IoT & Business Technology Transformation
The new Impinj Speedway Revolution model, R420-USA2M1 has maximum output power of 32.5 dBm. This is 2.5 dBm more than the previous Revolution R420 and represents an amazing 178% increase in maximum output Wattage (1.78 W vs 1.0 W). While you can’t use this extra power to exceed FCC (or your local government) guidelines on maximum RFID radiated power, you can now extend your RFID system by 25 Ft in any direction from a single reader with no net signal loss over previous reader model. You gain 2,500 SQ Ft of extra RFID coverage area from a single reader!
On Monday morning, your customer service line rings and your service agent logs a call about a product failure with your new laser-turbo Diffendoofer. Someone was almost injured! By the end of the day, you receive seven more similar calls. Your QA team immediately suspect a cluster of product failures, and frantically begins researching root cause and potential scope of impact.
Sometimes root cause analysis is easy. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phone and Hoverboard fails can be quickly linked to a lithium ion battery. But wait, is this really accurate? Is it the lithium ion battery, or the charger? Is it a certain brand or manufacturer of battery or charger that is consistent with the product failures, or really something else? If you are like most manufacturing companies, you use multiple vendors for different components, and each manufacturer may deliver slightly different variations of components over time as they evolve their own production processes. Linking specific components and materials to a finished product is nearly impossible.
Quickly understanding and addressing product failure root cause can be the difference between a great public relations turnaround success story or an epic company failure ending in crushing lawsuits and bankruptcy.
eChain Technology has developed WIP-TRAK to address traceability and compliance needs for manufactured and assembled products. WIP-TRAK is a module of the eChain Global Business Manager solution. If your company was using eChain WIP-TRAK, your customer service agent could quickly and easily check the failed products to identify common components, materials, machines, and even specific workers who touched or inspected the product.
eChain WIP-TRAK supports UDI (Unique Device identifier) or Serialized materials and parts used in the manufacture or assembly of a finished product. Using an extremely simple interface (4 fields), workers log each step in a work order process with barcode scanner, or automatically using RFID.
At each station, the worker would:
1) Scan the new component barcode (beep!),
2) Scan the work order barcode (beep!),
3) Scan the employee’s badge/ID (beep!),
4) Scan the location/station (beep!)… Done.
That’s it! In seconds, the new component (or machine or assembly or quality check) and its specific cost is linked to the finished good and time-stamped. As the work order moves from station to station, we generate a transfer transaction and track time-in-station, worker and items physically located at each station at that time. Reports show how long jobs/items and assemblies are held at each station, and where a specific work order is at any point in time. Monitor the quantity levels of assemblies or materials by station to ensure no disruption or delays. Monitor that each Quality Check has been performed. Track specific machines that were used on each product or job.
Using eChain WIP-TRAK, you can clearly identify that your new laser-turbo Diffendoofer product failures appear to be related to a specific batch of flux capacitor manufactured by Yekko Inc. and your potential impact is 500 products. Because the eChain Global Business Manager manages unique devices, you can further identify the specific customers who purchased the 500 units in question within minutes. In the same day as the product defects first appear, you can identify root cause, common components, and customers who purchased the defective items using eChain Technology.
Managers can quickly and accurately track specific Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) for each specific finished product, or generate aggregated profit/loss reports.
Many companies do not have quantitative information on product cost and need to better track and manage specific costs associated with the products they manufacture and sell. Using eChain Global Business Manager with WIP-TRAK, companies can review profit/loss reports by item, by category, by location. This real-time information can help companies fine-tune their pricing model to maximize profitability.
eChain WIP-TRAK tracks each specific machine used for every work order or job. Some machines are used more often than others. Some machines break down more frequently than others, and some machines are simply better than others. Use WIP-TRAK to identify specific machine defect rates. Track how many times specific machines were used, and schedule periodic preventative maintenance based on usage or defects using eChain WIP-TRAK.
eChain Global Business Manager is a low-cost, cloud-based solution that enables your entire organization to quote, sell, purchase, locate, track and manage inventory and assets in facilities and locations across the planet and in local languages. The solution is completely RFID-enabled using the eChain RFID Enterprise Connector and RFID Tech. Provides enterprise Order-to-Cash capabilities, Unique Device Management/Serialized stock tracking and Work-in-Process (WIP) tracking in an affordable and easy to use package with graphical user interface and rich reporting. Enables companies to purchase, manage, track, sell and report items globally using fewer employees and systems. Supports inventory, asset and employee tracking, rental, service, manufacturing/assembly and retail applications.
eChain Technology specializes in RFID, supply-chain and enterprise solutions that immediately address business cost areas and improve operational performance. We offer innovative applications, system integration, full service consulting, and custom application development.
