Howard Forryan explains how advances in RFID technology can be utilised to improve manufacturing logistics systems.
One of the key elements of Industry 4.0 is the role of ‘manufacturing logistics’ which can be defined in terms of challenging the existing supply chain management model by using intelligent systems to implement functions such as supplying the line with discrete and accurate quantities of materials; ensuring goods flow on a just-in-time schedule, and faithfully tracking assets and inventory in the warehouse and in transit.
Manufacturing logistics allows data captured from the manufacturing area to be operationalised so that production lines can be adjusted, maintained or re-tooled, based on live information. Automated endpoints of lines can inform inventory and shipping systems, which can, for example, automatically move finished goods to where it needs to be, at the right time.