RFID solutions for the automotive sector and the manufacturing industry

Efficiency plays a crucial role in the fast-moving automotive and manufacturing industries. Innovative technologies such as RFID and RTLS from Kathrein Solutions enable companies to optimize their production and logistics processes. These technologies not only offer improved transparency and control, but also the ability to react quickly to dynamic market demands.

Thanks to our extensive experience and in-depth industry knowledge, we offer customized solutions tailored to the specific needs of the automotive and manufacturing industries. With strong partnerships and a leading position in the market, we help you to improve your operations and reduce costs.

Efficient inventory management
RFID provides accurate and automated inventory management that enables real-time tracking of materials and components. This reduces stock-outs and overstocks by automating accurate inventory management and reordering. This allows companies to minimize storage costs and improve capital commitment.

Production optimization
The technologies from Kathrein Solutions support improved production planning and control. Through real-time monitoring of production processes, throughput times can be shortened and productivity increased. The early identification of bottlenecks helps to minimize production downtimes, which increases efficiency and reduces costs.

Quality assurance
RFID enables seamless traceability of components throughout the entire production process. This ensures compliance with high quality standards and enables faulty parts to be quickly identified and traced. This ensures continuous product quality.

Cost savings
By automating processes and reducing manual intervention, workloads are lowered. This leads to a reduction in storage costs and minimizes waste and rework. The more efficient use of resources makes a significant contribution to reducing operating costs.

Transparency and traceability
RFID technologies improve transparency along the entire supply chain. Companies receive real-time monitoring and documentation of the movement of materials and products, which makes traceability much easier in the event of recalls and complaints.

Automation and integration
Our solutions integrate seamlessly into existing ERP and production systems, support just-in-time and just-in-sequence delivery processes and enable the automated identification and tracking of production orders. This optimizes the entire production chain and increases flexibility.

Security and theft protection
Real-time monitoring of stock levels using RFID protects against theft and loss. Particularly in the automotive and manufacturing industries, the protection of high-value components and equipment is a decisive factor for business success.

 

The advantages at a glance

Increased transparency

Improved quality assurance: Faster and more accurate availability of production information and tools.

Real-time tracking of materials and components

Increase in process quality

Increased efficiency

Increase stock accuracy

Applications in the automotive and manufacturing industries

E-KanBan

The eKanBan system uses RFID to automate replenishment control and material provision.

Load carrier management

RFID solutions are revolutionizing the management of load carriers by recording the exact location and status of load carriers at all times.

Tire tracking

With RFID-based tire tracking, companies can monitor the status and usage of tires.

Floor conveyor systems

RFID and RTLS technology improves the control and monitoring of floor conveyor systems by enabling precise tracking and efficient management of movements within the warehouse.

Dock Door / RFID Gate

By using RFID gates on dock doors, companies can automate and secure incoming and outgoing goods, which increases efficiency and reduces errors.

Shipment Verification

RFID solutions for shipment verification ensure accurate and fast verification of outgoing and incoming goods, minimizing shipping errors.

Further RFID and RTLS applications for the manufacturing and automotive industries

Incoming and outgoing goods

RFID-tagged items enable automated recording of incoming and outgoing goods. RFID readers located at the transition between two process steps identify and register goods, which speeds up and simplifies incoming and outgoing goods processes. The direction of movement of the goods and containers is recorded directly from the RFID signals.  

Transportation and replenishment control

RFID technology improves the tracking of parts and components along the entire supply chain and during the production process, which increases efficiency and quality. It ensures that the required parts are always in the right place at the right time. In addition, RFID optimizes internal transport and replenishment by enabling precise control of the material flow and efficiently supporting demand-driven replenishment processes such as eKanBan.

Assembly lines 

RFID technology integrated into assembly lines enables seamless monitoring of components and vehicles throughout the entire assembly process. This solution offers real-time visibility of production progress and helps to optimize manufacturing processes. 

Tool management  

RFID-supported tool management secures and manages valuable tools and equipment in production. By automating inventory management, tools are quickly localized and their availability is increased. 

Vehicle distribution 

The use of RTLS in vehicle distribution makes the logistics of finished vehicles from the assembly line to the dealer more transparent and efficient. This solution offers real-time tracking and optimizes the entire supply chain, thereby shortening delivery times. 

Component authentication and identification  

Secure authentication and identification solutions ensure that only tested and authorized components are used in production. This protects against counterfeiting and increases the safety and quality of the end products. 

Quality control in real time 

By integrating RFID technology, companies can monitor quality assurance throughout the entire manufacturing process. Sensors and tags enable immediate feedback on production errors or deviations from quality standards. 

