Industry 4.0 continued the pace of the first three industrial revolutions, initially starting with mechanization and steam power, followed by mass production and assembly taking off, followed by the computer automation process; and the core concept of Industry 4.0 also focused on the application of new technologies. Specifically, Industry 4.0 focuses on information technology, trying to achieve more sophisticated, convenient automated industrial applications.
Industry 4.0 is far-reaching because it involves the digitization and data analysis technologies of information technology and can be applied to almost every operation. Using Industry 4.0 strategies and technologies, companies can create competitive advantages in the entire value chain, including raw materials and assets. Use, quality control, inventory management, demand matching, and even after-sales operations such as overhaul services, returns, warranty support, etc.
Data Management/Protection Key to the Success of Industry 4.0
Although the prospect of Industry 4.0 is promising, the challenge lies in how to manage and protect data. Today, this has become the key to the success of the operation. If all the physical components of the smart factory and their operators are integrated into the integrated communication network, the organization will face considerable risks. The information disseminated in the Industry 4.0 network is not only sensitive and extremely valuable, but must adopt advanced technology to ensure the best security and flexibility (Figure 1).
Figure 1 Industry 4.0 uses virtual systems to create smarter, more efficient workflows.
One example is RAIN RFID, which combines advanced traceability and IoT connectivity capabilities. RAIN RFID allows objects to uniquely identify tags and provide wireless power through electric field sensing, which in turn improves accuracy and efficiency while improving the identification of each object. , Positioning, verification and operation quality, ranging from initial production to final sales, and even covering various after-sales services.
This article describes the technical capabilities of RAIN RFID and examines the multiple ways in which RAIN RFID supports Industry 4.0 strategies. The first part of the article will first describe the operating principle of RAIN RFID technology.
Improve efficiency / reduce costs RAIN RFID magical
Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has been used in supply chain applications for nearly 50 years. RFID readers and tags are an affordable item tracking and identification system for goods moving from factory to warehouse and store. UHF type is especially effective.
RAIN RFID improves item tracking accuracy, speed, batch reading and security protection. The RAIN RFID standard has been in existence for more than 10 years, has undergone several generations of improvements, and uses the Electronic Product Code (EPC) data format protocol to give each RFID Labels have their own identifiers.
RAIN RFID also allows the Internet to store, manage, and share data. Items with tags can be incorporated into the Internet of Things (LOT). RAIN's full name is RAdio-frequency IdentifciatioN. This technology is described as enabling the dissemination of data from a highly centralized cloud. As the rain falls into the sea.
RAIN RFID operates in the 860 and 960 MHz bands, which brings many benefits over the entire product life cycle, reducing costs, improving efficiency, integrating the product into the overall workflow (Figure 2), and increasing the level of security protection.
Figure 2 RAIN RFID facilitates tagging items into the workflow.
RAIN RFID is a passive wireless technology (tags can draw power from the reader without batteries) and can read up to several meters. In addition, there is no need for direct reading between the reader and the tag (Line Of sight) environment, where multiple labels can be identified at once, so that many items can be put together in the inventory list, even if they are stored in boxes or in groups.
RAIN RFID has connected billions of everyday items to the Internet and is widely adopted by retailers. Brand owners will identify, locate, validate and operate each item through RAIN RFID, which not only simplifies the supply chain but also improves inventory management. It can reduce the impact of counterfeit goods and inflow into the black market, because the label can be easily and conveniently read throughout the product life cycle, making the label items an active part of the operating process.
All in all, as a part of Industry 4.0, RAIN RFID has a role in the entire product life cycle, from the initial production stage to the delivery of the finished product, and even to the customer.
Improve component supply security and efficiency
When purchasing raw materials and sub-assemblies, RAIN RFID can easily identify items, verify the authenticity, and store and use them in the most efficient manner. You can also easily check the delivery against the delivery note and confirm the order of delivery before checking the revenue receipt. Correct. Check the authenticity of the item before checking the revenue library or use, to facilitate compliance with various standards, such as automotive safety guidelines.
At the same time, setting up frequent automated scan checkpoints can speed up the listing of items into inventory and positioning operations. Adding information during the entire supply chain allows each item to “know” its flow, timing, and storage time limits.
Improve smartness and flexibility in manufacturing
In the factory building, RAIN RFID can enhance the automation function, let the item guide the robot or the person to follow the procedure, and assist in identifying the appropriate tool before operation; and RAIN RFID has high accuracy of incoming material identification and can quickly trigger the action when entering the factory. Or load setting.
Items can give specific instructions to the machine, explain the tasks and job flow. Before dealing with specific parts, but also to help users query the manual, or read the instructions, in order to help operators solve problems or check the settings.
By increasing the degree of automation, RAIN RFID eliminates manual steps and avoids errors. RAIN RFID can identify all processing materials in real time and monitor the process, effectively supporting data analysis, making better decisions, accelerating process optimization, and enhancing products. If the inventory quantity is reduced to the default quantity, the replacement parts can be automatically ordered; or the important assets can be programmed into the inventory at the default interval to minimize the interference to the workflow.
