Wireless Technologies Yield New Efficiencies On Factory Floor Interview With Bob Bunsey, SPEDE Technologies

Next Generation Manufacturing Magazine asked Bob Bunsey, President and CEO of SPEDE Technologies, to describe how the latest wireless technologies are being used to increase efficiency and accuracy in plant floor operations.

NGM: Let's look at RFID first. Is RFID more efficient than barcode scanning?

BB: Speed, accuracy and efficiency are three potential benefits of RFID over barcode scanning. The ability of RFID to read multiple tags instantly can save a lot of time over manually scanning every barcode label on a pallet. Plus, an RFID portal or forklift reader can read tags automatically as the material keeps moving, which is a very efficient way to capture information in real-time, without stopping the flow of material to scan barcodes. RFID readers don't require line-of-sight, which makes it possible to read tags on inventory items that can't be accessed with manual scanners. On the other hand, scanning barcodes can be labor-intensive. It does require line-of-sight, and it can read only one barcode at a time. It also comes with a potential for error if the worker forgets or neglects to scan.