Real Time Locating System Industry 4.0

The shop floor logistics necessary are complex and prone to human errors. Getting the right material, to the right tire building machine, at the right time can be a hassle. Manual bar code scans are still common practice, yet outdated, costly and not well suited for a First Expired First Out (FEFO) based production.

It is common practice in tyre manufacturing to load raw materials onto material carriers (or bobbins) at the so-called cutting machines, to store these carriers in storage locations and to transport the right carriers to the staging area of a tire building machine where the right carriers need to get inserted into the matching slots of a tire building machine.

Any IIoT based solution must focus on the whole process from loading raw material onto a material carrier (or bobbin), managing the storage and staging areas, as well as the insertion of carriers into the tyre building machine. An efficient real-time locating system solves all these issues.

With an increasing degree of digitalisation in the manufacturing area, data become available for process monitoring, analysis, and optimisation. There are many spots where analytics can improve a factory's overall performance, such as uncovering bottlenecks and anomalies.

A factory's layout is a crucial factor in optimising the productivity of production lines. This optimisation mainly comprises the machine tools' positions concerning places where supply goods are being delivered and other tools are stationed. Keeping enough material close to the operations will lower storage and shorter the movement of material. The material handling can be improved by either better utilising the current system or reducing the necessary steps such as using forklifts, automated handling equipment and lifting aids for manual handling.

Inventory management is an integral part of running a successful business. However, with proper organization and tracking, companies can quickly find themselves overstocked or able to fulfil customer orders. Fortunately, FiFo (First-In, First-Out) provides businesses with a simple but effective inventory control and management tool. In this blog post, we will discuss what FiFo is, why it's important and how businesses can use it to their advantage. We'll also provide tips on implementing a FiFo system within your company. Read on to learn more!

The manufacturing industry is rapidly evolving, and companies must keep up to remain competitive. Automation can provide several benefits, such as increased efficiency, improved product quality, and cost savings. In addition, by transitioning traditional industrial practices to an Industry 4.0 standard with minimal investment, manufacturers can gain a significant edge over their competitors in today's changing landscape. This paper will discuss the steps businesses should take to create an automated factory, as well as the potential benefits they may experience when doing so.

A barcode scanning system is an essential part of modern businesses, providing accurate and speedy tracking of products and inventory. With barcode scanners being used in almost every industry, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of this powerful tool can help ensure that companies are getting the most out of their scanning technology.

In this post, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of barcode scanning and discuss how to protect against human errors, which could lead to costly mistakes. We will also look at how businesses can optimize their use of barcode scanning to ensure efficient product identification and inventory management.

The assembly line, often seen as synonymous with assembly operations, is just one approach to organizing work in factories. Since its invention in the early 1900s, it has been celebrated for its productivity, with product units moving one at a time down the line. However, while the assembly line offers many benefits, alternative methods like bench assembly or modular assembly can be advantageous in certain contexts. Moreover, the evolution of manufacturing has introduced assembly cells, which allow small, cohesive teams to operate more flexibly. This blog post explores the different types of assembly lines, their benefits, and when alternatives may be more suitable.

In order to reduce production cost, tire manufacturers must increase machine utilization, reduce scrap of raw materials, eliminate production errors of the final product and increase labour productivity.

Any IIoT based solution must focus on the whole process from loading raw material onto a material carrier (or bobbin), managing the storage and staging areas, as well as the insertion of carriers into the tire building machine. That's where a real-time locating system becomes interesting.

Cars start the process getting registered in the ERP. In most cases this registration is done manually by scanning a label on the car. The ERP defines the right parking space to ensure an optimized routing for the following processes. Every time the car is moved, the new position needs to be reported to the ERP. The same booking is required if a work order is finished. This is not just time consuming; it is also a manual process and a potential source for human errors.

Nearly every process step in the entire chain needs to be reported. Every wrong or missing booking leads to delays in the process flow. In addition, identifying the right car or parking spot on a snowy parking space can be really tough, such as picking up the correct white car in a parking lot full of white cars.

Car manufacturers are constantly looking for solutions to improve their processes (like locating vehicles in the production yard). Improvements of these processes include higher efficiency and productivity, more transparency and of course higher profits.

