Transcript Slide 1

RFID-Based Solutions for Piping
Technology
Piping Tech & UH
July, 2007
Cullen College of Engineering
Agenda
• RFID Technology
• System Overview
• Project Focuses
– Inventory Tagging
– On Site Tracking
• Conclusion
• Appendix
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RFID Technology
• 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.
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RFID Technology
• RF Principle and Components
Key Components :
• Tag
• Reader
• Information
System
Energy
Reader/
Antenna
Data
Tag
Passive RFID System
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RFID Technology
• RFID Tag: An electronic circuit that transmits data to the
reader when an appropriate signal is received.
Chip
Packaging
Antenna
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RFID Technology
• RFID Reader: A device that triggers a response from a
transponder, and extract the data from the RFID tags.
RFID Reader from Symbol
Technologies
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RFID Technology
• Fixed and Portable RFID Readers
Fixed Reader: installed at
permanent location with
antenna
Portable Readers:
communicate data to central
computer with wireless Comm.
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RFID Technology
• Information System: Link the Physical Hardware
(RFID tags and readers) to the Business Applications
Physical Layer
Information System
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Business Application
RFID Technology
• RFID System Architecture
RFID
Computer
Server
Business
Applications
RFID Tags
RFID
Readers
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Solutions Overview
• Functional Requirements
– Tracking Inventory on Pallets
• Capture Accurate Inventory Information
• Integrate with Supply Chain
– On-Site Info of Installed Piping
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Work in Harsh environment
Able to gather info up to 20 meters
Capable of Maintaining Key Information
Maintenance Records
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Project Plan- Tasks
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Project Chart
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Business Environment
• 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, …)
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System Overview
• RFID-based Network System
Fixed RFID Reader
RFID Passive Tags on Pallets
Remote Host Server
RFID Passive Tags on
Case Folder
Landline Network
Connection
Wireless Portable RFID Reader
Local Computers
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Opportunities Factors
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Costs
Metallic Interferences
Tracking distance
Harsh Environment (Power Plant)
Environmental factors (weather, cold &
heat, rain, …)
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System Benefits
• Readily Readable
• Readily Accurate Information
• Can read from a distance lower
labor/accident cost
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System Diagram
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Business Solution
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Order- Job Quote Layout
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Piping Business Process
Engineering
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P.O. is received from customer along with job specifications
Items and part are determined by engineers and put into Job Quote
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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
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Using information provided by engineering parts are produced and sent to shipping/QC
Quality Control
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Complete job is laid out on the floor and QC inspects each item to co firm that it is built as per
specifications
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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
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Job parts are placed on pallets then wrapped to ready for shipment
Pallets are placed in transport and shipped to job site
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Item Tracking
Passive
RFID tag
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Fast Tracking
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Pallet Inventory
Passive
RFID tag
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On-Site Monitoring- QA
Active
RFID tag
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Development & Program
• RFID and Sensor Hardware
• RFID and Sensor Software
• System Development Platform and
Programming Language
• System Component and Functions
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Field Test Results
• 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
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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.
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I-Links™ Structure
•
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
Note: Information on I-Links™ extracted from Identec Solutions I-Links™ brochure and manual.
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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.
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Video Test Result of Inventory
Tracking
Video 1
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