In addition, RAIN RFID is flexible, can support fine variation management, can be customized in a single batch size, can achieve ideal timely and sequential supply results, and combines sensitivity and personal design in a better way. The safety verification function can be Ensure that the finished product uses original parts and can update the item label to reflect the various process stages in which multiple components make up a single product.
RFID makes product distribution easier/smart
In the aspect of product distribution, RAIN RFID provides item level tracking, real-time update function, can grasp positioning at any time, as well as accurately verify and track items in real time, and accelerate and improve the flow of goods into the factory area.
Whether in inventory or between warehousing and retail locations, goods can be easily searched and tracked throughout the supply chain to ensure that older items are shipped first, avoiding “advanced” out of stock inventory management .
At the same time, RAIN RFID can monitor warehousing, distribution centers and store inventory, automatically replenish stocks when stocks are reduced, ensure retailers and dealers have sufficient supply, and supply the hottest products at any time. Items will record progress at each stage, providing various details Information, such as follow-up flow and schedule, whether it is the current storage shelf or the distribution center to other countries. Through RAIN RFID, the supply chain is no longer fragile, because security verification helps to combat piracy and reduce customs officers. Checking work with trade authorities makes it easier to identify counterfeit goods or gray market parallel imports.
Service is more convenient/sensitive
RAIN RFID can be used to set up the post-configuration, and the product can be customized even after it has been packaged, which in turn simplifies the after-sales service, because labeling helps technicians troubleshoot problems and access specific item information.
RAIN RFID tags are added to the product during manufacturing to increase the efficiency of after-sales service. Labels allow items to track their own process, and can be traced back to the source completely. All steps are recorded in detail. It is easier to obtain individual product history records. Checking the warranty status or handling returns will also help answer questions related to product sources or item processing.
In addition, storing maintenance and repair data directly on the product can reduce paperwork requirements, support predictable maintenance functions, and determine maintenance time based on actual usage, rather than on the basis of inherent schedules. Genuine inspection capabilities can avoid returning fisheyes To ensure that only qualified products are covered by service contracts. In order to protect the privacy of consumers, RAIN RFID also has an "anti-tracking" function. Unless it is inquired by an authorized reader, it cannot read data. For example, the product is returned and When asked for a refund or exchange, the salesperson can use a reader with traceability to scan the sold product.
Industry 4.0 multi-RFID RFID format
RAIN RFID is one of many wireless online formats in today's manufacturing environment. Industry 4.0 also includes a variety of wireless technologies familiar to consumers, such as Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technologies.
Each wireless format has its own features, functions, and expertise. Take RAIN RFID as an example, its remote read range and low-cost labeling are all advantages over NFC or BLE, but special readers must be used to read the volume. Standard. The reading range of NFC and BLE is relatively small. However, smart phones and tablet computers of major brands are mostly supported. Therefore, there is no need to invest in the development of special equipment. If you need to read a large number of items at one time, RAIN RFID has significant advantages. , which can identify hundreds of items in a matter of seconds (Figure 3).
Figure 3 RAIN RFID provides the widest reading distance and can read multiple items at once.
Replace optical formats RFID applications are more flexible
RAIN RFID's performance and level of interaction are beyond the reach of optical formats such as bar codes. As shown in Table 1, RAIN RFID can reduce (or even eliminate) the need for manual scanning and accelerate reading compared to optical formats. Multiple items, and scanning on more occasions, even hidden or packaged items.
RAIN RFID is equipped with memory, which can be updated or rewritten to create a more dynamic and flexible inventory process. In addition, RAIN RFID has a variety of security features, such as item-level verification capabilities, which are difficult to provide in optical formats. The advantages (Table 1).
RAIN RFID is also more flexible in form factor than optical solutions. For example, labels used to identify items can be integrated into limited-use paper labels, or reusable physical labels, or built-in. On the printed circuit board (PCB) of the electronic device (Fig. 4), the reader mechanism can be built in a mobile device, a wireless connection device or a hand-held reader, or installed on a fixed portal to read through the article ( Figure 5). Software with RAIN RFID can be stored as an application on the reader device, or integrated into the back-end system for organization use, and can also be incorporated into cloud analysis algorithms (Figure 6).
Figure 4 RAIN RFID can be integrated into paper labels, physical labels, or printed circuit boards.
Figure 5 RAIN RFID reader mechanism can be built in mobile devices, wireless connection devices or handheld readers.
Figure 6 Software with RAIN RFID can be stored as an application on the reader device, and it can also be added to cloud analysis algorithms.
In summary, RAIN RFID can be applied to the Industry 4.0 environment to improve the production efficiency, speed, and accuracy of the production line. The semiconductor industry is also committed to the development of RFID-related solutions to promote the development of Industry 4.0.
Taking NXP as an example, the company's RAIN RFID brand name is UCODE, which can respond to today's application environment, increase accuracy through higher collision avoidance rates, and expand reading range with greater sensitivity. Broader bands, better EPCglobal compliance, to meet user needs.
NXP is also currently Chairman of the RAIN RFID Alliance and focuses on security protection. Therefore, it has become the first company to support UHF Gen2V2 and ISO/IEC 29167, covering encryption security protection for automatic identification and verification. NXP also uses UCODE DNA. Form, pioneered the launch of RAIN RFID AES128 encryption in the market.