How RFID Technology Is Helpful to Conveyor Industry?

From the manufacturing industry to the logistical commerce industry, RFID technology is used everywhere. It facilitates numerous applications, such as inventory tracking and the maintenance of inventory records.

Regardless of the purpose behind implementing RFID technology, it has the potential to deliver expected results. With the correct inventory management software, RFID tags trigger real-time notifications that aid in making informed business decisions.

RFID tags are proactive rather than reactive, which is undeniably a more professional approach to managing inventory and equipment. This strategy also results in maintenance cost savings. According to a study, it has been noted that reactive maintenance is approximately 30 percent more expensive than preventive (proactive) maintenance.

Similarly, RFID assists in the mechanical flow of production. For instance, worn and torn parts of a machine or equipment are detected by RFID tag sensors and are replaced before causing any operational or production issues in a conveyor system. Before we proceed, let us clarify what a conveyor system is.

What is the Conveyor System?

According to Wikipedia, “A conveyor system is a common piece of mechanical handling equipment that moves materials from one location to another. Conveyors are especially useful in applications involving the transportation of heavy or bulky materials. Conveyor systems allow quick and efficient transportation for a wide variety of materials, making them very popular in the material handling and packaging industries. They also have popular consumer applications, as they are often found in supermarkets and airports, constituting the final leg of item/bag delivery to customers.”

Which Industries Use Conveyor Systems?

Conveyor systems are commonly used in numerous industries, including mining, automotive, agricultural, computer, electronic, food processing, aerospace, pharmaceutical, chemical, bottling and canning, print finishing, and packaging.

What Are the Different Types of Conveyor Systems?

Conveyor systems vary in size and shape, depending on the industry in which they are used. Common types include:

- Chain Belt Conveyors: Also known as chain edge conveyors, these conveyors carry high volumes of products and are often used to transport waste materials. They are utilized as sorting line feeds, mixed lines, and feed side eject balers.

- Steel Belt Conveyors: These conveyors, which use piano hinge and steel apron designs, can carry significant weight, from 20 to 50 tons per hour, making them suitable for heavy feeder applications.

- Slider Bed Conveyors: Used in applications where chain belts are too weak and steel belts too heavy, these conveyors have capacities ranging from 1 to 15 tons and feature speed variation for slow to fast operations.

- MRF Sorting Lines: Custom-designed to meet specific client needs, these conveyors combine slider beds, chain belts, and steel belts for various applications.

Why is Regular Maintenance Important, and How Can Machines be Maintained?

The primary goal of regular conveyor maintenance is to ensure equipment and assets remain in optimal condition. This approach not only minimizes the risk of unexpected breakdowns but also maximizes asset performance and proves to be cost-effective. Regular maintenance involves repairing, servicing parts, removing worn or nonfunctional parts, and adding new ones. It includes both heavy-duty industrial equipment and simple hand-operated machines and should be proactive, incorporating preventive and predictive maintenance methods.

What Are the Benefits of RFID Technology for the Conveyor Industry?

RFID technology offers numerous benefits for the conveyor industry, including:

- Contamination Notifications: RFID tags monitor for foreign substances that could damage machine belts and equipment, alerting technicians to address these issues promptly.

- Asset Maintenance: RFID technology supports regular maintenance of conveyor systems, especially in warehouse and distribution centers, ensuring they handle the stress of moving heavy items efficiently.

- Asset Visibility: RFID asset tracking improves the ability to locate specific assets quickly, reducing the risk of misplacement or theft.

- Data-Driven Decision Making: Combining business intelligence with RFID technology enhances business processes and decision-making, leveraging RFID data to reduce unnecessary expenses.

Conclusion

Implementing and utilizing RFID technology in the conveyor industry positively impacts a company's bottom line. Organizations that integrate their products with RFID technology understand its significant benefits, enhancing both product and organizational performance.