Industrial Internet of Things technology use - including radio frequency identification or real-time location-based systems (RTLS) - is expected to grow beyond the halfway point throughout the next five years, according to a study conducted by technology company Zebra Technologies.
While the on-demand economy has led to many brick-and-mortar stores declining, NXP Semiconductors reports that omnichannel services continue to grow. Smart supply chain management with advanced tracking and monitoring capabilities enabled by RAIN RFID support both short- and extended-range communication, NXP reports, and are empowering retailers to address a multitude of new use cases.
SSI Schaefer Systems has released an automated system with a modular radio frequency identification-enabled pocket sorter that it is now selling to distribution centers worldwide.
Global aerospace company Boeing has deployed a radio frequency identification system for internal manufacturing purposes at four facilities since 2016, using recently released RFID labels from Fujitsu.
Logistics providers discuss how they're adjusting to major changes brought about by concerns over the economy, shifts in trade policy, the complexities of the omnichannel, rising customer service demands, and the arrival of a new generation of supply-chain managers.
The Honda Manufacturing of Indiana plant in Greensburg is expecting positive results from a radio frequency identification solution that helps its personnel locate vehicles and track progress through its assembly plant. With the system in place, the company says it's been able to eliminate costs associated with car location - and has also reduced dwelling times for vehicles waiting to be shipped.
A tobacco company and a Canadian convenience store chain are beta-testing ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification-based smart-shelf technology to track the stock of goods on store shelves.
RFID platform solution provider Tego, Inc. has released an RFID-based solution for tracking environmental-monitoring components to manage the presence of contaminants in places where vaccines or medications are being made.
O-ring Sales & Service, a Kansas City-based distributor of o-rings and specialized components, is offering its industrial manufacturer customers an RFID-based solution to manage their inventory at manufacturing sites.
PINC, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology company, has begun powering its drones with air-cooled fuel-cell systems provided by Intelligent Energy as an alternative to batteries, in order to offer lower-weight, longer-flight-time solutions that have less impact on the environment. The fuel cells will help enable the use of drones indoors to track inventory and other details about products in the tight quarters of a warehouse.
