Project Overview

Wattro GMBH is a company that helps businesses gain complete transparency and control over their entire inventory of tools and equipment. For example, this applies to companies in the trades, manufacturing industry and numerous other sectors. Their solution tackles the common challenges faced by companies with numerous tools: time wasted searching for equipment, losing track of assets and difficulty managing maintenance schedules.

Cisper is an international distributor with special expertise in Data Collection, providing an extensive product range including TSL RFID Modules and Handheld Readers, as well as market insights and technical support.

Challenge

Companies with a large number of tools and equipment, particularly those with employees who take tools to off-site projects, often struggle with chaotic management systems, leading to lost or misplaced assets, interrupted workflows and increased costs due to the need for replacements. Traditional tracking methods, required manual scanning of QR codes for each tool, a process often overlooked by workers focused on completing their jobs rather than on administrative tasks. This led to a chaotic management system, with tools getting lost, no accountability for damaged items, and a general lack of organization. The main issue was the impracticality of existing solutions that relied heavily on manual input, which was often neglected, resulting in inefficiency and increased operational costs. 

The Solution

Wattro’s solution revolutionizes asset tracking with an RFID-based system that automates the entire process. The cornerstone of Wattro’s innovation is its RFID scan terminal, powered by the TSL 3417 RAIN module, which automatically recognizes tools as they are taken out or returned. This integration simplifies the check-in and check-out process to a simple tap, eliminating the need for manual scanning and reliance on smartphones, thereby streamlining the asset management process significantly.

This system consists of a cloud-based platform, accessible through both smartphone and desktop apps, where all tool-related information is meticulously stored and readily accessible. A patented algorithm enhances the system’s precision, utilizing the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) and phase values from the TSL RAIN module for unparalleled accuracy in tool identification.

Their RFID asset management solution provides complete transparency over the entire inventory, accessible from anywhere, at any time. It automatically detects which tools are leaving the warehouse and emits a loud warning tone if the check-out is forgotten. Tools are recognized via radio frequency as they leave the warehouse, enabled by marking the inventory with RFID tags.

To track a variety of tools, Wattro uses a set of five standard tags designed for both metal and non-metal items, considering size and application. Each tool is equipped with two strategically placed tags for reliable detection. The Wattro terminal is positioned at the warehouse exit, identifying the RFID tags on devices and machinery. This setup ensures full control over everything that enters or leaves, streamlining the asset management process.

Wattro chose TSL 3417 Four Port UHF RFID RAIN Reader Modules for their cost-effectiveness, advanced features and reliability. Excellent customer support from TSL helped make integration smooth and operations seamless.

TSL’s high performance RAIN UHF reader module family can be integrated into innovative solutions including mobile, battery-operated handheld and wearable devices. Applications include asset tracking/inventory management, automation, safety and compliance, personnel tracking and authentication, in industries ranging from retail, healthcare and hospitality to transport and logistics and warehouse and distribution.

Result

The implementation of Wattro’s RFID solution has significantly benefited its clients, notably in the craft industry, by drastically reducing the time spent searching for tools, from an average of 5-10 minutes per worker per day to about two minutes. Moreover, it has addressed the issue of losing tools and the associated costs, with businesses saving costs annually on unnecessary replacements. The system’s efficiency and ease of use have been well-received, with companies like Flex and Heinrich Schmid among Wattro’s satisfied clients, showcasing the solution’s applicability across different scales and sectors.

Conclusion

Wattro‘s introduction of RFID technology for managing assets has created a new benchmark not just in the craft sector, but in other industries as well. By automating the tracking process and ensuring efficient management of tools and equipment, Wattro has not only improved operational efficiency but also helps achieve substantial cost savings. The comprehensive visibility over inventory, combined with real-time updates and streamlined device requests, minimizes delays and optimizes the management of inspections and certifications. 

About

Wattro was founded in 2019 with the aim of completely digitizing and automating device management processes. They have patented and are already supplying their innovative system for automatic device management. For more information on their products and services, visit them at www.wattro.de or contact Wattro here.

