The positive impact of Industry 4.0 networking on the overall production process is identified as consistent transparency throughout production. When networking is successful, this type of transparent production provides an overview of all production and logistics processes along the entire supply chain, right through to order fulfillment and delivery to the customer. This reduces material and resource consumption and optimizes the production and delivery networks as a whole. Intelligent track and trace solutions generate data and information that enable seamless detection, identification, and traceability of products and materials in the networked process chain.
Seamlessly networked: Every product firmly in sight
Track and trace solutions can be implemented using a wide range of different technologies. When it comes to achieving the best possible reading performance and system integration, the choice of identification technology varies depending on the respective requirements. In Smart Factories, RFID and programmable cameras are the most popular choice as Industry 4.0-compatible solutions. The sensor technology along the production chain uses the data cards to directly detect which assembly steps are to be initiated, thereby ensuring comprehensive transparency right through to delivery.
Transparency for every process
Today’s intelligent sensor solutions are not just about recording reality accurately, but also about processing the information in the sensor. For example, thanks to a flexible output format, the data output can be adjusted exactly to suit requirements by setting and linking the logical conditions. In light of all this, each technology will continue to have its place in the future: RFID, for example, makes it possible to read and write data and therefore reuse the data cards. It also does not require direct “visual contact”. Image-based code readers, on the other hand, are able to read 2D codes and plain text. Any stored images can be archived and analyzed.
Product selection
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