Effective asset management is a transformative force for businesses striving for efficiency in today’s fast-paced world. Advanced tracking technologies such as real-time locating systems (RTLS) and Auto identification (RFID) technologies provide distinct advantages, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. By combining these technologies through DeepHub®, true value is generated, offering invaluable insights into the whereabouts of assets across the entire supply chain and unlocking new possibilities.

Spotlight on RFID

RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology is widely used to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. Its strengths include affordability, ease of deployment, and the ability to scan multiple items simultaneously, making it invaluable in environments like warehouses and logistics. RFID facilitates zone-based location tracking, automatically logging assets as they pass through checkpoints such as gate entries or exits.

However, RFID has limitations in range and precision, which make it less suitable for applications requiring continuous, real-time updates. Despite these constraints, its simplicity and cost-effectiveness make RFID a crucial tool for effective asset management across various industries.

Kathrein’s RFID and RTLS Solutions 

Kathrein Solutions develops and produces high-quality RFID UHF readers, antennas, and a powerful RTLS system at its German locations. The comprehensive Kathrein portfolio is complemented by the RFID hardware management software CrossTalk, which is DeepHub certified and thereby OMLOX-ready. The experienced Kathrein Professional Service Team supports the partner ecosystem from the early pre-sales phase to the successful go-live in complex projects, ensuring smooth implementation.

Thanks to Kathrein Solutions’ versatile portfolio, companies can combine RFID identification technologies with RTLS localization technologies to efficiently implement demanding digitalization projects in industry, transportation, commerce, and healthcare.

RTLS and RFID: Complementary Strengths

RTLS (Real-Time Locating Systems) are used to track and manage the location of assets in real-time using technologies like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and ultra-wideband (UWB). Combining RTLS and RFID can be powerful because it allows for precise, real-time tracking where needed (RTLS) while providing cost-effective, broad-scale coverage (RFID). RTLS excels in environments where precise, real-time tracking is crucial. UWB, the most advanced RTLS technology, offers high accuracy and rapid updates, ideal for complex industrial settings. However, these systems involve higher costs and more complex implementation compared to simpler technologies.

On the other hand, RFID provides a cost-effective solution for quick scanning of multiple items, making it invaluable in inventory management for retail and logistics. Although it lacks the continuous tracking capabilities of RTLS and is limited in range and precision, RFID’s affordability and ease of deployment make it well-suited for broad-scale applications where extreme accuracy is less critical.

Harnessing the Best of Both Worlds for Superior Solutions

DeepHub® by Flowcate excels at integrating the precision of RTLS, including UWB, with the broad, cost-effective coverage of RFID. This approach allows organizations to strategically deploy high-accuracy RTLS where it’s most needed while utilizing RFID for extensive area coverage, thereby optimizing efficiency and cost.

DeepHub® enables indirect locating, an innovative approach that leverages accurate, real-time data from RTLS with the extensive, economical coverage of RFID. This combination supports advanced use cases, such as detailed tracking of high-value assets in critical areas alongside general monitoring of lower-value items across larger spaces. By integrating these technologies, DeepHub® not only broadens the application scope of tracking systems but also significantly reduces the associated costs.

Real-World Applications and Benefits

Manufacturing operations have become increasingly complex, making it essential to have a clear overview of material flow across the entire chain of processes. Companies often struggle to efficiently locate machine parts and components stored in their distribution centers. Parts are packed in crates and transported to outdoor storage facilities. Once an order is received, workers must search for the relevant parts manually, leading to considerable time loss and increased overhead.

By combining RTLS and RFID technologies, companies can significantly streamline their storage operations. For example, forklifts equipped with GPS (Global Positioning Systems) antennas, UWB tags, and RFID readers enable seamless indoor and outdoor tracking. This integration reduces operational delays, minimizes equipment downtime, and enhances overall productivity. The precise location data paired with asset data provided by DeepHub® allows for better inventory management and process optimization, leading to significant cost savings.

Another example could be a forklift that passes through an RFID gate, scanning all items on the pallet and creating a digital twin in DeepHub®. The forklift, tracked via RTLS, updates the location of the pallet. When unloading, the last known position of the forklift is transferred to the pallet. Upon reloading, the forklift identifies the pallet using RFID, ensuring accurate tracking and validation. This setup enables fully automated inventory management and closes the gaps between RFID gates, reducing overall investment.

Conclusion

The seamless combination of RTLS and Auto-ID technologies through DeepHub® creates a versatile, efficient, and cost-effective asset tracking framework. By adopting these integrated solutions, businesses can tailor their tracking strategies to meet specific needs, ensuring precision where necessary and cost-efficiency where possible.

Embrace the future of location data management with DeepHub® and Kathrein Solutions, where your data becomes your most valuable asset in navigating the global landscape.