The increased demand for greater visibility and inventory tracking across the automotive industry is driving the development of more robust solutions.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology offers powerful data collection capabilities ideal for making business processes faster and easier to manage. As a leader in the automotive industry, it is critical to understand the history of how RFID has been used in manufacturing so that you can leverage its potential today.
In this blog post, we will discuss the critical milestones in RFID’s journey over time, as well as current factors shaping its use on an industrial scale today so you can make informed decisions about your organization’s asset tracking needs.
What Is RFID And How Does It Work?
RFID, or radio-frequency identification, is a technology that allows electronic devices to communicate with each other over short distances.
It works by using a small tag attached to an object that contains electronically stored information, such as a unique RFID serial number, that can be read at a distance. This information is usually stored in the tag’s embedded computer chip which communicates with the reader device through an antenna.
The RFID reader then converts the data into digital form and passes it along to the receiving device, which may be from as far away as several meters/feet, depending on its power output.
RFID has become increasingly popular for use in access control, security systems, inventory tracking, and asset management. Thanks to this unique technology, operations can now be carried out more efficiently without having to count items manually or scan barcodes repeatedly.
The Early Use Of RFID In The Automotive Manufacturing Industry
In the United States, RFID found an early niche in the automotive manufacturing industry, providing an efficient and reliable way to store and track parts used in vehicle assembly.
RFID tags allowed cars to be digitally ‘tagged’ with unique ID codes rather than physical barcodes or labels, creating a much faster workflow when it came to tracking motor vehicle components.
RFID also drastically improved efficiency by negating the need for manual searches across all stages of automotive production lines running.
Since RFID technology quickly proved its usefulness, many more applications have been explored in the years since its initial implementation.
RFID chips are now used for a variety of purposes in the auto industry, from warning lights that can alert technicians to particular problems in a timely manner to automated systems that can correctly track inventory levels across production lines.
How Has The Use Of RFID Technology Transformed Automotive Manufacturing?
RFID has emerged as one of the most critical technologies in vehicle manufacturing processes.
RFID technology was initially introduced in the automotive industry to automate the inventory process and eliminate human errors, but it has evolved far beyond that initial use.
RFID technology is now utilized for production tracking, part identification, documenting quality control tracking, metal racking management, and traceability. RFID systems can accurately read and record data from RFID tags throughout a car’s journey from components to completion.
RFID technology also provides visibility into supply chain operations while streamlining overall production processes, helping manufacturers keep up with increased demand.
By synchronizing production flow, RFID systems have allowed automotive manufacturers to increase their efficiency and accuracy levels while reducing costs, making them more competitive in an ever-evolving industry.
The Limitations Of RFID Technology In Automotive Manufacturing
RFID technology in industrial manufacturing can significantly speed up production and reduce manual labor. However, it is not without its challenges.
The RFID tags used must be durable enough to withstand the extreme pressures and temperatures of car assembly. They also require a substantial amount of battery power, making integration into existing machines difficult and costly.
Furthermore, RFID systems can be vulnerable to RF jamming, particularly in crowded spaces where RF signals are easily blocked or distorted, rendering the RFID system unusable.
Finally, RFID tags have a limited range of data transmission, which means they are unable to capture more detailed information when used at a distance.
For these reasons, RFID technology has proven to be somewhat limited when used within a car manufacturing environment; however, by understanding these limitations, manufacturers can maximize RFID’s effectiveness and get the most out of their investment.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): The Future Of IoT Technology In Automotive Manufacturing
RFID technology has long been used in automotive manufacturing, but as we mentioned above, the technology has limitations when it comes to distance, accuracy, and the amount of data transferred.
As a result, the automotive manufacturing sector is seeing more and more companies turn to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) as a superior technology and solution to the limitations that come with RFID.
BLE has a much greater range than RFID, with some beacons being able to reach up to 200 meters away. It also allows for much more data to be sent than RFID, making it an ideal choice for larger applications such as automotive manufacturing.
Additionally, because BLE does not require energy-extensive infrastructure such as antennas or media readers, it is much simpler and cost-effective compared to RFID implementation.
Furthermore, BLE supports both iOS and Android mobile devices, making them remotely accessible from anywhere multiple different devices can be connected easily.
These tangible advantages make it clear why BLE is increasingly seen as the future of IoT technology in automotive manufacturing.
Explore IoT Solutions For Automotive Manufacturing With Radiant
RFID technology has undeniably revolutionized the automotive manufacturing industry.
Through RFID technology, manufacturers are now able to track their parts and components much more efficiently in real time than ever before. No matter how big or small the project is, RFID technology can be used to provide up-to-date results of the progress.
Moving forward, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is set to expand what’s already possible for automotive manufacturing. Utilizing BLE will enable a streamlined solution for tracking products from start to finish while also saving manufacturers millions of dollars annually.
Ultimately, RFID technology has been an enormous benefit for the automotive industry due to its ability to monitor products continuously on the go. By combining this with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), we’re able to create IoT solutions that have never been seen before in this field of work.
At Radiant, we understand the importance of staying on top of technological advancements in the automotive manufacturing industry, and that’s why we offer cutting-edge IoT solutions tailored specifically to your needs.
So if you want to maximize efficiency and reap all of the benefits that come with these IoT technologies, then don’t wait – explore our IoT asset tracking solution and request your demo below.
Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Radiant