Cisper is an international distributor of Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) products and systems. The company, with its head office in the Netherlands, focuses on sales of RFID hardware and tags to system integrators/resellers in Europe, Turkey, the Middle East and Africa.

The post Wattro Asset Management appeared first on Technology Solutions (UK) Ltd.

Project Overview

Lindström is a family-owned textile service company operating in 22 countries across Europe and Asia. The organization offers a wide range of textile services that includes everything from workwear, cleanroom textiles, mats, industrial wipers and washroom products to textiles for hotels, restaurants and healthcare. Founded 175 years ago in Helsinki, Finland, Lindström’s vision for 2025 is to be a forerunner in providing more sustainable, easy-to-use textile services with a focus on customer service excellence.

Challenge

In tandem with its aggressive sustainability goals, Lindström prioritizes investments and strategies that improve customer experience through simplified, accessible services. Digitization is an important component to drive transparency, optimize operational efficiencies and offer conveniences that help the company stand out from the competition.

At any given moment, Lindström may have 12 million pieces of workwear in circulation across 200 industries in several countries, so a robust tracking solution would provide greater transparency and eliminate potential errors and disparities related to the final delivered product.

“It’s a complex operation, and without a standardized, digital tracking infrastructure in place, it is not surprising that errors would occur,” said Taneli Ranki, Head of Delivery Services for Lindström. “We essentially needed a solution that could deliver the equivalent of real-time inventory tracking similar to what someone would expect from one of the large global courier services. This would ensure we could accurately confirm with customers that everything had been delivered as agreed.”

Additionally, greater transparency into delivered goods would significantly reduce operational inefficiencies. Without digital tracking in place, for example, customer service representatives had to manually check whether the right items had been delivered when questions arose.

Solution

Lindström needed a solution that would meet specific requirements to read millions of garments monthly: it needed to be functional — not to mention portable and durable — and integrate with the company’s existing technologies, including bar codes.
Additionally, the solution must comply with different regulatory requirements across multiple countries and cities. Attractive cost, warranty plans and technical support were also important considerations.

After field-testing solutions from a narrow list of vendors, Lindström selected TSL 1153 UHF RFID RAIN Reader, from Technology Solutions (UK) Ltd, part of HID. The TSL 1153 reader features an ergonomic and lightweight design, with high-performance data collection capabilities, thanks to its powerful microprocessor and outstanding motion tolerance. It communicates via Bluetooth® with a variety of display devices such as phones or tablets to collect the data read.
Not only did the TSL readers exceed expectations in terms of portability and ergonomics, but HID’s global presence were an advantage in terms of local technical support and shipping logistics.
The TSL 1153 mobile readers are now used by delivery service representatives to read millions of delivered and picked up garments at customer sites.

Lindstrom scanning textiles using TSL Mobile UHF RFID Reader

The 1153 Bluetooth^® Wearable UHF RFID Reader

Result

Today, Lindström and its customers are benefitting from a fully digital tracking process akin to a “real-time inventory.” With the digitalization of the company’s textile assets, it is now possible to pinpoint and track individual products, helping Lindström to manage the lifecycle of its textiles in a more detailed manner than before.

Likewise, customers can monitor the status of the textiles in real-time through the customer portal, “eLindström” and are able to optimize the amount of garments needed, reducing overconsumption or overproduction of textiles.

With this improved customer experience, Lindström is realizing lower operational costs and a healthier bottom line.

“Not only do our employees like to use the readers, because of their ease of use, lightweight, compact and ergonomic design, our customers receive exactly what they’ve ordered,” Ranki said. “This simple investment is paying off big in terms of building trust with our clients, especially across country lines. It shows that we keep our promises, and that’s what customers like.”

About

Lindström are one of Europe’s leading textile service companies with 170 years of experience in the textile industry. They offer a wide range of textile services ranging from workwear, protective equipment, mats, restaurant and hotel textiles to industrial mats and towels.

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The TSL® 3166 Bluetooth^® Rugged UHF RFID RAIN Reader is being used with Berntsen’s InfraMarker^® software to support a project tracking dinosaur bones from first discovery out in the field, through cleaning, analysis, storage, transportation and eventual museum display.

