The manufacturing industry was one of the first to leverage RFID technology to improve operational efficiency. Traditionally RFID has been used to track goods through the supply chain and shorten time-to-market. Embedded RFID refers to the activity whereby manufacturers enclose a RFID reader seamlessly into a device to give it new or additional functionality.
For example, a vending machine that is manufactured to include RFID as a feature by placing a reader directly into the console can then gather and deliver data via a network connection -- such as when an item is running low and when the machine is failing to work properly. When integrated with intelligent software, raw data can be turned into business intelligence, such as accurately predicting what day and time an item is likely to run out.
In addition to the many product enhancement benefits embedded RFID offers to manufacturers, it can also be used to improve accuracy in manufacturing processes and assure products are used as intended by consumers.
SkyeTek's embedded RFID solutions for access control, asset tracking, inventory management and product authentication offer new opportunities for manufacturers to increase operational efficiency and accuracy, including:
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Control access to restricted areas
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Track and manage personnel access to and use of equipment
- Locate and monitor usage of specialized tools and devices
- Ensure finished goods reach store shelves when restocks are needed
- Align supply creation to real-time and predicted changes in demand
- Assure consumer safety by timely removal of expired products from circulation
- Design products with increased personalization and customizable functionality
- Enforce placement obligations
- Protect against theft
- Lower assembly errors when parts will only work when assembled in the correct order
- Eliminate counterfeited and knock-off consummables (printer inks, industrial filters, etc) by manufacturing the product to only accept authenticated companion products.
SkyeTek's extremely small, cost-effective, high performance reader modules and flexible, intelligent software can be embedded in almost any product. Once a product includes RFID as a feature it has an unprecedented level of intelligence and is able to share that information via network software with other back-end systems.
SkyeTek also provides professional services to assist with tag selection, module integration, antenna design and tuning, and regulatory certification.