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News Release from: IDC - Intelligent Distributed Controls | Subject: Intelligent tag reader
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 24 March 2004
Intelligent tag reader tracks in real
time
Set to revolutionise the efficiency and reduce the costs of warehouse distribution systems, an intelligent tag reader tracks products/objects in real time.
A new intelligent tag reader (ITR) designed and manufactured by UK company, Intelligent Distributed Controls (IDC), is set to revolutionise the efficiency and reduce the costs of warehouse distribution systems across the globe Designed for complex tracking and routing applications, the ITR is the only tag reader on the market with inbuilt intelligence
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 9 Jun 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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Wireless systems monitor job status at any time
Latest mobile wireless computing technology provides real time visibility of service operations, efficient listing of assets and asset management.
It provides the ability not only to track products/objects in real time, but also to write to the object being tracked, a facility that broadens the scope of operations for the unit into process, manufacturing, chemical and laundry/garment handling applications.
Small enough to fit into the hand and costing under GBP 500, the ITR is the ideal tool to reduce complexity and cost in routing and tracking systems.
It offers significant benefits when compared to conventional tag readers, including integral PLC functionality, together with reductions in hardware, installation (field and network wiring) and system maintenance costs, where most other tag readers require multiplexers and centralised PLCs.
Further reading
Interactive devices track personnel, machines
Interactive tracker devices have typical applications that include lone alarm, interactive machine control and remote control applications.
As well as tracking, RFID finds more uses
A short range wireless personal area network can be used for tracking, and, it must be said, a great many other things besides, writes Kevin Buckley.
RFID technology combats conterfeiting
RFID technology is providing businesses with a powerful tool in their efforts to combat counterfeiting - the EU estimates that as many as 100,000 jobs have been lost through forgery.
The ITR offers the advantage of compatibility with most industry standard tags, including I.CODE, Tagit, My-d and also ISO15693, and is equally at home operating in clean warehouse conditions or in dirty and dusty industrial environments.
The unit offers all the benefits of the IBR (Intelligent Bar Code Reader) including object and no read detection, but does not require line of site, and can also write to the object being tracked.
This broadens the range of applications for the ITR in industries such as chemicals, where storage devices such as vats of powder are moved from one process to another within the process plant and have intermediate storage.
Using the ITR it becomes possible to not only track but also to read details of the contents of the vats and their respective states.
Importantly for users, the ITR does not require a broadcasting license, nor is it limited in its programming flexibility.
In addition to being configurable in high level "C" language, the ITR is set to benefit in the early part of 2004 from IDC's introduction of an IEC 61131 compliant configuration package for all the products in the range.
This will provide users with the flexibility to configure applications for the ITR either simple Ladder or High Level Java.
Alternatively, the user could choose from a range of modules created by IDC, or create their own library of application modules, and then integrate these back into the ladder environment.
EMC and CE compliant, and enclosed within a robust, IP54 rated, BS housing, the ITR is equipped with ample levels of memory (64kbyte FLASH, 32kByte SRAM) to cater for the largest warehousing systems.
Also adding the PLC functionality to the unit are three relay inputs, two isolated relay outputs and two communication ports, COM 1 and COM 2, fully configurable via the new IEC 1131 tool.
Data communication to and from the ITR is via a low cost, high integrity polymer fibre optic link.
Using this system up to 256 nodes can be employed in a token ring configuration, with maximum distances between the readers being 30 metres.
ITR Is Major Building Block of new Simplicon Distributed Control System The ITR is one of the major building blocks of IDC's new Simplicon distributed intelligent control system.
Recently launched, the Simplicon system reduces substantially the overall project costs and complexity associated with centralised control systems in conveying applications.
It provides the ideal control solution for modern conveyor control systems from simple, single line conveyors to sophisticated merging and sortation systems.
The intelligent, networked system is also ideal for materials handling, palletising, intelligent picking and routing operations.
IDC - Intelligent Distributed Controls - IDC is a UK company, centrally located in Derby.
The company provides product design and development, sales and support, together with project engineering services for a wide range of applications in the materials handling and distribution sector.
IDC's philosophy is to actively promote the growing trend towards decentralised real-time control through the design and manufacture of innovative 'intelligent' hardware and software products, employing its own technology to provide solutions that offer customers real bottom-line business benefits. Request a free brochure from IDC - Intelligent Distributed Controls ...
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