As the the dinosaur bones are uncovered, they are immediately tagged with secure, high durability HID SlimFlex Seal Tags. Valuable information relating to location and environment can then be captured in a Geographic Information System (GIS) using the InfraMarker software. The bones are scanned at various stages on site and can be tracked as they are moved to different zones for cleaning, storage, etc.

For more information on the project, check out HID’s in-depth case review.

The TSL 3166 Bluetooth Rugged UHF RFID RAIN Reader

The 3166 Bluetooth Rugged UHF RFID RAIN Reader provides high performance mobile UHF RFID reading in an incredibly tough and rugged form factor. The new TSL ePop-Loq connector allows data and charge connections to be passed from the reader to an attached device, such as a smartphone or handheld terminal, allowing for a truly flexible, all-in-one scanning solution.

The reader is highly resistant to water, dust and mechanical trauma. A high capacity battery enables non-stop operation of the reader over the full working day. Designed to read and write to EPC Class 1 Gen 2 (ISO18000-6C) tags, the 3166 can also be configured with class leading high performance 2D data scanning to bring unparalleled data collection capabilities to any host it is connected to.

HID SlimFlex Seal Tags

HID Seal Tag transponders (including SlimFlex) are ideal for sealing commercial containers to prevent unauthorised access to contents while in storage or during distribution. Seal Tag units integrate powerful RFID chips with high durability components, and secure, tamper-evident fasteners. Access to a sealed container’s contents requires severing a tag’s cable tie or wire loop – or breaching of the container itself – providing clear evidence of tampering.

About Berntsen

The smooth operation of the world economy depends on knowing precisely where boundaries exist, where utilities are located, where property ownership starts and ends and where a wilderness path leads. Berntsen offers a product line of more than 1,000 markers, monuments and identification products used in a range of industries, including surveying, utilities, construction and Parks & Recreation. Berntsen markers are used to mark GIS / LIS networks, transportation systems, land boundaries, construction references, seismic monitoring networks — anywhere stable position is required.

Berntsen’s InfraMarker RFID-enabled asset management system is used by infrastructure managers to precisely mark, locate and manage infrastucture, including stormwater assets and more.

www.berntsen.com

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Challenge

The Meltzer Clinic PC specialise in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and require the use of high power, cordless headlights over long periods of time. The headset of each light has space for two batteries which combine to give about five hours of working light.  However, there are least two surgeons using them simultaneously for cases lasting up to ten hours at a time. Reliable chargers are required to keep a continuous supply of spare, charged batteries available.

Solution

The Meltzer Clinic utilise the TSL® 2136 4-Slot Battery Charger as an integral part of their equipment, providing a source of constantly charging batteries.

The TSL® 2136 4-Slot Battery Charger

A 2136 4-Slot Battery Charger in use, keeping surgical head torches running for as long as needed.

Advantages of the 2136 4-Slot Battery Charger:

• Products can still be used whilst other batteries are charging, allowing continuous use.
• Up to four batteries can be charged at once.
• The charger senses the inserted batteries and adjusts its charge rate accordingly.
• The two battery retaining clips can be moved in position to accommodate different battery sizes.
• Individual charge status LED for each battery slot.
• Compatible with ‘L’ and high-capacity ‘XL’ EasyPack™ batteries.

Included with the 2136-01-4WMS-CHG Kit – Charger, Power Supply, Plug adapters and two Battery Retaining Clips

About

Dr. Meltzer & Dr. Ley specialise in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Meltzer Clinic PC, located in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

For more information on their products and services, visit the Meltzer Clinic at themeltzerclinic.com or email info@themeltzerclinic.com.

The post The Meltzer Clinic appeared first on Technology Solutions (UK) Ltd.

Project Overview

Medigas Italia are one of the primary suppliers of home-based oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation services in Italy. They take care of the needs of patients at home or in permanent residential structures through multiple therapeutic or diagnostic services of the highest quality and reliability.

Medigas Italia are playing a vital part in the effort to save lives in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, recently distributing thousands of new liquid oxygen containers in all the Medigas Italia medicinal workshops to meet the growing demand on the national territory. In record time, they have set up a crisis committee to guarantee home delivery to over nine hundred of the most vulnerable patients.

