EuroWire September 2021

Technology News

RFID asset tracking First Electronics Corporation (FEC) special- ises in the manufacture of over-moulded, extra-flexible, multi-conductor, fully EMI- shielded cable assemblies, harnesses and electro-mechanical assemblies, custom- built for aerospace/defence applications and harsh environments.

modern asset management solution that could provide a high level of accuracy and visibility. As capturing barcodes at each station in the production process would be too inefficient, automated RFID asset tracking was the way forward. First Electronics chose the A2B Tracking RFID Asset Management solution to provide visibility into its manufacturing process. A2B Tracking implemented a solution that uses Zebra RFD8500 handheld RFID readers coupled with Android smartphones. The mobile RFID readers allow users to scan the entire 50,000ft 2 facility in 20 minutes, to capture all items and update the A2B Tracking platform with locations and time stamps. The A2B Tracking solution also included fixed RFID gateway readers from Impinj (xSpan) to automatically monitor inven- tory and track the movement of items. The fixed gateway readers were strategically placed in the facility to provide visibility when items were moving in and out of key production areas. The cloud-hosted A2B Tracking RFID platform instantly updates asset and op a wide range of silicone compounds, typically exceeding users’ specific needs. Customers can choose to work with the team collaboratively or simply supply their requirements, and the company will engineer the silicone compound. CRI-SIL offers many products for the wire and cable industry, including ceramifiable power-limited fire and circuit cable (UL13 CL3R and CL2R); non-power-limited fire/ alarm (UL1424); 150°C, 300V lead wire (UL1581); fixture and appliance wire (UL62); high temperature (UL758 (250°C),

location data as it is captured. The last known location of each item is recorded in the database and added to the asset history, providing an audit history of all transactions of the item. The secure, cloud- based tracking engine is centralised and can be accessed by users from anywhere. The A2B Tracking Pro-Locate functionality helps employees to find specific assets, using the RFD8500 mobile reader and the A2B RFID Tracker smartphone app. Pro-Locate hones in on the specific RFID tag, searching for the unique RF frequency and ignoring all of the others. As the employee walks, the app provides visible and audible feedback to indicate a stronger signal and closer proximity. A2B Tracking https://a2btracking.com ▲ The Pro-Locate feature uses mobile RFID readers and smartphones to locate a single product on the factory floor MIL-DTL-24643); flame retardant (UL758, VW-1); navy cable (MIL-DTL-24643); braided/braidless 150°C and 200°C jacket material (UL1581 – Table 50.205); shipboard instrumentation/distribution – military (MIL-DTL-24640, MIL-C-91); VW-1 rated silicone jacket compounds; and silicone stand and RTV valley blocking grades for shipboard, ROV tether and aerostat tether applications (MIL- DTL024640). CRI-SIL Silicone Technologies, LLC www.cri-sil.com

The company faced a challenge with vis- ibility in its production line. Jobs were be- ing tracked manually, and once a job went into the production line and through the 15 process areas, there was little to no vis- ibility in regards to its location and status. This created problems for management and the customer support team. Connecting the items that flow through the production line with a digital dashboard showing jobs in stages of production is a critical step in developing a modern manufacturing process. This real-time data about products and materials on the manufacturing floor enables informed business decisions. FEC’s manual system was unable to meet customer expectations of frequent updates during the production cycle. The company recognised the need for a CRI-SIL Silicone Technologies is an ISO9001:2015-certified producer of custom silicone compounds, providing HCR silicone, fluorosilicone and silicone RTV compounds to a wide range of fabricators in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electrical, consumer and healthcare. In addition to off-the-shelf silicone prod- ucts, CRI-SIL can formulate custom com- pounds in-house to suit specific require- ments. Its experienced lab associates have the capability to quickly design and devel-

Custom silicone compounds

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September 2021