INVENGO ACQUIRES A 10% STAKE IN SML HOLDINGS LTD, THE HONGKONG-HEADQUARTERED BRAND IDENTIFICATION SOLUTION PROVIDER FOR THE WORLDWIDE RETAIL & APPAREL INDUSTRY
eChain Technology, a US-based RFID technology and solutions company, is working with Invengo to provide affordable samples and small-quantity options for purchase to sample and test Invengo RFID tags. Check out our shopping cart for our Invengo RFID tag options.
Singapore, 27 October 2016 – Invengo, the global RFID technology provider, today announced the acquisition of a 10% stake in SML Holdings Ltd., the Hongkong-headquartered total brand identification technology and solution provider for the global retail and apparel industry. With a presence in over 30 countries and manufacturing facilities around the world, SML delivers best-in-class products and solutions built on a great technology and thorough understanding of their customers and the retail market. The extensive SML offerings include product branding and labeling, RAIN RFID tag solutions, retail RFID software solutions and data management services, anti-counterfeit and product packaging design and engineering. SML has an enviable customer list that includes such leading fashion brands and retailers as Levi’s®, American Eagle, American Apparel®, Ann Taylor, GAP, Tesco, Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart and Adidas®.
Retailers frequently struggle with inaccurate inventory and that inaccuracy has significant negative impacts to their business such as: lost sales, excess shrink, ineffective omnichannel processes, poor employee productivity and bloated inventories. As retailers work to improve efficiency they are entering a new era of retailing (Retail 3.0) by using RFID technology and solutions which is enabling retailers to achieve over 98% inventory accuracy and thus more efficiently manage their inventory and deliver new levels of customers service. This Retail 3.0 retail world includes: dramatically reducing out of stocks, creating better instore experiences and enabling more effective omnichannel delivery models. And likewise, in supply chains, RFID technology and solutions from SML are being used to improve inventory accuracy through the lifecycle of a product.
Based on the IDTechEx forecast for 2016, the number of tags used in 2017 is expected to reach over 5 billion. SML, as a market leader in traditional clothing labels and packaging, is already serving the needs of the apparel retail industry. As a result of adding RFID technology and solutions to its existing programs, SML is in an excellent position to benefit from the shift towards comprehensive retail inventory management and the Internet of Things.
The aim of the investment is to establish optimal synergy between Invengo and SML in areas such as products, marketing, sales and innovative RFID solutions. Blending the extensive RFID product and solution depth of Invengo with the proven retail technology and global reach of SML will strengthen the global leadership position of both companies in apparel inventory management solutions for the retail sector.
“We have admired SML for years as they built a world-class data management system to support the global expansion of their locally based service bureaus. Coupled with an excellent track record in on time delivery and price efficiency, an experienced and highly-valued management team and in-company know-how, we are in an excellent position to benefit in this fast-moving growth market,” comments, Jiann Hsieh, CEO of Invengo International.
eChain Technology is proud to announce the 2016 opening of the first Internet of Things (IoT) and RFID interactive showcase in Atlanta, conveniently located at prestigious Colony Square office location in Midtown Atlanta!
eChain Technology in partnership with ThoughtWorks has constructed an interactive showcase exhibit that demonstrates how items affixed with inexpensive passive RFID labels can be automatically tracked as they move throughout the showcase area, how certain movements change the item status or generate alerts. You will see how an enterprise inventory management solution processes the automated updates to provide real-time system updates with no human input, and maintains a complete history of item movements and locations. Experiment to see just how far a passive RFID system can read $0.10 labels (50 ft?), which tags work best, how different materials affect RFID reads. See the Hitachi Small Package RFID Tag (used to track honey bees) and how to make the 2.5mm tag scan at 12 ft. Review USB desktop RFID readers – how do they compare to fixed infrastructure systems? What is the difference? Bring your business challenge or a scenario you would like to test with this technology. Our engineers can work with you to see just how effective these solutions can be for you.
By appointment only please. To schedule, please contact Lewis Kilby at eChain Technology. lkilby@echaintechnology.com
eChain Technology is offering a cloud-based, graphical and easy to use solution that provides low-cost inventory management for real-time asset visibility utilizing long-range RFID sensor technology to automate transactions and interactions for all your business assets in every facility anywhere in the world.
The application and real-time information are securely accessed by your team, your clients and suppliers in native language and currency from internet browser or mobile. Our solution, eChainRF AIM (RFID Automated Inventory Management) provides comprehensive, cloud-based enterprise stock and stock value management and control plus B2B web-based quotes, orders, sales, returns, purchases, transfers, invoices and rich reporting and metrics.
The business implication of our solution is amazing!