Challenge

Home care is a form of care that allows the patient to live at home without giving up their habits and the tranquility of their home environment. It is an increasingly widespread solution that brings advantages but also presents complex needs requiring specific skills.

Medigas Italia have a huge distribution network and require absolute accuracy in asset management and inventory movement.

Medigas desired to implement the RFID technology to track and trace gas cylinders, trolleys and other assets along the distribution network and to manage the returns.

It was a complex challenge due to the metal surfaces of the cylinders and the need for temperature resistance and tag durability.

The Solution

Medigas called on IdeaPura, a Swiss based Consulting boutique focused on RFID Feasibility studies and Project Management, to perform the RFID feasibility study, design the processes and bring the project live.

To implement such a challenge, IdeaPura involved Cisper, an international distributor of Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) products and systems.

The RFID technology is applied using three elements:

1. Label/RFID Tag
2. RFID Reader
3. Data management system.

Among the advantages:

• Tags do not have to be visible.
• Tags can be read many meters away.
• Possibility to read even hundreds of tags in a few seconds.
• You can add information on the tags (which can be Read-Only, Write Once or Read and Write).
• Communication can be in the clear or encrypted.

New “on metal” RFID tags printed and written with the Zebra printer can be read by the TSL® UHF RFID Reader

Medigas carriers are equipped with an iPad Mini tablet, portable printer and TSL® 1128 UHF RFID Reader. The devices communicate via Bluetooth® wireless technology.

“Mount on Metal” UHF RFID tags applied on all models of LOX and cylinders

“Mount on Metal” UHF RFID tags applied on all models of cryogenic cylinders

Result

• Van loading and mass load reading with the new UHF RFID technology has saved 20 minutes per van
• It now takes just a few seconds to verify and save data
• Serial number typing errors have been reduced to zero.
• Fast and immediate traceability on the conveyor devices
• Improved quality of service to the user
• Displaying documents in real time with the possibility of immediate access to various information by the customer
• Total compliance with patient therapy

About

Medigas headquarters are based in Milan, Italy. 

For more information on their products and services, visit them at http://www.medigas.it/ or email info@medigas.it

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Project Overview

DMM specialise in providing tracking solutions for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as ropes, harnesses and slings, which are traditionally difficult to mark and track due to the extreme environments and physical handling they are subjected to.

Challenge

To design a solution that improves identification & inspections of safety equipment, avoiding the pitfalls of the traditional manual methods:

• Accuracy – Laser etched serial numbers require human reading. Manually typing serial numbers is very slow and mistakes can be made.
• Slow to reference accurate product information and associated documentation.
• Time consuming – the longer safety management and inventory takes, the more it costs.
• Durability – current laser etched identification can become difficult or impossible to read. This reduces the product’s lifespan and adds expense.

Solution

DMM iD 2.0 is a new addition for 2020, expanding on DMM’s exisiting asset management solution by incorporating the TSL® 1128 Bluetooth® UHF RFID Reader, adding the ability to read multiple items at the same time, and at long distances.

TSL® 1128 Bluetooth® UHF RFID Reader with one of the many optional slide-on smartphone mounts available

The UHF RFID Reader connects to any Bluetooth® host device – e.g. a smartphone running a custom app – and works like a keyboard, entering serials into any field.

DMM started with ‘read on contact’ technology, due to the challenges of reading RFID tags ‘on or in-metal’ items, but added UHF RFID so that multiple items could be scanned at distance. This is currently possible using UHF RFID tags, which are built into their Centre Harness range, sewn rope terms, Coron Helmet and Retrofit Rope Label & Helmet iD tags. The smaller metal Connectors are grouped into kitbags, and the kitbag iD Tag can be scanned at a distance by the TSL® 1128 Bluetooth® UHF RFID Reader .

The scanned product data can be recorded in .CSV format, Excel or imported directly into Papertrail, a cloud-hosted inspection management service.

Result

DMM iD 2.0 reduces human error, improves accuracy and accountability and saves time and money. 

