Should supply chains go wireless?
With wireless technology, companies can improve efficiency, safety, security and productivity of their supply chains. In addition, wireless has lower implementation costs, total cost of ownership, and delivers a rapid return on investment. Many early adopters have realized that wireless applications add value and long term benefits.
Top Benefits:
–Access to data anytime, anywhere
—Eliminates the cost of running fixed wiring through a facility to reach individual devices
–Supports sensor networks to generate more information
–More information access provides better quality control, use of resources and diagnostics
–AutoID provides ability to confirm proper tools, components, and ensure that qualified people are properly identified, eliminating mistakes and misidentification
–More detailed information regarding production and delivery of products
–Enhanced flexibility as production needs change that allows the plant to change direction quickly and easily
–A more efficient and empowered workforce
–Security is built into every one of the wireless technology standards used today and in some cases are stronger than wired networks
However, the industrial environment creates challenges for temperature, humidity, chemicals, shock and vibration and electronic noise. Wireless coverage expertise is needed to determine the proper number of wireless sources that are needed to provide access where needed in the facility. Depending on the need for real-time, high throughput information needs, a variety of solutions may need to be considered to balance the needs of communication speed and reliability.
When considering a wireless solution companies should make sure their processes are carefully studied and changed to support new capabilities focused on their customers, not just try to automate the current process using mobile, wireless hardware/software elements.
You will need a wireless infrastructure that easily integrates the systems you have in place, WMS, ERP, etc. Map out every step within the current process, eliminating those that are not adding value and determining which ones can provide or use information to make them offer even greater value. Make sure any material flows have information flows that track those movements. Once the process is set, vendors can be approached to determine whether their solutions can support or be slightly modified to support the new processes. Develop a scoring system, weighing the elements that are most valuable to the company and its customers.
MHI.org is a great place to begin research on such a project as it contains detailed information on MHI members who are the leading providers of integrated systems and wireless material handling solutions.
