HARDWARE
In order for ekanban to work, it is essential that customers inform their suppliers of their consumption in real time.
How?
The supplier identifies the material using QR or RFID system tags. The customer reads the labels for each consumption. There are two different ways to take the reading:
- In the case of the QR system, the customer reads the code using a Smartphone.
- In the case of the RFID system, the reading is automatic by means of the RFID antennas.
1. Smartphone: Mobile application (QR)It is a mobile application developed by Ekanban, in collaboration with BATURA, the main objective of which is to scan the QR tags and send the readings to the Ekanban server, thereby obtaining the consumption information.
Functions::
- Scan the QR code of the tag to be consumed and send the information to the server.
- Scan the QR or manually enter the item code and consult the reference file (history, situation, consumptiom, optimum number…)
- View the information on the delivery notes for the latest deliveries.
- Check the situation of each item: warehouse stock, material in transit, in preparation and consumed.
2. RFID
What is RFID technology?
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. This is a remote data storage and retrieval system that uses devices called RFID tags.
RFID is undoubtedly a major step forward for automatic identification technologies that are becoming ever increasingly the best alternative for barcodes.
The way it works is that an RFID tag, which generally contains identification data concerning the object to which it is attached, generates a radio frequency signal with these data. This signal is captured by an RFID reader, which is responsible for reading this information and transmitting it to the specific application called ‘middleware’ that RFID uses.
This is a device, similar to a sticker, that can be attached or simply incorporated into a product. These devices have antennas that allow them to receive and respond to requests by radio frequency from an RFID receiver.
How does this technology work?
In the case of a passive RFID system, the RFID tag is activated when it passes through the radio frequency field generated by the reader. The tag sends the information requested and the response information is detected by the reader’s antenna. The reader captures this information and sends it to the middleware or data processing subsystem.
An RFID system consists of three components:
- RFID reader or Transceiver: The reader consists of an antenna, a transceiver and a decoder. The reader sends signals through the antenna, when it picks up a signal from a tag, it extracts the information and sends it to the data processing subsystem. These signals would be able to transmit energy in the case of reading a passive label.Some readers also have a built-in programmer module that allows them to write information on the tags, if such tags allow writing.
- Data processing subsystem or Middleware: It provides the means for data processing and storage. It is software that resides on a server between the reader and the business applications. It filters data and only allows useful information to be passed on to these applications. Some can also manage the reader network.
- RFID tag, Transponder or Tag: The RFID tag consists of an antenna, a radio transducer and a microchip. The purpose of the antenna is to allow the chip to transmit the tag’s identification information. The chip, which is increasingly imperceptible to the human eye, has an internal memory to store the identification number and in some cases additional data, depending on the model.
Ekanban RFID devices:
Ekanban, in collaboration with EMBEBLUE, has developed its own RFID devices: 3M and 9M.
Apart from this, RFID equipment has also been developed from a commercial CAENRFID reader: RFID cabinet.
3M device:
The general operating principle of the device consists of reading the UHF tags found
nearby and sending the information from these tags to a web service that is then responsible for
stock control. To this end, the device consists primarily of the following:
- RFID reader + antenna(s) for reading UHF tags.
- GPRS module + antenna to send the tag information and the status of the device to the appropriate web service.
- Micro-controller for managing the entire device and operation
- Three RGB (Red-Green-Blue) LEDs to independently show feedback on the operation of the GPRS, RFID and the device.
- Flash memory for storing parameters and settings and for storing any new firmware available.
All of this is contained in a custom-designed housing.
Key features:
- Frequency: UHF (865-868 MHz)
- RFID Antennas: 1
- Maximum RF power: 27dbm
- Maximum range: 3m
- GPRS connection
- Remote reprogramming/reconfiguration
9M device:
The 3M and 9M devices work in a similar way, the main difference is that the 9M allows the connection of up to 4 antennas (externally) and at a higher power, achieving longer ranges.
Key features:
- Frequency: UHF (865-868 MHz)
- RFID Antennas: 1-4
- Maximum RF power: 31.5dbm
- Maximum range: 9m
- GPRS connection
- Remote reprogramming/reconfiguration
RFID cabinet:
This equipment is mainly designed for RFID arc type systems to control everything that goes in and out of a door or passageway.
Main components:
- CAENRFID Ion reader – R4301P.
- CAEN input/output control device.
- 2 ports for connecting RFID antennas.
- Three LEDs indicating the status and running of the equipment.
- UPS to guarantee a few hours of operation in the event of any power supply problem.
- Motion sensor (optional). To take readings only when it detects motion.
All of this is contained in a 500x400x200mm electrical cabinet.
Key features:
- Frequency: UHF (865-868 MHz)
- RFID Antennas: 1-2
- Maximum RF power: 32dbm
- Maximum range: 9m
- GPRS connection.
- Motion sensor.