Customers can manage their entire stock with one RFID system. 

The unique serial number of iD enabled equipment is automatically typed into the device upon being scanned. This reduces time compared to manually reading and typing-in the serial number.

Because iD enabled products effectively have indelible serial numbers, they can continue to be inspected and used after the laser markings have worn off. Products no longer need to be retired once the serial numbers have become unreadable, removing the cost of replacing them prematurely.

Scanning the product’s iD tag removes human error associated with manual data entry and typing the serial number; increasing the accuracy of inspection records.

About

DMM are based in Gwynedd, Wales. 

For more information on their products and services, visit them at dmmwales.com or email iD@dmmwales.com

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DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung is a division of Deutsche Bahn, the second-largest transport company in the world, and a leading service provider in Europe for the maintenance of railway vehicles. Their customer RAlpin AG operates Switzerland’s “Rolling Highway” – a service that transports complete trucks by rail, providing an economical way for truck drivers to cross Switzerland despite the country’s night and Sunday driving ban. Last year the service carried 109,000 trucks between Freiburg in Germany and Novara in Italy and between Basel and Lugano in Ticino.

DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung is using ‘Tag 4 Trace’ (a complete asset-tracking solution provided by their own Full Service department) along with TSL^®’s 1153 Bluetooth^® Wearable UHF RFID Readers to identify and track vehicle components using RFID transponders. Beginning in March, DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung will be supplying around 7,500 RFID transponders to be used on RAlpin’s brake components and bogies (the wheel and axle assembly)  .

With ‘Tag 4 Trace’ the entire tracking history of a component can be recorded – for example, when and where a part was exchanged. The data can be read using the 1153 Bluetooth^® Wearable UHF RFID Reader, and then ‘Tag 4 Trace’ transfers them to a database.

By using an RFID asset-management solution, the production of paper logs can also be eliminated and the collected data is instantly available to the customer via an interface and can be incorporated into their ERP system (Enterprise Resource Planning). It is then possible to analyze the swap history of components and use this information to draw important conclusions about their service life. Another advantage of “Tag 4 Trace” is that it supports the process of proving future ECM (Entity in Charge of Maintenance) guidelines about the maintenance information of components used in the vehicle.

For more information, you can read DB Fahrzeuginstandhaltung’s newsletter here, or visit their website.

The post Deutsche Bahn use TSL UHF RFID Readers to track Rail Vehicle Maintenance on Switzerland’s “Rolling Highway” appeared first on Technology Solutions (UK) Ltd.

Challenge:

Stonetrade International operates from Dubai and exploits nine marble quarries spread across the Middle East. Stonetrade wanted to improve complete tracking of the supply chain from production to customer.

Solution:

To track the whole process, Stonetrade uses RFID tags on the marble so that each piece is assigned a unique ID. Cisper suggested to use the 1128 Bluetooth® UHF RFID Reader from TSL^® and commissioned w3worx to develop a Mobile App solution for Samsung S5 phones to use with the 1128 Bluetooth® RFID reader. Using this app the characteristics and the status of the marble can be captured. In addition, photos can be easily added to provide sales instant insight into the quality of the available stock.

How it works:

An RFID tag is attached to every piece of marble. Upon departure of the marble blocks, the RFID tag is scanned and the status of the marble is changed into “In Transit” in the Mobile App. Also a picture of the license plate of the truck is attached. Upon receipt in the distribution center, the marble blocks are scanned again and the status is changed into “In Stock” in the Mobile app. Also the trucks license plate is checked.

On a regular basis stock counts of the large number of block are executed in the distribution centre using the UHF RFID reader. The Mobile App presents the number of scanned marble blocks in real time.

Result:

Due to the use of RFID, Stonetrade will have the following advantages:

• • Improved visibility of the current stock.
  • The quality of new stock is immediately visible for the sales teams.
  • Better quality monitoring using pictures.
  • Improved monitoring of transport of the marble stock.
  • Fully closed Supply Chain Management from production to the customer.

About:

Stonetrade International:
Stonetrade International operates from Dubai and has nine quarries spread across the Middle East.

