How WIP with RFID Can Boost Growth in Your Factory?
The final benefit of the competition to create the Smart Factory is visibility. However, for most manufacturers, a major blind spot is still the shop floor. Work-in-Process (WIP)- the parts and sub-assemblies flowing through the production process- are frequently monitored manually with the help of clipboards or random scans.
This contributes to time wastage, mistakes, and bottlenecks that choke performance. The solution can be found in the RFID technology, and it has turned the WIP monitoring into an administrative burden and turned it into a strategic, data-driven giant. Find a company that helps in installing an RFID asset tracking warehouse system in your workplace.
Learn about The High Cost of The Invisible Line
The search entails the physical verification process, which disrupts workflow and uses human memory to find answers. It is not only slow, but this manual data entry is also highly likely to cause errors or lead to the wrong lead times, the wrong inventory, and an irritated customer.
How to Use RFID Along with WIP?
RFID is an automated system that tracks WIP and gives you a digital, real-time picture of your workflow. Here’s how it works:
a) Attach to the Component
An RFID tag is a rugged and high-temperature tag for a component bin, pallet, or the product itself. These special tags are designed to survive harsh industrial conditions such as solder reflow ovens, paint shops, and wash downs.
b) Readability
Fixed RFID readers are placed strategically at the points of importance, specifically at the beginning of the line, work cell, quality control, and the end. When an item that is tagged is read by a reader, it is identified automatically, and its position is recorded at the time.
c) Analyzation
This location data (in real time) is integrated into your Manufacturing Execution System (MES). With the software, a live image of the overall location of the production floor is displayed, which indicates the position of all jobs and the duration of their stay.
What are the Tangible Benefits We Can Expect?
The effect of such automated visibility is immense:
1. Eliminating the Bottleneck
Instantly view work accumulation. In case one of the components is taking excessive time at a given station, then you can redirect resources or address the problem before it delays a complete order.
2. Reduce Manual Data Entry
Liberate your highly talented employees and get them to work on what adds value. This also guarantees 99.9%+ accuracy of data. Don’t forget to consult with an expert to learn about RFID inventory solutions before installing them.
3. Lead Time Accuracy
Work with exact timestamps of each production phase and, therefore, predict the completion time with accuracy as never before, improving communication and scheduling with customers.
4. Traceability
Build a full digital history of all items, necessary in quality control, recalls, and compliance reporting.
Helpful Tips
- Start by labeling and monitoring the elements of your most valuable or problematic product line. This illustrates a high ROI and momentum.
- Never use an ordinary tag where there should be a rugged high-temperature tag. The tag has to be endurable throughout the path.
- You do not necessarily require a reader in each and every station. Every important process gate should have fixed readers installed, with the most valuable data being captured first.
In making your Work-in-Process visible, you make it manageable. RFID transforms the black box in your assembly line into a transparent, optimized, and intelligent workflow. Test our selection of industrial-grade high-temperature and durable RFID tags, fixed readers, and MES built-in solutions to begin developing a smarter, more responsive factory today.
