Adopt RFID tagging into your operations and position your business as a partner in supply chain management innovation. Link tag IDs – from components that arrive pre-tagged from suppliers as well as those you encode and tag in-factory – with specific WIP goods.

Track goods-to-workstation movement

Analyze WIP movement to identify bottlenecks and expedite high-priority orders – and make sure no steps are skipped. Record real-time data captured by fixed or mobile Zebra RFID readers to monitor WIP items’ shop floor locations and arrival times.

Send notifications, trigger actions

Streamline tasks that help workers increase throughput. Use RedBeam RFID to inform conveyor systems of WIP details for proper navigation. Trigger visual alerts when new items arrive at workstations.

Close the loop on finished products

Improve planning and decision-making organization-wide with timely, accurate data integrated directly into your MRP and ERP systems. Scan completed work into barcode- or RFID-tagged shipping containers or warehouse storage locations as appropriate.

A leading textile and flooring manufacturer’s manual WIP tracking processes were error-prone and not real time. Monitoring fabric rolls’ location through to the final stages of manufacturing was complicated further by not having an easy place to attach 1D barcode labels once the fabric rolls were wrapped.

RedBeam RFID’s fixed reader-based solution achieves fabric roll location tracking from manufacturing start to finish – no direct lines of sight required. RedBeam RFID triggers notifications for conveyor stops and intelligently directs conveyor routing by roll type. Customer uses Zebra Mobile RFID scanners to confirm shipment loading. RedBeam REST APIs send data to the manufacturer’s SAP system, updating inventory levels throughout the process and on final shipping.

RedBeam RFID has helped this customer achieve an 80% reduction in shipping time, a 90% reduction in receiving time, and increased visibility throughout their manufacturing processes overall.

How quickly can RedBeam RFID notify an external system (i.e., a conveyor system) from a viable read on a fixed reader?

RedBeam RFID gives you complete control over things like the timing and sharing of RFID read data with other systems. With regard to the specific WIP-routing example mentioned above, the answer depends on the length of the conveyor system’s physical run from scanner to diverter. RedBeam RFID lets you calculate and specify the time limit in which reader data needs to be transmitted to the conveyor system in order to make sure products are routed successfully.

What are the best RFID readers and tags for outside storage conditions?

When selecting RFID tags and readers for outdoor storage conditions, there are several important factors to consider if you want to ensure reliable performance. Durability – Outdoor environments expose RFID tags and readers to harsh conditions, including things like temperature extremes, moisture, dirt, and physical impact. Look for components with – IP (Ingress Protection) Ratings of IP65 or higher, to protect against dust, dirt, and water. Some RFID tags may also have an IP68 rating for complete dustproofing and immersion resistance. Temperature Ranges capable of handling extreme shifts in weather. Ultra-rugged readers like the Zebra FXR90, for example, offer an exceptional -40°C to +65°C / -40°F to +149°F operating range. Rugged materials & housing , like durable plastic, metal, ceramic construction. Tags with ceramic or metal housings and UV-resistant coatings tend to perform well and last longer in outdoor environments. Signal Strength & Range – Outdoor environments may involve more interference due to larger open spaces, metal structures, or other objects. Look for tags and readers with larger ranges, if needed, or consider adding high-gain antennas to extend your read range. Readability in Dynamic Conditions – Look for RFID tags that offer reliable readability in fluctuating conditions (e.g., temperature changes, water exposure). Passive RFID tags can work well in various environmental conditions, but active tags may offer better range and performance for tracking over longer distances in open areas. You’ll also want to consider appropriate options for mounting and attaching hardware to outdoor structures and equipment, as well as your power source needs. As experts in Zebra’s full range of RFID products, we’ll work with your team to identify the best options for your needs.

Can RedBeam RFID auto-locate products inside a building? What about outside?

