Decentralized UHF RFID Solution

For efficient and transparent goods flows, a Chinese energy and chemical company uses a Turck RFID system – with UHF read/write heads and compact TBEN-S interfaces

System integrator New Trend International Logistics Technology Co., Ltd. has digitalized the goods distribution center of a Chinese power and chemicals company using RFID technology. Turck's TN-Q120 and TN-Q175 UHF read/write heads transfer the material information of transport pallets, while TBEN-S RFID interfaces enable the rapid transfer of data to the ERP system. In this way, users benefit from precise and rapid inventory control.

Efficient: Read/write heads (bottom left) transfer material data via UHF-RFID to the transport pallets
The TN-Q175 RFID reader is used where up to nine stacked empty pallets are read simultaneously
Han Qingyun: ''The interface is powerful enough to transfer data from the RFID readers to the PLC quickly''

Inventory control in focus

The operator of petrochemical plants previously used here a combination of standardized manual steps and semiautomated computer management in the warehouse. This neither produced the required logistics efficiency nor minimized error quotas. An excessively large number of work steps were required just to place or find material or organize the stock levels for slightly varying types of goods. In view of the increased demand for the quality of logistics services, it was particularly necessary to ensure correct purchasing and inventory controls.

More real-time ERP information with UHF RFID

When did material reach or leave the warehouse and how much? What items were involved? Where are the products stored? The ERP system has to make this information visible in real time and provide it on demand on the transported material. The Chinese system integrator therefore opted for data transmission via UHF-RFID. In brief: read/write heads use a high frequency signal to write or read a specific amount of information to or from passive RFID tags and to transfer it to the IT network via an interface. Thanks to the UHF technology the exchange is carried out between the reader and the tag over several meters. Information is also captured when objects pass at high speed.

Read/write head marries material data with the pallet

The chemicals company transports goods on returnable pallets. An RFID tag which is provided with a unique ID is embedded in each transport pallet in order to link the data closely to the material or product conveyed. This tag is written for the first time in the packaging area. It is here that Turck's TN-Q120 read/write head virtually “marries” the specific material information with the pallet before it reaches the goods center. The transmission of the cube-shaped UHF reader complies with ISO 18000-6C, and thanks to its IP67 protection type can operate if necessary in harsh environments with temperatures between -20 and +50 °C.

Other type TN-Q120 RFID readers are installed in the warehouse along the automated conveying line. They record incoming and outgoing goods movements and also register the exact position of the pallets. The TN-Q175 read/write head is used at other locations wherever a particularly high level of power is required. These enable the reliable reading of nine stacked empty pallets.

IP67 interface for direct RFID integration

Turck's TBEN-S2-2RFID-4DXP RFID interface is used between the RFID reader and the IT network in order transfer the information from the read/write heads rapidly to a production control system in the ERP. The ultra-robust RFID module (IP67/IP69K) is designed for mounting outside of the control cabinet and allows the connection of two UHF read/write head as well as sensors and actuators at the same time. “The interface is easy to configure and powerful enough to transfer data from the RFID readers to the PLC quickly, even when multiple pallets are being read,” says Han Qingyun, electronics engineer at New Trend International Logistics Technology Co., Ltd. The special feature of the compact module is its simple system integration without the need for any programming effort or function blocks. The TBEN-S also “speaks” three Ethernet protocols: Profinet, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP.

Conclusion: Better warehouse utilization, greater security

The data on incoming and outgoing goods enables the ERP system to continuously synchronize inventory levels. For users this is a major relief, especially since they can also access real time information about available capacity or the position of transport pallets. It enables the optimum use of space resources. Knowing where and which goods movements are taking place, however, also meets the safety requirements of the chemicals industry. Greater efficiency ultimately also has an effect on costs. In other words, far fewer manual operating steps and material costs are required for warehouse management. Identification processes via RFID are automated; and rewritable tags enable the multiple use of transport pallets.

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