High search times in production facilities, intralogistics operations, and warehouses can lead to unwanted bottlenecks, affecting overall operational efficiency. With real-time asset tracking, companies can significantly reduce search times and delays in locating critical items. By integrating RTLS solutions into their processes, organizations can accelerate their production and achieve leaner management and material handling.
RTLS is valuable for tracking and verifying the content, location, and movement of assets on a large scale. Combining the power of advanced location-based process automation and scanner-free automatic identification (AutoID) systems, RTLS can efficiently provide automatic location postings in SAP or any warehouse or supply chain management system. This level of insight and control enables faster decision-making and ultimately increases operational efficiency.
Eliminate Search Times by Tagging Assets & Personnel
The impact high search times have on the entire material flow and production process
Wasting time searching for materials leads to significant delays and inefficient processes. Employees spend valuable hours searching for materials instead of productive activities, wasting resources and time. These longer search times result in production delays, inventory cost increases, excessive wear and tear on equipment and vehicles, and the risk of material spoilage. Overall, longer search times lead to higher operating costs and can put companies at a competitive disadvantage, especially against more efficient competitors.
Efficient tracking of assets and content on a large scale with RTLS
Material tracking in production, warehouse goods tracking, industrial load carrier tracking, container tracking in the supply chain, and equipment & tool tracking are all essential aspects of tracking in different industrial and logistical scenarios.
In production, RTLS tags can be attached to load carriers or vehicles for real-time tracking within the factory, allowing for their immediate location on a digital floor plan. This functionality facilitates real-time monitoring of progress across assembly, factory operations, and logistics, leading to the minimization of delays and the optimization of material availability at key points along the production line. This approach ensures efficient material handling and helps streamline production processes.
Furthermore, in large warehouses and distribution centers, real-time location systems (RTLS) are utilized for efficient warehouse goods or vehicle tracking, ensuring that goods and inventory can be promptly located, which, in turn, aids in reducing delays and bottlenecks. This approach optimizes inventory management and enhances overall warehouse efficiency.
Reduce Wasted Materials, Time, & Energy
Importance of minimizing waste in production
Minimizing waste in production is crucial in today's competitive landscape. Waste in the form of wasted material, wasted time, and wasted energy affects not only profitability but also environmental impact. Cost savings are a primary motive. Every saved material, every reduced minute of labor, and every saved unit of energy improves cost efficiency and competitiveness. Waste leads to higher production costs and jeopardizes profitability. Minimizing waste also supports sustainability goals and improves reputation.
Environmentally friendly practices are becoming increasingly important. Waste reduction reduces the environmental footprint and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. Additionally, minimizing waste increases process efficiency and productivity. An optimized production process shortens production cycles, reduces delivery times and enables more efficient order processing.
How RTLS helps to significantly reduce waste & shrinkage costs
Goods or materials found in time: RTLS enables the immediate location of goods or materials, reducing the time wasted on searching for them. This real-time tracking ensures that items are found promptly, which is crucial in meeting production schedules and customer demands.
Alertings for partial material not used by operators: RTLS can track the usage of materials and can help ensure that partially filled containers or materials are used efficiently. Operators can be alerted to available materials, reducing waste and ensuring that resources are maximized.
Expiration management for frequently expiring materials: The system provides alerts based on expiration dates, ensuring timely usage to minimize waste and financial losses associated with expired materials. This empowers businesses to implement an effective First-In, First-Out (FiFo) inventory management strategy, ensuring that older materials are used before newer ones, thus reducing the risk of materials becoming obsolete or expiring.
Quickly identify discrepancies in assets and inventory: This ensures that items are continuously monitored and accounted for. Any discrepancies or anomalies can be quickly identified, reducing the risk of theft or loss.
Geofencing and Alerts: RTLS allows the creation of geofences or virtual boundaries within a facility. The system triggers alerts when an asset or inventory item moves beyond these predefined boundaries. This proactive monitoring helps in immediate response to potential theft or unauthorized movements, reducing losses.
Production step verification to prevent incorrect material assemblies and avoid scrap: RTLS can track the movement of materials through different production steps. This verification ensures that the right materials are used at the right time, preventing incorrect material assemblies. This, in turn, minimizes scrap and rework, improving product quality and reducing production costs.
Avoiding prolonged or incorrect material storage at the wrong location: RTLS helps avoid situations where materials are stored for extended periods or in the wrong locations. The system can trigger alerts when materials are not stored correctly or have been in storage for too long, ensuring that materials are utilized efficiently and reducing the risk of waste.
As we stand at the brink of a new era in manufacturing excellence, it is imperative for industry leaders to harness the power of RTLS and revolutionize their operational landscapes. To explore all five examples of the transformative potential of RTLS, we invite you to download our comprehensive ebook, "The RTLS Playbook for Advanced Manufacturing & Intralogistics." Equip yourself with the tools and insights needed to propel your business toward operational excellence and sustainable growth in the digital age.
Download the ebook here and pave the way toward a future of optimized manufacturing efficiency and unparalleled success.