Maintenance management of systems and machines 

RFID can be used to monitor the condition and performance of machines. By tracking running times and maintenance intervals, preventive maintenance work can be planned and unplanned downtimes minimized. 

Warehousing and supply chain automation 

By using RFID and RTLS, warehouse and supply chain processes can be automated, resulting in better inventory control and greater efficiency. 

Yard & Lot Management 

Real-time tracking of vehicles and load carriers on factory premises and in storage areas. This enables increased transparency and efficient coordination of logistics processes. 

Fleet management 

Whether for commercial vehicle fleets, public transport, airports or car and bicycle rental: RFID solutions reduce costs and administrative effort, even for complex fleet management requirements.

Warehouse management

RFID facilitates inventory management by providing real-time information on every item in the warehouse. Automated shelf and storage location management leads to improved utilization of storage space and efficient warehousing. 

Order picking 

RFID technology enables precise and fast picking by directly identifying the goods on the shelf. Systems such as pick-by-RFID optimize the picking process, reduce errors and increase speed. 

WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE KATHREIN SOLUTIONS AND OUR PARTNERS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RFID AND RTLS IN HEALTHCARE?

  • Many years of experience: As a renowned provider of RFID and RTLS solutions, both Kathrein Solutions and our trusted partners have extensive experience and expertise in the healthcare sector. You can rely on our proven track record in RFID implementations.
  • Customized solutions: We are aware that every medical facility has its own requirements and challenges. That's why we offer customized solutions that are specifically tailored to the needs of your facility. Our goal is to provide you with the most effective and efficient solution for your healthcare environment.
  • Integration and scalability: Our solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing systems and infrastructures. We ensure a smooth integration process so you can reap the benefits of RFID and RTLS technology without interruption. They also scale easily to meet the changing needs and growth of your facility.
  • Reliable technology: Our RFID and RTLS systems are based on reliable and precise technology that enables accurate detection and monitoring in real time.
  • Security and data protection: We place the highest value on the security of your data. Our solutions are equipped with robust security mechanisms to ensure the protection of sensitive information.
  • Support and training: We are committed to your success. Together with our partners, we provide comprehensive support and training to assist you throughout the implementation process. We offer consulting, customization options and ongoing maintenance to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of our solutions.
  • Made in Germany

Rely on Kathrein Solutions' RFID and RTLS solutions to improve efficiency, safety and patient care in your healthcare environment. Contact us today to learn more about our customized solutions and how we can help you overcome healthcare challenges. Together, we are creating a better future for healthcare.

Don't just take our word for it, listen to what customers and partners have to say about our solutions:


   

"We can look back with some pride on the time that has passed and all that we have achieved in close cooperation with Kathrein Solutions. One of the biggest hurdles, the development of a dual-frequency transponder suitable for the formwork market and its products, was overcome thanks to the excellent joint development work. Thanks to this solution, we were able to make a huge leap forward with our formwork, which means that we now have all options open in terms of IoT. As a result, we are confident that we can continue to provide our customers with first-class products. Kathrein has been and will continue to be a very competent partner for us in all steps of IoT solutions, from development to implementation in the production processes."

Wolfgang Span, Senior Global Digital Solution Manager - Identification & Tracking, PERI

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about RFID in logistics

What is RFID and how is it used in the automotive and manufacturing industries?

RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) is a technology that enables the automatic identification and localization of objects using radio waves. In logistics, RFID tags are attached to goods, which are then captured by RFID readers to track information such as the location, status and movement of the objects in real time. These are these RFID TAGs without their own power supply and are only activated via the existing antenna field.

What advantages does RFID offer for inventory management in the manufacturing industry?

RFID offers precise and automated inventory management, reduces out-of-stocks and overstocks and optimizes reordering. This leads to lower storage costs and improves capital commitment.

How does RFID contribute to production optimization?

RFID improves production planning and control through real-time data, shortens throughput times and increases productivity. It helps to minimize production downtimes by identifying bottlenecks at an early stage.

Can RFID improve quality assurance?

Yes, RFID enables the complete traceability of components, ensures compliance with quality standards and facilitates the rapid identification and tracing of faulty parts.

What cost savings can be expected through the use of RFID?

RFID reduces workload through automation, lowers storage costs and minimizes rejects and rework. These efficiency gains lead to significant cost savings.

How can RFID be integrated into existing systems in the automotive and manufacturing industries?

RFID technologies can be seamlessly integrated into existing ERP and production systems. This supports just-in-time and just-in-sequence processes and enables the automated identification and tracking of production orders.

What are the challenges of implementing RFID in the manufacturing industry?

The challenges include the initial costs for hardware and software, integration into existing systems and staff training. In the long term, however, these investments pay for themselves through efficiency gains and cost savings.