RFID Tracking in PCB Manufacturing

Omnitrol Networks and Texas Instruments have formed an alliance that will deliver radio frequency identification (RFID) to enable real-time traceability in applications for printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. These RFID solutions will enable visibility to location, status, and time information on PCB items in the production process. TQ Components is piloting the RFID-enabled PCB tracking solution in Germany. ...

... "The new offering, which integrates Omnitrol Networks' Work-in-Process visibility software and TI's Gen 2 chip technology, provides electronic and contract manufacturers a highly automated method of simultaneously identifying and tracking PCBs from the manufacturing floor to customer delivery. The demand for higher quality, flexibility and efficiency in PCB manufacturing is driving the need for non-line of sight RFID work-in-process tracking that offers several improvements over relatively large, fixed memory barcodes. RFID's small chip size can effectively be used on increasingly scarce board real estate, and its programmable memory allows PCB manufacturers real-time work-in-process visibility into parts, labor and finished goods throughout their manufacturing operations. In addition, RFID solutions provide a highly accurate and comprehensive view of manufacturing data throughout the product lifecycle which can help reduce warranty, safety and liability costs. The complete solution integrates Omnitrol Networks' award-winning Work-In-Process (WIP) visibility software and industrial sensor integration appliance, Gen 2 RFID readers and Texas Instruments' RFID Gen 2 UHF chips." ...

Via Omnitrol: Real-time RFID traceability to printed circuit board manufacturing

OATSystems RFID Solution Tracks Assets and Work-in-Process to Lower Working Capital

OATSystems has implemented its RFID-based Asset Tracking and Work-in-Process Solution at customers, such as Hewlett-Packard Brazil. ...

... "HP Brazil estimates that OAT's new solution has reduced its printer inventory by 17 percent by increasing visibility into the location of its products. Using OATSystems Asset Tracking Solution, HP tracks its printers from their origin on the assembly line through critical transition points to their eventual outbound shipment. HP also uses the system to create product DNA to save unique information on the RFID tag for each printer. By saving information such as install-by dates and testing results, HP tracks and identifies printers returned for repairs under warranty. Having a full record of the printer's history has enabled HP to improve its repair service and allowed it to return printers to customers much more efficiently. Today, the OAT solution is supporting nine RFID-enabled manufacturing and product completion lines producing over three million products annually. " ...

Via OATSystems: HP Brazil Reduces Printer Inventory by 17 Percent