In many areas of the automotive industry digitisation has arrived. Modern IT infrastructures, technologies like barcode or RFID seem top of mind. Those technologies made their way into the production, warehouses and logistics, however there are more challenges to be found in the automotive industry.

Expensive manufacturing equipment is the backbone of manufacturing facilities. As a result, managers want a clear picture of the equipment inventory and utilisation to secure efficiency and uptime. Moreover, with increasing competition, attaining lean, proper processes is the industry's ultimate goal. Therefore, manufacturers require accuracy in handling work-in-process and identifying each object in a process flow while keeping stock at a minimum to keep operating costs low.

As a business that relies on the availability of its high-value assets to generate revenue, you comprehend the significance of asset tracking and effective inventory management. Whether stock, tools, IT devices, vehicles, or even employees, it is vital to your plant's productivity.

Processes are the building stones of manufacturing. This article delves into the topic of industrial process optimization by exploring various manufacturing process types, their defining characteristics, and potential avenues for improvement. We present the critical relationship between product design and process development, emphasizing the importance of aligning these elements to enhance efficiency without compromising effectiveness. Furthermore, we elaborate on the seven-step approach to process design, highlighting how careful planning and strategic decisions can optimize production. Additionally, the limitations and challenges posed by the Hayes-Wheelwright product-process matrix are examined, particularly in the context of emerging technologies like additive manufacturing, which challenge traditional manufacturing paradigms.

 The assembly process is a crucial, labour-intensive stage in manufacturing, often employing the most workers. This article explores the evolution of assembly, from manual craftsmanship to modern automated systems, and examines key factors like part supply, work design, and in-plant logistics. Efficient assembly minimises wasted time, optimises part placement, and ensures seamless material flow. While automation advances, human labour remains essential for flexibility and addressing errors in the assembly process.

In a rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, Asset Tracking with RFID technology stands as a pivotal innovation. Our comprehensive article delves into how this technology, integral to Industry 4.0, revolutionizes asset management across varied sectors, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. We invite you to explore the transformative power of Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS) and discover how they redefine the future of manufacturing. Join us in uncovering the strategic advantages and practical applications of this groundbreaking technology.

There is a haystack, and then there is a needle. You don't need to hear more to understand the challenge of giant car terminals, aren't you? Several thousand vehicles, parked in lines and rows, polished and clean, advertised by second-hand car dealers. Cars waiting to get visited and picked up by future buyers, the valuable, vacant space replenished as soon as possible. Space is money, and so time is. A car dealer's yard is a place of continuous movement.

A real-time locating system assists you.

Every car needs some customisation, even after leaving the conveyor belt. Several tasks are performed outside in the factory's yard and must be documented to ensure quality and best customer experience. The missing link between the single car and the ERP system is Asset Agent to make real-time progress visible: A real-time locating system that can track assets.

Asset Agent provides the visibility to run your operations efficiently. Process bottlenecks, fewer errors, higher quality, better resource planning are just a few benefits of using Asset Agent in car-customising processes in the yard.

Integrating a real-time locating system into your manufacturing landscape can be highly complex and investment in this area should be thoroughly researched. Like any other investment in your company, the implementation of an RTLS system must be justified. To make a reasonable decision, your company must be clear on the benefits and the technology behind the system. This awareness creates the foundation for a successful implementation of hardware and software. We have provided a list of questions for you to simplify the decision-making process when wanting to employ a real-time locating system.

Are you looking to improve the efficiency and accuracy of your assets monitoring and tracking operations? The latest advancement in equipment management is radio-frequency identification (RFID) asset tracking. In this blog post, we'll discuss what exactly RFID asset tracking is, why it's beneficial for businesses, and how to get started with setting up an RFID asset tracking system. 

Read on to learn more about the advantages of leveraging RFID technology for improved asset management solutions! 

In the bustling heart of Europe, Bratislava stands as an emblem of automotive evolution. Home to the colossal Volkswagen (VW) plant, the city witnessed the emergence of iconic SUVs, the VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, from mere ideas to global sensations. Beyond the cars, it's the stories of dedicated individuals like Matus Balog that truly captivate. From hands-on experiences to pioneering automation initiatives, Matus embodies the spirit of innovation and adaptability. Dive deeper into the transformative journey of this automotive haven, and discover the intricate dance of machines and human ingenuity. An Asset Agent Success Story.