RFID Applications in Manufacturing
Rockford, IL client utilizes a tool crib in their manufacturing process, which contains an inventory of over 65,000 precision testing gages and instruments. They asked Fotel to replace their legacy barcode-based tool check-out/check-in system with RFID.
As a manufacturer of civilian and military aircraft engine parts, client is required to keep tool inspections and recalibrations up to date. Tool calibration is expensive, and while tools are being calibrated, they are off-site and unavailable for use.
Fotel recommended an HF system. 
We engineered special plastic inserts to affix the tags to the tools. We also recommended a modification to client’s tool tracking database because of the additional functionality RFID offers over their old barcode system. The old system assigned a serial number to each tool, which provided a look-up to the data base, where all tool lifecycle information was stored, including recalibration information.
The new RFID system has sufficient on-board capacity to allow client to maintain tool lifecycle information with the tool. Now QA personnel can verify tool calibration compliance on the shop floor with a handheld RFID reader.
Client estimates that their RFID tool tracking system saves them at least 50% of their recalibration costs because they no longer send tools out for calibration based on last-test-date data, but rather on how often the tool has been check out and actually used.
For more information about RFID-enabled manufacturing processes, contact Fotel.
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Fotel, Inc. 1125 E. St. Charles Rd., Suite 100 Lombard, IL 60148
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