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Automated laundry management and textile management with Kathrein UHF RFID technology

Intelligent textile logistics for efficient laundry management 

With Kathrein Solutions' advanced UHF RFID technology, we transform laundry management into a transparent, efficient and hygienically flawless process. Our systems not only maximize process transparency, but also lead to clear cost structures in laundry management. In addition, employee satisfaction is improved through ease of use.

ABOUT AUTOMATED LAUNDRY MANAGEMENT 

WHAT IS Automated Laundry Management with RFID?
ADVANTAGES of textile management with RFID

Automated textile management in laundry management with RFID technology is an advanced system that optimizes the entire process of handling, tracking and managing textiles, especially in large-scale environments such as hospitals, hotels and other facilities. This technology uses radio frequency identification (RFID) to quickly and accurately identify and locate individual textile items, enabling efficient textile inventory management.

  • Transparency and efficiency: Real-time monitoring of textile stocks and automated documentation of laundry statuses.
  • Cost reduction: Reduction of inventories and associated storage costs.
  • Ease of use: Intuitive operation of the systems and easy access to workwear.
  • Flexible application: Adaptable solutions for every company size and different industries.
  • Compliance with hygiene standards: Seamless monitoring of the respective status to ensure compliance with hygiene regulations.
  •  

Areas of application

Whether in hospitals, workshops, construction companies, cruise ships or hotels - Kathrein RFID solutions optimize the management of workwear, protective equipment (PPE) and other textiles. With RFID-tagged textiles, the classic laundry management process becomes a transparent and efficient system that eliminates misallocations and enables cost savings.

How laundry management with RFID works

The functionality of automated textile management in laundry management with RFID technology is revolutionizing the way textiles are managed in large facilities such as hospitals, hotels or care homes. By integrating RFID (radio frequency identification) into the entire laundry cycle, the process of inventory, tracking and management is significantly simplified and optimized.

1

RFID tags on textiles

Each textile is provided with a small, inconspicuous RFID tag. This tag contains specific information about the item, such as type, size and material. These tags are durable and wash-resistant, so they can withstand the intensive cleaning processes in the laundry.

2

Data transmission and acquisition

The RFID tags communicate wirelessly with RFID readers installed at strategic points throughout the laundry management process. When a textile item with an RFID tag comes close to a reader, the stored data is automatically recorded and transmitted to the central management system.

3

Central data management

The central system collects and stores the data of all recorded textiles in real time. This provides an immediate overview of the current location of each individual item, whether it is in the laundry, in the warehouse or already in use.

4

Automated stock control

By continuously recording and transferring data, the entire inventory is updated automatically and in real time. This reduces the need for manual stocktaking and minimizes the error rate.

5

Optimized workflow

Employees can use the RFID system to quickly and easily access information about the textiles, which speeds up the workflow considerably. The data collected can also be used to create reports that help to optimize laundry management.

What is a Smart Cabinet?

A smart cabinet, also known as an intelligent linen cabinet, is an automated storage system equipped with RFID technology to monitor and manage the inventory of textiles or other materials in real time. These cabinets are particularly useful in environments where precise and efficient management of workwear or other reusable items is required, such as hospitals, hotels, factories and large companies. Smart Cabinets offer seamless integration into existing operations, helping companies to increase efficiency, reduce costs and ensure compliance with hygiene standards.


How a Smart Cabinet works

  1. RFID technology: Each item of clothing or object in the Smart Cabinet is provided with an RFID tag that enables unique identification. These tags are automatically detected by the RFID readers integrated in the cabinet.

  2. Automatic inventory management: When an item is removed or returned, the system updates the stock in real time. This provides an immediate overview of all available items and minimizes the need for manual inventories.

  3. User authorization: Access to the Smart Cabinet can be controlled using various security methods such as RFID cards, PIN codes or biometric scanners. This ensures that only authorized persons have access and protects valuable or sensitive materials from unauthorized access.

  4. Notifications and reports: The system can be programmed to generate automatic notifications or reports when certain events occur, such as an item reaching a low stock level or not being returned. These reports can be used to analyze and optimize inventory management.

What our partners and customers say

Axess AG

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 specially developed by Kathrein for Axess have made a major contribution to shortening waiting times at access points and passages in the resorts, optimizing customer flows and at the same time always using the latest technologies in ticketing. - AXESS

Project Manager Digital Transformation, PERI

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 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: a large loss of time due to manual scanning and booking of goods, high error rates and ultimately inefficient processes. Leiner GmbH also faced this challenge. The medium-sized company from Bavaria has been producing high-quality awnings and shading systems for the...
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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. These so-called self-service solutions are particularly useful for optimizing textile logistics. The aim is to use UHF RFID technology and intelligent laundry dispensing cabinets to provide employees with the right amount of workwear around the clock....
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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. With this alternative energy, greenhouse emissions can be significantly reduced and climate protection targets achieved more quickly. Until now, drivers have used plastic cards at filling stations to authenticate their vehicles when refueling their buses. In the everyday life of bus drivers...
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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 the historical connection between the two companies and the knowledge of KATHREIN's many years of expertise in the development of antennas and electronics." - Jochen Vogt, COO, Managing Director of IKO Sportartikel Handels GmbH Taking the best trail ...
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FAQ - Automated laundry management and textile management with RFID technology

How does laundry management work with Kathrein RFID solutions?

RFID-tagged textiles are automatically recorded by RFID gates and readers, which eliminates mismatching, prevents losses and enables precise inventory control and process optimization.

In which areas can RFID technology be used for textile management?

Kathrein's RFID technology is versatile and suitable for hospitals, workshops, construction companies, cruise ships, hotels and wherever textile logistics play a role.

What are the benefits of RFID laundry management in the healthcare sector?

In the healthcare sector, RFID ensures germ-free textile management, cost optimization and minimizes the risk of cross-contamination through contactless processes.

What are the advantages of decentralized enclosure solutions?

Decentralized locker solutions offer efficient distribution of workwear directly at the point of use, reduce travel times and provide a real-time overview of the laundry inventory.

How does RFID improve efficiency in laundry management?

RFID technology automates the tracking of laundry and textiles, reducing manual counting processes and the associated susceptibility to errors. This leads to faster processing and more accurate inventory management.

Can RFID help to extend the life of textiles? 

Yes, RFID enables precise tracking of the frequency of use and washing cycles of each individual textile item, which leads to optimum utilization and timely replacement of textiles.

How does RFID contribute to improving hygiene standards?

 RFID enables contactless handling of laundry, providing hygienic management that can prevent cross-contamination, particularly important in areas such as healthcare.

Is RFID technology cost-effective for smaller businesses?

Even smaller businesses can benefit from RFID, as the technology is scalable and can be adapted to suit individual needs and budgets.

Can RFID systems be integrated into existing laundry management software?

Yes, modern RFID systems are generally compatible with existing laundry management software solutions and can be configured for seamless integration.

Can RFID also support inventory and loss management? 

Yes, RFID offers real-time tracking, which means that inventories can be carried out quickly and accurately and lost items can be identified and traced more easily.

How environmentally friendly is RFID in laundry management? 

By optimizing the laundry cycle and reducing waste, RFID contributes to a greener operation and can reduce a company's environmental footprint.

What training measures are necessary for the introduction of an RFID system in laundry management? 

The operation of RFID systems is generally user-friendly. However, training is recommended to ensure that all employees can use the new technology effectively.

Can RFID tags be used in all types of textiles?

 RFID tags can be used in a wide range of textiles. They are designed to withstand normal washing and cleaning processes without affecting the textiles or their handling.

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