RFIDdirect Exhibiting at the AIM Live Tracking & Tracing Theatre, 2018 LogiMAT, Stuttgart.
This International Trade Fair for Intralogistics Solutions and Process Management continues to set new standards – being the biggest annual intralogistics exhibition in this central economic hub of Europe. The vision of LogiMAT 2018, is to present a comprehensive market overview and expert knowledge-transfer.
The Stuttgart Region is one of the leading economic areas of the world – the German headquarters of global players such as Daimler, Porsche, Bosch, IBM are based in the region. Being highly export-oriented, the region’s manufacturing companies generate more than half of their sales abroad. It is fitting that making key decisions on future investment are being anticipated in Stuttgart by the solutions LogiMAT is highlighting: logistics equipment, information technologies, innovative products, solutions and systems for procurement, warehouse, production and distribution logistics.
What is RFIDdirect’s involvement with AIM at LogiMAT?
- They were exhibiting at the AIM Tracking & Tracing Theatre (AutoID/Automatic Identification live scenario) – with several guided tours each day (Hall 4 / F05 – opposite the AIM stand).
- AIM stand (Hall 4 / F02) – AIM’s vision is to help its members (and the wider manufacturing and logistics community) grow by fostering cost-effective, progressive use of Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) solutions.
AIM expert forum: AutoID for Logistics 4.0 (Panel C / Hall 4 / Stand C51Rfid
- RFIDdirect are also available for specific consultations, questions and the more general/even tentative enquiries from those who want to contemplate or trial the use of RFID technology.
What to expect from the AIM Tracking & Tracing Theatre (T&TT) and its industry partners?
AIM has joined forces with industry partners and experts to present a scenario with exemplary processes in;
- production
- material flow
- Logistics
Demonstrations are arranged in specific steps to show how moving items are traced using AutoID technology such as RFID, bar codes, 2D codes, RTLS (Real-Time Locating Systems) and sensors. OPC UA (Unified Architecture) is used to clearly illustrate the standardised flow of data for AutoID devices – according to Industry 4.0 reference architecture (RAMI4.0). Also, practical illustrations of how AutoID technologies can function as enabling technologies for Logistics 4.0 (Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things).
AutoID at Work RFIDdirect’s MD Frits van Calker – Helps to Guide You Through the Live Theatre Scenarios
The demonstration is divided into three sectors: Procurement logistics, Production logistics (intralogistics) and Distribution logistics – where examples how AutoID technology can be deployed to optimise, automate and digitise (sub)-processes throughout the entire value chain – from order processing and arrival of incoming goods through to dispatch.
Procurement logistics – e.g. deliveries (e.g. raw materials, upstream products) and how identification, storage, product picking, quality assurance and distribution in the logistics process or the production of assembly processes can be determined with RFID combined with other technologies. Typically represented by a real-time example of RFID pallets (RFID detects loading and generates an EDI document / electronic dispatch notification), stationary and mobile bar-code and RFID readers / antennae system printers for bar codes and RFID, and data communication between stationary and mobile systems and the cloud (for data management and analytics).
Production logistics e.g. how (upstream) products can be additionally processed and conveyed onwards as part of the flow of material (intralogistics). Information about how communication between different objects via the cloud (Cyber Physical Systems). Other solutions and applications highlighted – include read process for metal-filled small load carriers and the concept of an Urban Delivery System: repackaging (interim storage) of goods from large lorries to small transport units (also autonomous RTLS-controlled systems).
AIM also offers a panel of experts – including RFIDdirect
Industry 4.0. is the challenge all companies are currently faced with – whether theoretically or actively involved in research and investing – for future competitiveness – even survival. Processes and solutions need to flexible, specific – even personalised, and the collaboration of AIM T&TT experts and its industry partners – within the wider, logiMAT platform – is primed to help business optimise and streamline processes and logistics effectively. It is, without doubt, Automatic Identification (AutoID) systems and smart sensors form the basis for these essential digitisation processes and for effective data communication between item, machine and personnel.
Moreover, intelligent data acquisition, secure supply chains and real-time location are key components to meet the other crucial challenges are interoperability, integration with software systems, IT security and connections to the cloud. Decision making can only be informed by consistent and accurate scrutiny and any solution requires detailed analysis; RFIDdirect will always build a genuine business case (Return on Investment) when designing a next step suggestion for a fully implemented solution – adding value, but never at any cost, is the real mission and motive of the company’s true ambition.
