Accurately tracking work in progress (WIP) is an essential component of any highly efficient supply chain. Clear visibility into the production process is vital to delivering products on time, on budget, and in the condition that customers expect. WIP tracking software yields real-time visibility to production status, costs, and quality control. Adding WIP to RFID in manufacturing gives even more insight to your production process.
RFID (radio frequency identification) technology allows manufacturers to take WIP tracking to the next level. To collect and distribute information throughout the entire production process, manufacturers taking advantage of RFID can streamline their daily workflows for an effortless, high-performing, and data-rich operation.
Here are five convenient ways that you can implement RFID throughout the WIP tracking process:
Inventory management.
RFID tags make it easy to follow assets throughout the manufacturing production process. As items move in and out of production, software can automatically report their real-time status for a transparent look into the entire process.
Machinery and equipment tracking.
When connected to industrial equipment, RFID technology can report on the operational status of machinery and other equipment. Not only can this help ensure that critical hardware is running at peak performance, but it can also allow manufacturers to stay ahead of potential maintenance issues and avoid unexpected downtime.
Worker assistance.
Implementing RFID into a WIP workflow can also function as a simple visual aid for shop floor workers. When moving items throughout the manufacturing floor, tagged items can help streamline processes. For example, connected to lights or screens can let workers know whether they’ve placed something in the proper location, correcting small mistakes before they can spiral into larger problems.
Data and analytics.
Because RFID equipment can be set up to report the real-time status of any number of metrics, this wealth of information can be used to make better decisions about warehouse operations. From production times to error rates, the data created through RFID can help identify production bottlenecks and deliver a thoroughly streamlined process.
Paperless operations.
Because RFID equipment relies on wireless technology, manufacturers that deploy RFID can replace manual processes with automated workflows. Rather than requiring workers to make hand counts or log items by pen and paper, RFID sensors can automatically share this data. Collect time stamps, product identifiers, and other critical information without manual, error-prone per-based processes.
From raw materials to finished product, you need visibility to the entire manufacturing process. Radley’s production tracking software incorporates automated WIP tracking, giving manufacturers full transparency into manufacturing operations. WIP tracking combined with RFID in manufacturing adds new dimension to visibility throughout the factory floor. To see how Radley’s fully customizable WIP tracking solutions can meet the needs of any workflow, request a demo today!