Introducing Instant Real-Time Supply Chain

Written by Dann Anthony Maurno, Editor-In-Chief

Earlier this year, we predicted that the use of Wi-Fi- ID (802.11 based location systems) for asset tracking is going to be one of the fastest growing RFID markets. It makes sense – wireless networks are common in office buildings, manufacturing plants, distribution centers, commercial environments, and even in your home. Although there are several companies offering products that provide the ability to identify and track objects using 802.11, Ekahau, Inc. is using the unique capabilities of their technology in a totally innovative way - by creating what may be the simplest plug-and-play real time supply chain solution we’ve seen.

We understand that many of our readers are going to be skeptical about the idea of using Wi-Fi ID to create an instant real time supply chain, given that it is not the standard mandated by the world’s largest retailers. However, there are some extremely compelling arguments in favor of this technology for certain supply chain solutions.

Of the companies that offer Wi-Fi ID products, only the Ekahau solution can be deployed using any 802.11 Wi-Fi standards-based network. This is critical because regardless of the configuration, suppliers can have instant visibility into supply links to key customers, with virtually no disruption or cost to their key customers. Better still, the system installs and can be deployed, and working, in under a few hours.

The system involves three components:

• Ekahau Tags
• Software (the Ekahau Positioning Engine)
• and at least one wireless access point at your customer/trading partner location.
  

In our supply chain scenario, a manufacturer - call them “Acme” - sends returnable plastic containers filled with parts to another manufacturer – call them “MFG”.

Acme affixes Ekahau T301-A Wi-Fi tags to those containers. T301-A is a matchbox sized Wi-Fi tag with two Lithium CR2 batteries (pictured in the image below). T301-A features an intelligent motion sensor, two red/green signal LEDs, and two pushbuttons for customizable alarms. The two alarm buttons may be used as needed - for example, to alert to an empty or full container, which drives more efficient work flow. The tags can also buzz and blink, intermittently to alert to the bin’s status. Users who wish to delve deeper can select which action those button signals trigger on the back-end system.

Part of what makes the instant real time supply chain solution possible is the fact that these tags can be programmed to work with pre-determined or designated access points and in a secure fashion. Additionally, tags can go to sleep to prolong battery life and only blink when necessary based on movement, time of day or a combination of the two. At a specified time, they can wake up, and report in for maintenance cycles from any WAP they are connected to. This allows mass configuration of a large number of tags (i.e. 2,000 tags). Most company’s tags do not have this capability

T301-A tags are being used for a wide variety of use cases from tracking assets in a hospital to production equipment and inventory in mines. With the a built-in tamper switch, two-way messaging, flexible alarms and remote buzz or LED capabilities make it ideal for supply chain uses. So does its ruggedness – the T301-A operates between the freezing point and 122°F, can resist humidity up to 95%, and includes a dust and splash-resistant coating.

 In this example, Acme has also implemented the Ekahau Positioning Engine 4.2 (EPE) RTLS software with the Ekahau Vision enterprise application suite, which leverages Acme’s existing Wi-Fi network to track the tags, bins, and performs all required actions. The Vision application is accessible to Acme’s trading partners, including MFG, via the Internet or secure extranet. For Acme to have visibility into MFG’s facility to see when the returnable containers arrive, it can do so in one of two ways:

• Have MFG allow network access to the T-301A tags or simply install any inexpensive wireless access point (WAP) at the customer location, and connect it to the Internet or secure extranet. When a tagged container or asset arrives, the tag uses the WAP to securely connect to Acme's EPE server and instantly notify ACME or MFG or both that it’s arrived. Voila - instant proof of delivery.

• If MFG doesn’t want Acme’s access point on their network, then a $300-400 WAP with a built-in GSM or CDMA cellular connection can be used instead. This way, Acme need not connect to MFG’s network – they just plug it into the electrical outlet and pay the monthly wireless carrier access charge. When a tagged container or asset arrives, the tag uses the WAP to securely connect with the EPE over the Internet or Extranet and instantly notify it that it’s arrived.

Additional access points can be leveraged or setup in MFG’s facility to provide greater visibility into other parts of the facility, including outbound shipping. This can allow Acme to see what containers are in storage, in use, are simply sitting in the parking lot or have been shipped back.

This type of solution is well suited for companies that provide raw materials or frequently rented equipment, in reusable bins and totes. Since the tags are used over and over again, they can be treated as an asset, not an expense, and their cost can be depreciated over time over hundreds or thousands of uses. In many traditional RFID supply chain solutions, the tag is discarded and therefore treated as an expense. Also, read rates are not an issue as long as the tag can see a Wi-Fi signal which can typical travel several hundred feet from a WAP.

Too many companies have considered using RFID technology for supply chain operation only to find it too complicated or expensive for their particular operations. Ekahau provides a solution that can provide instant notification for proof of delivery and asset visibility within your facility, or your trading partners.

We have also published a white paper that talks about the business case titled, “The Case for Real Time Location Systems”. Most importantly, Ekahau has been successfully implemented in a wide variety of productions systems around the world. I strongly encourage everyone to take a look at their unique offering by visiting their web site at http://www.ekahau.com.