A decisive aspect in intralogistics and production is the traceability and localization of assets. This precise determination is hardly possible without professional and digital aids or is very inaccurate, prone to faults and inflexible. With SICK’s Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) based on ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, centimeter-accurate localization is possible.
The challenge: Transparency and traceability in intralogistics and production processes
A central problem of intralogistics in industrial companies is the lack of transparency in the supply and production processes. The main problem is the traceability of assets. In open areas of warehouses and production facilities, it is difficult to determine the exact location of tools, means of transportation or pallets. This leads to a high search effort and thus to long waiting times. Production downtimes and considerable delays can be the result, especially in tightly synchronized production processes.
Some companies already have digital localization capabilities. However, these are often not continuously available and only affect individual assets, for which the manufacturer has intended localization. The integration of localization data into existing systems (ERP or MES) is therefore a major challenge. It prevents companies from taking advantage of localization technology.
A third challenge concerns the selection and implementation of localization technology. Choosing the right technology is crucial for success. For example, it is not possible to use GPS indoors because the devices in question cannot establish a connection to the GPS satellites. In addition, the energy consumption of the devices and interference with other radio communication systems must be taken into account.
The solution: Centimetre-precise localization and geofencing ensure optimized process control
The RTLS localization systems from SICK offer the right solution for these requirements, increasing the transparency of processes in logistics and production. They use ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, a special solution for short-range radio communication. Thanks to a transmission power of just a few milliwatts, it is particularly energy-saving and offers an interference-free connection.
In industrial environments, UWB is particularly suitable for determining position and transmitting sensor data at low transmission rates. This enables the precise localization of objects in the centimetre range.
Localization in centimetre range with UBW
To use the system, UWB tags are attached to the objects to be located. These small devices continuously transmit signals that are received by special antennas. Each tag has a unique identifier with which a specific item can be precisely identified and tracked.
The antennas of the UWB tracking system are strategically distributed across the entire monitoring area. The signals and time stamps received are transmitted to a central tracking platform. Localization systems have two main methods: direct and indirect localization.
With direct tracking, a UWB tag (ultimately a chip) is attached to the asset to be tracked. Antennas in the building receive the signals from the tag and transmit the time stamps to a tracking platform. This method is particularly suitable for locating large and high-value assets such as production facilities, means of transportation or pallets.
Indirect localization combines various technologies for localizing assets so that objects without their own UWB tag – for example via barcodes or QR codes – can also be easily recorded. These objects are scanned with a mobile handheld scanner, which records the identification data. The position of the object is then precisely determined using a UWB tag on the scanner.
Real-time localization with SICK Tag-LOC
SICK’s Tag-LOC system is a comprehensive localization system that determines the exact location and storage sites of assets such as vehicles, workpieces and materials in real time. The position data enables the continuous monitoring of goods movements and material flows.
An important feature of the system is what is known as geofencing. Virtual zones are defined within the building or site. As soon as a certain object reaches or leaves one of these zones, certain subsequent processes are automatically triggered. For example, notifications, the triggering of work processes or automated ERP transfers are possible. This means that production progress can be closely monitored and analyzed and manual booking processes can be avoided, error-free and in real time.
Depending on the company’s requirements, the Tag-LOC system can be combined with identification technologies such as RFID, barcode, GPS and LiDAR. All data can be integrated into systems such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems). This enables production and logistics processes to be comprehensively optimized and automated.
Applications and platforms for localization
SICK’s Asset Analytics software visualizes and evaluates this data, resulting in improved process control and process transparency. SICK’s location intelligence platform uses the database of tag-based RTLS to provide an overview of the position and movement of materials, load carriers and industrial trucks. It also enables geofencing, in which defined follow-up processes are automatically triggered as soon as assets reach or leave certain geo-zones.
The result: Increased efficiency thanks to SICK's Tag-LOC system for industry
The Tag-LOC system from SICK is a powerful solution for localizing and tracking assets in industry. By combining state-of-the-art technologies and integration into existing systems, it offers companies the opportunity to make their processes more efficient and transparent.
Precise tracking and tracing of assets shortens waiting times, reduces empty runs and optimizes transport routes. The high localization accuracy and the possibility of indirect localization of small objects significantly improve process control. Overall, the solutions help to facilitate digitalization and automation in the industry based on facts and figures.
Further information and the opportunity to arrange a consultation can be found on the SICK website.
