Cullen College of Engineering RFID-Based Solutions for Piping Technology Piping Tech & UH July,...

Cullen College of EngineeringCullen College of Engineering

RFID-Based Solutions for Piping Technology

Piping Tech & UH

July, 2007


• RFID Technology• System Overview• Project Focuses

– Inventory Tagging– On Site Tracking

• Conclusion• Appendix

Agenda


• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) uses a semiconductor in a tag or label to store data.

• Data is transmitted from, or written to the tag or label when it is exposed to radio waves of the correct frequency and with the correct communications protocols.

RFID Technology


• RF Principle and Components

RFID Technology

Key Components :

• Tag

• Reader

• Information System

Reader/

AntennaTag

Data

Energy

Passive RFID System


• RFID Tag: An electronic circuit that transmits data to the reader when an appropriate signal is received.

RFID Technology

Chip

Antenna

Packaging


• RFID Reader: A device that triggers a response from a transponder, and extract the data from the RFID tags.

RFID Technology

RFID Reader from Symbol Technologies


• Fixed and Portable RFID Readers

RFID Technology

Fixed Reader: installed at permanent location with antenna

Portable Readers: communicate data to central computer with wireless Comm.


• Information System: Link the Physical Hardware

(RFID tags and readers) to the Business Applications

Business ApplicationInformation SystemPhysical Layer

RFID Technology


• RFID System Architecture

RFID Technology

Business Applications

RFID Computer Server

RFID Tags

RFID Readers


Solutions Overview

• Functional Requirements – Tracking Inventory on Pallets

• Capture Accurate Inventory Information• Integrate with Supply Chain

– On-Site Info of Installed Piping • Work in Harsh environment• Able to gather info up to 20 meters• Capable of Maintaining Key Information• Maintenance Records


Project Plan- Tasks


Project Chart


• Acquire all RFID tagged items on 4’ x 8’ pallet

• Verification of shipped vs. ordered items• Validation of individual RFID tagged items

in the field (e.g. Power Plant)• Others (inventory, BOM, maintenance, …)

Business Environment


• RFID-based Network System

System Overview

RFID Passive Tags on Pallets Fixed RFID Reader

Local Computers

Remote Host Server

Landline Network Connection

Wireless Portable RFID Reader

RFID Passive Tags on Case Folder


• Costs• Metallic Interferences• Tracking distance• Harsh Environment (Power Plant)• Environmental factors (weather, cold &

heat, rain, …)

Opportunities Factors


• Readily Readable• Readily Accurate Information• Can read from a distance lower

labor/accident cost

System Benefits


System Diagram


Business Solution


Order- Job Quote Layout


Engineering• P.O. is received from customer along with job specifications• Items and part are determined by engineers and put into Job Quote

– Each part has an assigned tag number– Each part includes all information and specifications for that part

• A bill of materials and other forms necessary for production are printed out from JQ and sent to shop

Manufacturing• Using information provided by engineering parts are produced and sent to shipping/QC

Quality Control• Complete job is laid out on the floor and QC inspects each item to co firm that it is built as per

specifications– Inspector checks against Job Quote information and drawings that were provided with job

• Inspector approves job is to set specifications and approves items for shipment

Shipping• Job parts are placed on pallets then wrapped to ready for shipment• Pallets are placed in transport and shipped to job site

Piping Business Process


Passive RFID tag

Item Tracking


Fast Tracking


Passive RFID tag

Pallet Inventory


ActiveRFID tag

On-Site Monitoring- QA


• RFID and Sensor Hardware• RFID and Sensor Software• System Development Platform and

Programming Language• System Component and Functions

Development & Program


• Worked well with tag prepared with foam backing

• Read all tags on pallet

• Active tag works well in factory setting

• Able to store and recollect data

Field Test Results


I-Links™ ™ Structure•I-Links™ allows seamless integration between existing business infrastructures and RFID hardware and software applications

•I-Links™ serves as the interrogation and collection agent interface (see graph)

• I-Links™ makes RFID accessible to everyone. By simplifying the process users can make better use of RFID technology w/o a deep understanding of RF technology or systems

Graph 1. I-Links™ integration with Enterprise systems and RFID infrastructure

Note: Information on I-Links™ extracted from Identec Solutions I-Links™ brochure and manual.


I-Links™ Structure

Note: Information on I-Links™ extracted from Identec Solutions I-Links™ brochure and manual.

• I-Links™ is structured in four layers:– Agent Layer: Agent runs on reader for data collection– Interpretation: Allows visual confirmation and delivers data to

server– Data Storage: Raw Data is delivered and stored in databases for

posterior analysis.– Business Intelligence: Real time data is interpreted by users.

Graph 2. I-Links™ four layers


Recommendations

• Infrastructure: I-Links™ is a very powerful application. All the necessary infrastructure must be in place for it to run properly. A dedicated server and database must be in place for it to be fully utilized.

• Setup: Due to the proprietary nature of the application, it is recommended Identec consults on the setup and customization of the software to prevent errors and under-utilization

• Customization: I-Links™ is designed to be integrated into the business applications. Because of this, knowledge of the end result and goals must be clearly defined to customize the application to the existing infrastructure.


Video Test Result of Inventory Tracking

Video 1

Cullen College of Engineering RFID-Based Solutions for Piping Technology Piping Tech & UH July,...

Documents

Transcript of Cullen College of Engineering RFID-Based Solutions for Piping Technology Piping Tech & UH July,...