Yes, RedBeam RFID can be used to auto-locate products both indoors and out, however most customers find that their use cases don’t truly require full-blown real-time locationing system (RTLS) solutions. Whereas RTLS setups continuously monitor and locate tagged objects or people in real time, most RFID applications only identify and track tagged items when they are located by or move close to an RFID reader. Indoors, the level of detail to which you can pinpoint a specific product or person’s location with RFID depends on a number of factors, including the number and placement of readers and antennas you deploy, the type of tags you’re using, the physical layout and makeup of your building, and so on. Outdoors, the prospect is simpler, with the addition of GPS-enabled RFID readers like those described in our yard management solution. We’re happy to help you determine whether your use case calls for RTLS or whether a portal or other type of RFID configuration can help you accomplish your goals. Schedule a call with our team. Let’s talk.

RFID Work-in-Process

RFID WORK-IN-PROCESS

Make Work-in-Process Tracking Smarter with RedBeam RFID

Gain real-time visibility at every stage of production with RFID. Automate your WIP tracking and use the digital connections between your goods, shop floor, and enterprise to cut waste and add efficiency.

Tackle Traditional WIP Tracking Challenges

When it comes to WIP tracking, manual, line-of-sight barcode scanning can be difficult to incorporate into complex workflows.

Products without clear labeling locations, like fabric rolls and parts with irregular surfaces, make accurate tracking even harder.

RedBeam RFID helps you evolve and increase your manufacturing velocity with a modern, streamlined alternative:

Fast, automated WIP tracking using RFID.
Accurate, end-to-end monitoring of both product status and location.
Real-time updates shared to your material requirements planning (MRP), ERP (enterprise resource planning), and/or other systems.

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Bring Transparency to WIP on the Factory Floor

The goal of WIP tracking is simple: Enable informed action.

By introducing RedBeam RFID into your production process, you get better, faster access to data you can use to improve things like –

Labor scheduling
Quality control enforcement
Delivery time updates
Forecast planning

Timely, transparent WIP tracking details help fuel it all.

Here’s how it works.

RedBeam RFID WIP Highlights

Enhance WIP tracking activities with an RFID solution that offers things like –

Streamlined item tracking through every stage, from raw materials to finished products.
Flexible setup with Zebra mobile and fixed RFID readers to suit multiple manufacturing floor layouts.
Configurable RFID reader management for optimal performance.
Seamless communication with conveyors for intelligent WIP routing.
Workstation alerts, including light bar notifications, to ensure smooth workflows.
Real-time notifications to MRP and ERP systems for precise inventory updates.

Zebra RFID Highlights for WIP

Get the advanced performance you need with cutting-edge RFID hardware and supplies from Zebra Technologies. WIP tracking-ready options include –

Ultra-Rugged Fixed RFID Readers like the FXR90 – which are built for demanding environments with reliable, high-performance scanning.
Flexible and Efficient Mobile RFID Readers – like the TC53e-RFID Series Mobile Computers, WS50 Android RFID Wearable Computers, and the RFD90 Ultra-Rugged UHF RFID Sleds.
Durable, Reusable Zebra Silverline Tags – on-metal tags for industrial applications.

We’ll work with your team to select the right components for your particular processes, manufacturing floor configurations, and goals.

Powerful Integrations

RedBeam RFID uses REST APIs to integrate seamlessly with leading ERP systems like SAP, as well as both commercial and custom MRP and WMS platforms.

These integrations ensure your WIP tracking data flows smoothly across all departments, enabling real-time data sharing and actionable insights. Have a question about integration? Schedule a consultation.

REDBEAM RFID CASE STUDY

Textile Manufacturer Speeds Up Shipping & Receiving

A leading textile and flooring manufacturer’s manual WIP tracking processes were error-prone and not real time.

Monitoring fabric rolls’ location through to the final stages of manufacturing was complicated further by not having an easy place to attach 1D barcode labels once the fabric rolls were wrapped.
RedBeam RFID’s fixed reader-based solution achieves fabric roll location tracking from manufacturing start to finish – no direct lines of sight required.
- RedBeam RFID triggers notifications for conveyor stops and intelligently directs conveyor routing by roll type.
- Customer uses Zebra Mobile RFID scanners to confirm shipment loading.
- RedBeam REST APIs send data to the manufacturer’s SAP system, updating inventory levels throughout the process and on final shipping.

The Benefits of RFID Don’t Stop with Better Visibility

Adding RFID-based WIP tracking to your manufacturing floor also enhances inventory accuracy, quality control and assurance, and supply chain coordination. Ready to get started?