MANAGEMENT + SYSTEMS
Innovative technology for innovative companies
Böllhoff Group, based in Bielefeld, Germany, has developed the ECOSIT RFID Bin solution which it says optimises the value added chain of industrial companies. The product focuses on the logistics of ‘C-parts’, which have traditionally been relatively expensive to procure. Here Böllhoff explains how the new system is able to offer considerable cost benefits whilst improving the security of supply.
never been as vast and as unpredictable as they are today. This has a huge effect on the security of supply – including for C-parts. In the current climate it is more important than ever to have
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a supply system which secures the supply when the output and procurement volume are highly volatile. To help achieve this Böllhoff has managed to cleverly and advantageously integrate RFID technology into customers’ existing supply chains.
rom 100 to 0 and back to 100. We’re not talking about the acceleration and deceleration of a car here, but rather production capacity utilisation trends at many companies over the past two years. Fluctuations in demand have
automatically read off the RFID tags and transmitted to Böllhoff’s ERP system. This process takes just a few seconds and requires no manual intervention, which means that deliveries can be made much faster and with much greater flexibility than in the past. One particular advantage of the process is that the existing rack
systems and workflows can be retained. Furthermore, it involves no extra work for the customer’s staff. It is simply a matter of replacing the old barcode labels with RFID labels. One or more collection boxes for the empty containers and an RFID scanner complete this new, innovative supply system solution. As the collection box only holds plastic containers, there is no interference with the radio signals, thus ensuring the reliability of the RFID Bin system. This technology can be easily integrated into the existing infrastructure and can be started up within a few minutes.
Control and transparency Böllhoff customers receive online access to their ECOSIT
system and can view current system information and the data archive history at any time. This ensures 100% transparency. Moreover, the system also includes online queries and evaluations, a download function, global availability and data security with 128 bit encryption. All in all, companies with ECOSIT RFID Bin can enjoy
considerable cost benefits thanks to short lead times and consumption based delivery schedules whilst reducing administration. At the same time, this innovative system underlines Böllhoff’s
own commitment to consistent customer orientation by optimising processes, reducing costs and reinforcing competitive positions.
RFID solutions in supply systems RFID is currently used in all automatic detection and
monitoring systems. In the private sector, vehicle immobilisers, ski lift passes and anti-theft devices in retail are the best-known applications. At present, barcodes are usually placed on the containers
in which the companies store their parts. When required, the barcodes are manually scanned with scanners and the data is sent to the supplier in subsequent steps. The goods are then picked and delivered. The data is recorded and transmitted at set intervals. Unfortunately this means that another container could run down soon after all the empty containers have been scanned. Böllhoff is one of the first companies in the industry to apply
state-of-the-art RFID technology to C-part procurement. The result: deliveries can now be made much more quickly and with greater flexibility. This saves time, keeps costs down and reduces the risk of supply bottlenecks. The system is simple and reliable, because all the relevant
data is saved on the RFID tags of the container labels to ensure prompt delivery. As soon as a container becomes empty, it is placed in a collecting bin positioned beside the rack. The data is
Advantages of RFID technology in ECOSIT systems • •
Reduces stock and thus capital commitment. Reduces storage space.
• More flexible delivery frequencies. • • • • • •
Shorter response times. Fewer manual processes. Increased security of supply. Automatic order placement. Optimises supply chain.
Flexible control and maximum transparency.
Collection bin for empty boxes with RFID technology for reading the empty containers
110 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 73 January 2012
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