Customer Need

To automatically identify and track, from supplier to incoming thru’ WIP process steps, critical inventory and parts for a batch-processing segment within a large manufacturing operation. The time/date/location stamped transactional data should be available to users on the intranet as well as supplier web sites in real-time.

Sentinel Custom Solution

* 13.56 MHz smart labels with 8 barcodes worth of data
* License plate concept to read multiple items/tags in one pass
* Metal and plastic parts of various sizes tracked using same label
* Multiple parts tagged within the same shipping carton
* 5 read stations continuously polling any boxes to be tracked
* Gang programming software for smart label data load
* Kanban transaction automatically ordered parts at end of assembly process
* Custom 24" square gate antenna panels stand alone or in dual portal mode
* Handheld tag reader for portable pallet read capability
* Handheld data download station to automatically upload data to database
* Oracle/MS Access database interfaces
* Automatically save transactional data on host interfaces (DLLs/APIs) at software-selectable intervals
* Crypto mode and noise cancellation to handle RF noise/interference on shop floor

System Performance Benchmarks

* 216 barcodes worth of data read in 8 seconds (compared to barcode time of > 8 minutes)
* Multi-million dollar projected labor savings and process enhancements via smart-label solution
* Remote firmware/algorithm loading for easy system upgrades
* Remote system tuning for read range, write range and read/write/lock cycling control
* < 10 month system payback/ROI for pilot installation
* RFID data summary auto logged by our custom application software

Other Potential Applications

* Parcel/postal items ID and tracking
* Baggage/hazardous cargo ID, location and tracking
* Printed circuit board ID and tracking