on and generate an alert before they become an issue. When facilities are completely automated, it results in reduced operational and labor costs.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Key Benefits of Auto-ID Implementation in Transportation, Logistics and Production <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    When looking into auto-ID, investing in an end-to-end solution can result in a greater ROI as every base is being covered. With INTRA<\/strong>NAV.IO<\/strong><\/a>, a solution by INTRA<\/strong>NAV (an Inpixon company), every aspect of auto-ID is covered – from the hardware needed to enable RFID and\/or UWB, to the software that can collect and handle data, filter errors, and provide statistics on material flow<\/a><\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n


    With easy integrations, INTRA<\/strong>NAV, an Inpixon company can easily implement auto-ID with a multitude of processes, whether the company is tracking forklifts, production process, fixed or mobile installation and more. On top of that, the solution works end-to-end, providing a holistic view of operations. This can even include implementing auto-ID with a company\u2019s supplier, or even their own customers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


    Overall, organizations can take advantage of the following benefits:<\/strong>
    \u25cf Improving efficiency – Saving time, costs, and even valuable warehouse space while improving processes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u25cf Optimizing processes through acquired data and improving them in an agile manner- Identifying weak points in operational processes and minimizing error sources<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u25cf Reducing dangerous and monotonous work – Enables investment in value-adding activities<\/p>\n\n\n\n


    Some best practice use cases where auto-ID is especially useful include: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n