We work with people and organizations who have ambitious missions – whether they are in the commercial, social or government sectors. We set up smart teams who love challenges and think disruptively to help our clients succeed. We are focused on helping our industry improve, and believe in sharing what we learn. We are strong believers in the power of software and technology as tools for social change. Through our Social Impact Program, we collaborate with organizations with a humanitarian mission and broad reach, helping them use technology to make an impact. http://thoughtworks.com
Contact ThoughtWorks at: https://www.thoughtworks.com/contact-us, email: info-us@thoughtworks.com
eChain Technology adds an inexpensive Plug and Play Desktop RFID Reader to our comprehensive RFAST Cloud Asset Management solution. Our eChain USB Desktop RFID Reader connects to computer USB port for instant RFID tag reads. Experiment and test reading various RFID tags to understand the capabilities and limitations of this fascinating technology. This is one of the highest power USB desktop readers available, with max power output of 26 dBm and ability to read UHF EPC Gen2 tags up to 3 meters (9 ft). Adjustable frequency means you can legally use this reader in most countries in the world.
For most RFID experiments, this is there the fun ends. You realize that the tag data is displayed on your computer and goes no further. You can’t map the data to an actual asset or location. You can’t even get the data into another system. It simply displays on your computer in its own proprietary application.
So eChain Technology has created a communication app that installs onto your computer and interfaces with the desktop reader. eChain Connect takes the tag data streaming from the reader and securely transmits it using HTTP Post method to the internet where it is loaded into our RFAST application. Now, those seemingly random RFID tag reads become a real-time sensor feed to an enterprise asset management application tracking location and location history of your key assets up to the second.
eChain is well established in the global technology scene and member of associations like GS1, Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) and Georgia Tech’s Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC). We have been in business since 2001, and have seen RFID capabilities and technologies explode in the last two years, partly due to the focus brought by the Internet of Things (IoT).
RFID is no longer a glorified barcode scanner, but is a true game-changing technology! Low cost tags and antenna technology for long-range reading means that you can literally tag and track anything and everything of value or importance. Read hundreds of item tags at 35 – 50 ft. (instead of 1-5 inches) Count items inside boxes and boxes on pallets automatically. There are literally hundreds of uses for RFID technology.
With UHF RFID, you can see tags inside boxes or drawers. Notice that some tags can be read much further than others. Play with signal strength (RSSI) and frequency bandwidth. How do these settings affect read range? Notice the number of tag reads per second/minute. Can you hide a tag from RFID? Is there anything in your wallet that RFID can scan? How about your toll sticker in your car? Do the tags work on metal, people or liquid? It is really fun to test all these capabilities to fully understand the power and limitations of RFID.
A significant contributor to RFID visibility and adoption has been the low cost AS3992 UHF RFID Passive Reader Module Kit by Arduino and Cottonwood/Linksprite. At around $220 on eBay, an aspiring engineer can purchase this kit and experiment with UHF RFID. Many emerging tech companies are developing custom applications using the AS3992 for RFID tracking, access control and sensor-based applications.
However, because the AS3992 is actually a science project (circuit board/development kit), moving your work into a real-life production environment requires significant effort including manufacturing enclosures, finalizing software and applications, upgrading power and interface and many other challenges. This is where the eChain USB Desktop RFID Reader proves superior. In addition to being a complete, production-ready RFID reader and solution, the eChain USB Desktop RFID Reader is more powerful and flexible than AS3992.
eChain RFAST is designed to work quickly in your environment so that ROI can be generated immediately. No development required! Use the eChain USB Desktop RFID Reader reader to familiarize yourself with RFID technology and capabilities while configuring the RFAST Cloud application to monitor real asset and workflow movements. Test from the hundreds of RFID UHF tag options to find the best tags for your particular environment.
UHF RFID and eChain RFAST Asset Management supports Unique Device Identifier (UDI) regulations, eliminates expired goods and lost inventory, enforces FIFO stocking policies, identifies specific stolen goods and returns, and provides to-the-second tracaebility across the globe and in different languages. Customers use RFAST to help anti-counterfeiting, ensure critical stock is always available, track chain of custody, and to quickly identify, locate and remove recalled products. Perform mobile inventory count sweeps simply by walking through a truck or stock room. The uses for this technology are absolutely countless.
Get started today learning how this disruptive technology can work for your business. The eChain USB Desktop RFID Reader is a great way to better understand RFID, and it comes with an easy upgrade path to a production RFID solution for your business. Contact us today. Our RFID Experts are glad to work with you on your specific business challenges and show you what is possible with RFID automation.
eChain Executive Mobile Device Slideshow
http://echaintechnology.com/solutions/mobilerf/
The eChain MobileRF solution is a phone-based Android Application Platform with integrated UHF RFID and Barcode Scanner.
This is not your typical ruggedized warehouse scanner. This is an elegant smart device platform for executive and in-office use, integrated into the eChain RFID Portal platform. Our mobile solution completes your eChain Technology Automated Asset Management needs for Critical Asset, Item and Parts Visibility. Use to scan, interrogate, inspect and add/update your UHF RFID-tagged assets, or use the on-board industrial Honeywell bar-code scanner for barcode tags.
Our advanced solutions allow your business systems to automatically maintain visibility and control of thousands of critical parts, individually, across their entire operation or supply chain without human intervention or input.