SMART FACTORY FEATURE RFID TECHNOLOGY DELIVERS REAL PROFITABILITY BENEFITS
At Smart Factory Expo in November Harting demonstrated its automation solutions for improving the efficiency of manufacturing logistic processes based on the concepts of Integrated Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT). Harting’s approach to smart
manufacturing is based on the addition of intelligence to manufacturing processes with the aim of achieving a high level of connectivity, visibility, awareness and adaptability at all stages in the supply chain. By enhancing users’ processes with RFID technology the company makes it possible to implement solutions that deliver real profitability gains without the need for re-engineering already proven, stable manufacturing processes. Two key elements of Harting’s approach are machine-to-machine communications and manufacturing logistics. The former is typically concerned with the transmission of information obtained from the monitoring of production equipment to improve diagnostics and enable effective preventative maintenance. Manufacturing logistics replaces the
existing supply chain management model with the use of intelligent systems to implement functions such as supplying the line with discrete and accurate quantities of materials; ensuring goods
Targeting smart factory applications is the Han-Modular family of industrial connectors
flow on a ‘just in time’ schedule and faithfully tracking assets and inventory both in the warehouse and in transit. Harting’s approach to manufacturing
logistics involves the use of RFID sensor networks to collect manufacturing data which is then ‘operationalised’, allowing, for example, production lines to be adjusted, maintained or re-tooled based on live information. The ability to use this manufacturing data rapidly to inform IoT systems can be invaluable to users in creating a competitive advantage in complex markets. New developments in
RFID technology included the Ha-VIS LOCFIELD flexible coaxial travelling waveguide antenna which can sense multiple transponders via an RF field radially extended over its length of up to 10 metres. It can be applied in limited space applications where normal patch antennas would be difficult to install. The compact Ha-VIS RFID RF-R300 reader offers rugged construction and IP67 degree of protection; it can be sited in harsh environment conditions while a comprehensive range of passive transponders can be applied on all types of materials, in particular metal surfaces. Manufacturers can now integrate the
two key manufacturing IoT elements through Harting’s new open-source industrial computing device. Modular Industrial Computing
Architecture (MICA) can save, evaluate and process data from sensors and then act as a standalone offline computer that can either make local decisions or operate as a gateway via the internet to allow access to a higher-level IT system. It operates with open architecture software, allowing it to be easily customised, says Harting.
HARTING T: 01604 827500
www.harting.co.uk
FACTORY EQUIPMENT | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017 11
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49
