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REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR MATERIAL FLOW WITH RFID-SUPPORTED E-KANBAN

As a production or warehouse manager, you need to ensure that materials are available on time and that production lines run smoothly. There is no time for cumbersome processes or manual stock checks. With E-Kanban, you have a clear overview of material stock and production requirements at all times. The system provides real-time visibility and automation so you can respond immediately to replenishment requests. Where are the materials located? Which stocks need to be replenished? With E-Kanban, you have everything under control and can plan and use your resources efficiently.

ABOUT E-KANBAN

WHAT IS E-KANBAN?
ADVANTAGES OF E-KANBAN WITH RFID

E-Kanban is a digital extension of the traditional Kanban system, which originally comes from lean production. It uses electronic communication tools and data processing technologies to control and optimize the flow of materials and production in real time. In contrast to physical Kanban cards, e-Kanban offers an automated and transparent solution for managing inventories and production orders.

  • Real-time transparencyImmediate recording and transfer of information on material stocks and production requirements; leads to improved transparency and proactive stock control.
  • Increased efficiencyAutomation of replenishment processes and reduction of manual intervention; increases efficiency in production and warehouse management, shortens throughput times and optimizes the use of resources.
  • Cost reductionAvoidance of excess stock and prevention of bottlenecks; more precise control of material flows reduces storage costs and improves capital commitment.
  • Flexibility and scalabilityAdaptability to changing production requirements; scalable for small and large companies.
  • Improved communicationDigital networking facilitates communication between departments and locations; promotes better collaboration and coordination along the supply chain.

FUNCTIONAL MODE

In an e-kanban system with RFID, RFID tags are attached to containers or products that store unique identification data. RFID readers automatically capture this data when the tags come into proximity. The captured information is transmitted in real time to a central e-kanban system that is integrated with ERP and MRP systems. This enables continuous monitoring of stock levels and material flow.

The system automatically triggers replenishment requests, either for ordering from suppliers or for internal production, if the stock falls below defined threshold values. This automation reduces manual intervention and optimizes the replenishment process. RFID technology offers fast and precise stock control. 

PROCESS FLOW E-KANBAN

This process flow includes tagging, recording and data transfer, continuous stock monitoring and automated replenishment requests. Thanks to seamless integration with ERP and MRP systems, this system ensures efficient and transparent management of stock levels, avoiding bottlenecks and optimizing production processes.
1

Tagging

Initially, RFID tags are attached to containers, products or storage locations. These tags store specific identification data that is required for inventory control and tracking.

 

2

Detection by readers

RFID readers, which are strategically installed in the warehouse or production area, automatically capture the data from the RFID tags as soon as they come within range. The readers read the information without a direct line of sight and also capture several tags simultaneously.

3

Data transmission

The recorded information is transferred in real time to the central E-Kanban system. This system is integrated into the existing ERP and MRP systems to ensure seamless processing and management of inventory data.

4

Inventory monitoring

The E-Kanban system continuously monitors stock levels and compares them with the defined threshold values. If a stock level falls below the defined value, the system automatically generates a replenishment request.

5

Automated replenishment requests

Replenishment requests can be made in the form of orders to external suppliers or as internal production orders. This process takes place automatically and ensures that the required materials are available on time.

6

Data analysis and reporting

All recorded data is stored in central databases. The system offers comprehensive analysis tools and dashboards that enable users to monitor stock movements, identify bottlenecks and evaluate the efficiency of warehouse and production processes.

7

Updating the inventory data

Once replenishment requests or production orders have been executed, the stock data is updated in the system, ensuring that an up-to-date overview of stock levels is always available.

 

Cost savings through E-Kanban with RFID

E-Kanban systems with RFID technology offer significant cost savings in warehouse and production management. By automating data capture and real-time monitoring of inventory, the need for manual stocktaking is reduced, cutting labor costs. Accurate inventory control avoids overstocking and shortages, reducing storage costs and capital tie-up. In addition, accurate tracking of materials minimizes losses and misposting. Overall, the use of RFID technology in e-kanban systems leads to more efficient use of resources and lower operating costs, which increases a company's profitability and competitiveness.

What our partners and customers say

 

With Kathrein Solutions as our technology partner for the integration of HF, UHF and BLE in our access gates, we have been able to develop our product to the latest technical standards over the last two decades.

The various special developments of antennas, electronic modules and transponders have enabled us to continuously adapt our Axess gates to the requirements of mountain tourism.

The components developed by Kathrein especially for Axess have contributed greatly to shortening waiting times at entrances and passages in the resorts, optimizing customer flows and at the same time always using the latest technologies in ticketing.

Josef Fischer, Head of Product Development, AXESS

   

We can look back with pride on the past and all that we have achieved in close cooperation with Kathrein Solutions, look back on. One of the biggest hurdles, the development of a dual-frequency transponder suitable for the formwork market and its products, was overcome in the excellent joint development work. 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

CASE STUDIES

Case Study | RFID Gate at Leiner GmbH's outgoing goods department - automated object detection for a transparent material flow

Nov 2024
Long search times due to manual processes The consequences of a lack of digitalization of logistics processes quickly become apparent in many companies: major loss of time...
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Case Study | Textile Management: Decentralized textile distribution

Aug 2024
Challenge: Intelligent laundry dispensing cabinets KEMAS, a Saxon company, is a leading provider of process-oriented vending machine solutions for customers and employees based on RFID technology....
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Case Study | Accelerated refueling of a bus fleet with RFID

Jul 2024
Time lost at the biogas filling station The public transport operator uses methane (LNG and CNG) as fuel for its bus fleet ....
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Case Study | Corratec E-Bike Tracking

Jun 2024
Track and Trace of e-bikes supported by Apple Find My network "The decision to work with KATHREIN was based on...
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Case Study | RFID Gate at Leiner GmbH's outgoing goods department - automated object detection for a transparent material flow

Nov 2024
Long search times due to manual processes The consequences of a lack of digitalization of logistics processes quickly become apparent in many companies: a large loss of time due to manual scanning and booking of goods, high error rates and ultimately inefficient processes. Before this
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FAQ: Frequently asked questions about RFID in healthcare

What is E-Kanban?

E-Kanban is a digital Kanban system that uses electronic signals to manage material stocks and production requirements in real time. It replaces physical Kanban cards with automated data capture and processing.

How does E-Kanban with RFID work?

RFID tags on products or containers are read by RFID readers, which transmit the data to a central system in real time. This system manages stock information and automatically triggers replenishment requests if stock levels fall below thresholds.

What are the advantages of E-Kanban with RFID?

E-Kanban with RFID provides real-time visibility, reduces manual intervention, improves inventory control and lowers storage and operating costs. It ensures efficient resource planning and minimizes stock-outs and overstocks.

Can E-Kanban be integrated with existing ERP systems?

Yes, e-Kanban systems are often integrated with existing ERP and MRP systems, allowing for seamless data processing and optimized inventory management.

DOCUMENTS & GUIDELINES

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