W3Worx:
W3Worx was founded in 2007 and makes business smarter and faster using Mobile Apps, Cloud Apps and Design Websites.

Cisper:
Cisper is an international distributor of Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) products and systems. The company, with its head office in the Netherlands, focuses on sales of RFID hardware and tags to system integrators/resellers in Europe, Turkey, the Middle East and Africa.

The post Cisper appeared first on Technology Solutions (UK) Ltd.

Project Overview

Lululemon athletica is a an athletic apparel company with over 350 stores around the world.  In recent years they have embraced RFID technology throughout their stores, and now serve as a leading example to the industry of how RFID can help increase inventory accuracy, product availability and ultimately revenue.

Challenge

Reducing the amount of time that its educators (store employees) spent counting inventory, as well as increasing merchandise visibility within each store, thereby enabling shoppers in the store and online to find what they seek, at the location where they need it.

Solution

After conducting a series of successful pilot schemes, Lululemon rolled out their RFID solution across over 300 of their stores globally in under a year. New stores being opened in North America are now RFID-enabled as standard.

To aid the deployment of RFID in their stores, Lululemon produced a great introductory training video that also highlights the role that the TSL^® 1128 Bluetooth^® UHF RFID Reader plays in their system.

Result

Lululemon are reaping the benefits of RFID technology, and they are delighted to report:

• • Increased inventory accuracy, up to 98 percent
  • An increase in revenue
  • An 8% increase in eCommerce sales

Store managers have also provided high levels of positive feedback and enthusiasm for RFID technology.

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Project Overview

USTEK’s trademark RFTT (Radio Frequency Textile Tracking) system is a disruptive innovation for industrial laundries, hotels and hospitals. This system makes it possible for the client to track the movement of textiles 24/7 live on item level detail. All items are tagged with USTEK UHF RFID tags and scanned at designated locations inside the laundry and at customer locations using portals and TSL^® RFID Readers. Inventory and activation counts are completed quickly and accurately using TSL^® RFID Readers.

Challenge

Most industrial laundries operate within a twenty-four hour cycle with their clients. Manual counting of soiled & clean linen is both labour-intensive and time consuming. Delivering the right type, size and quantity of items to the right client is open to human error, so Laundries and clients dedicate significant amounts of time and energy conducting periodical inventory counts. Hotels lose up to 25% of their textile stock and hospitals lose up to 40% of their textile stock annually.

Solution

USTEK RFID Solutions design, develop and manufacture UHF RFID tags, portals and software. Incorporating its RFTT system with TSL^® 1128 Bluetooth UHF RFID Readers, USTEK provides end-to-end solutions to industrial laundries, hotels and hospitals in more than 20 countries around the world.

The TSL^® RFID Readers are used with an Android phone where the client downloads the RFTT app from the Google Play Store. With the software, the client is able to count soiled items being transferred to laundry and clean items being transferred to the customer location. Inventory counts are fast and accurate. Through the USTEK RFTT web portal, all parties can monitor item movement in real time and benefit from numerous reports including item location distribution, stock age, active inventory, laundry costs by department and more.

Result

Using the TSL^® 1128 Bluetooth UHF RFID Reader and USTEK RFTT software greatly reduces the labour and time spent on manual count based operations while instantly uploading the data to the cloud so that the real-time, live data becomes accesible anywhere, anytime to all relevant parties. Various online reports help clients track items, reduce losses and preplan textile purchases based on projective calculations.

Response/Feedback

Feedback from our clients around the world has been incredibly positive, both on the laundry and hotel/hospital sides. From the laundry perspective, automatic counts mean significant savings for the 24h cycle in operation. Item level tracking ensures the right type, size and quantity of items are delivered to the right client which in turn increases customer satisfaction. The online portal enables instant access to data and reports. TSL^® 1128 Bluetooth UHF RFID Readers are highly effective for projects with mobility requirements (inventory counts, item identification through scanning etc.) and garment tracking.

Further Information

For further information on UHF RFID Solutions from USTEK please reach hilvan@ustek-rfid.com or visit www.ustek-rfid.com

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