Pick-by-RFID opens up new horizons. More and more mass products and packaging are being equipped with RFID tags (EPC). Modern order picking supports this technology. Our RFID solutions record the individual products in cartons, totes, pallets and containers and are fully integrated with the LUCA-Server .
In this and other articles, we would like to not only introduce you to our LUCA systems and how they are used, but also give you a detailed insight into the various combination options. We will also explain which picking systems go together and how they are best used.
What is Pick-by-RFID?
First we will answer the question before we get right to the details. Pick-by-RFID is one of many picking systems, but they use RFID tags directly. You have to imagine that at some point all items will be RFID tagged. There has been a lot of research on this for years. Currently, it is not the articles that are equipped with RFID tags, but mainly containers in a closed loop.
The electronics of the RFID tag contain a writable memory in which information can be stored. Depending on the type, the RFID tags have a fixed ID or a rewritable memory space. Not only the unique RFID itself, but also other information can be stored in the RFID tag and used in the Pick-by-RFID method. Basically, we have writable and non-writable RFID tags available.
Pick-by-RFID - Construction and use
Depending on the use, RFID tags are installed directly in the products as labels, signs, seals and tags at Pick-by-RFID . Some label printers have the RFID writers integrated on the print head to store the printed information directly in the RFID tag. The RFID tags must always be used in an electromagnetically permeable and NOT shielded environment.
RFID Gates
RFID gates with multiple antennas are set up between the picking sections at Pick-by-RFID or at the goods receipt and goods issue. The gates enable simultaneous detection of all RFID tags in a bin, on the pallet or in the container. The LUCA-Server controls the processes and the status displays and reports the corresponding information to the higher-level systems.
Mobile Pick-by-RFID systems
Pick-by-RFID with mobile RFID readers can be used for picking, inventories and controls. Depending on the functions and ranges, we have various handheld terminals and mobile devices available. The entire coordination in the individual process steps is handled by the LUCA-Server .
RFID systems for access control
RFID tags are also successfully used for access control, product and transport security. The active RFID seals equipped with battery, GPS and GPRS are used for perfect transport security and tracking. In case of destruction, the RFID seals report the event, time and GPS position to the monitoring center via GPRS.
Pick-by-RFID as a picking method
During picking, the data from the RFID tag is used directly. Only in rare cases are only article numbers stored there. More often, however, several pieces of information are stored in the RFID tag, enabling convenient processing.
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Conclusion
Pick-by-RFID offers many advantages of modern data processing that many other picking systems do not have. Data is recorded directly at the item or container. The RFID tags can not only be read, but also written to. The traceability of the individual processing steps can even be recorded directly in the RFID tags. Pick-by-RFID is one of the modern and future-oriented picking methods.
Poka Yoke for Transport, Storage, Picking and Packaging
Trust is good, RFID is better.
