RFID

The Crucial Role of Data in Choosing the Right RFID Application Approach

RFID systems have a central task: efficiently providing precise object data. More specifically, it involves reading this data, processing it appropriately for application, and transmitting it to connected systems. By enabling precise data management, RFID systems can accurately track and trace objects, offering critical decision-relevant insights that support the development and optimization of processes and operations. This capability is a key reason why RFID solutions are often chosen for applications where accurate and real-time data is essential.

Two different application scenarios illustrate the crucial role of data in RFID systems. In the first scenario, the focus is on comprehensive data tracking, which originates from various read points during the production and storage of paper rolls. To meet these complex requirements, it makes sense to use UHF RFID and consider a more advanced application such as the TVS solution. In contrast, the second scenario focuses on tracking paper rolls within production machinery, where less comprehensive data integration is required. Here, simpler data capture at individual RFID points, such as using Turck HF/UHF readers, is sufficient.

RFID Solutions for Production and Logistics

End-to-end tracking of incoming and outgoing goods, confirming automatically that the intended materials and tools are being used in production, or providing access points with increased security. For such industrial tasks, RFID has proven itself as a powerful Auto-ID technology for Industry 4.0, with contactless transmission of large amounts of information, even over long distances, and easy connection to higher-level systems from PLC to ERP.

The I/O module can collect signals from RFID readers as well as other devices such as sensors.

BL ident is Turck's complete modular RFID system, tailored for industrial environments (click to enlarge)

Choosing the right frequency band

HF technology (13.56 MHz) is an important driver of digital production processes, it is based on magnetic near-field communication. However, if higher ranges or bulk readings of 200 data carriers and more are required, users should opt for UHF technology (865...928 MHz). Turck's modular RFID system BL ident enables the parallel operation of read/write heads in the HF and UHF range – and thanks to protection class IP67, this can also be done directly on site at the machine or plant. This allows consistently decentralized signal processing in the field.

Data transfer to higher-level systems

Communication in logistics and production plants today is divided into hierarchically structured levels. RFID readers with an Ethernet interface establish a direct exchange of information with higher-level systems, such as PLC, SCADA, MES and ERP or the cloud. Thus, goods movements are visible in real time, detected goods are matched with the database or, perhaps, automatic invoices are already created in the accounting software.

Transfer information from UHF tags to MES, ERP, PLC or cloud with an RFID read/write head.

Direct communication with higher-level systems: the Q300 read/write head offers high platform variability (click to enlarge)

RFID interface forwards information from UHF readers via OPC UA to MES, ERP, PLC or cloud.

Access and data exchange via OPC UA – a global and secure communication standard (click to enlarge)

IIoT applications via OPC UA

The platform-independent communication standard OPC UA simplifies the integration of RFID solutions into PLC, MES, ERP or cloud systems. With the AutoID Companion Specification, it is also possible to exchange devices between Auto-Ident systems from different manufacturers. Turck played a significant role in the development of the standard and has an own RFID interface with OPC UA server in its portfolio. For secure communication, the interface offers mixed operation of HF and UHF read/write heads.

Video: Seamless Identification in Production and Intralogistics

Watch the video to see how Turck's RFID solutions optimize the entire process – from incoming goods to production and outgoing goods.

RFID Solutions: Seamless Identification in Production and Intralogistics

With Integrators and the Right Middleware to Turnkey Applications

Especially for UHF projects, the know-how of system integrators pays off for companies. These specialists not only master the parameterization of read/write heads, for example to exclude interference with other devices, but also take over the installation of middleware. For the systems involved, it is in fact the middleware that makes the information on a data carrier usable - filtering and transmitting or visualizing it as required.

Client-server applications collect data from RFID devices and process it for enterprise or automation software.

From goods to data flow: Turck Vilant Solutions supplies turnkey RFID solutions (click to enlarge)

Complete solutions for track-and-trace processes

Since 2018, Turck also offers turnkey RFID complete solutions through its subsidiary Turck Vilant Systems. The RFID specialist has already realized more than 1,000 RFID system installations in 35 countries and increases the efficiency of all track-and-trace processes along the supply chain with reader systems, internally developed middleware and on-site service.

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