How to Link PLCs and RFID
Integrating the two technologies can be either relatively straightforward, or complicated and costly. Here's what you need to know to design a successful solution.
By Jill Gambon
April 28, 2008—Businesses looking to add RFID technology to their automated factories or other industrial environments have a long list of considerations, including process changes and operational impact, as well as myriad technology choices. One key issue that can prove particularly challenging is the integration of the RFID system with the networks controlling the factory-floor processes and operations.
In such facilities, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) run the automation systems that operate assembly lines and other processes. With the introduction of RFID, it's critical to link tag data to the PLCs, because the tags can trigger a variety of actions. For instance, they can determine which production line a pallet or case should be routed to, or set off alarms to segregate defective parts or products. Tag-read data can also be integrated into manufacturing execution systems (MES) to streamline production and boost efficiencies.
Some RFID professionals maintain that linking an RFID system with PLCs can be relatively straightforward, depending on the technology used and the goals of the project. Still others claim designing a solution to achieve such integration can be complicated—and costly. There is no playbook to follow, because every deployment is different, depending on the systems already in place, the technology selected and the broader integration goals.
April 28, 2008—Businesses looking to add RFID technology to their automated factories or other industrial environments have a long list of considerations, including process changes and operational impact, as well as myriad technology choices. One key issue that can prove particularly challenging is the integration of the RFID system with the networks controlling the factory-floor processes and operations.
In such facilities, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) run the automation systems that operate assembly lines and other processes. With the introduction of RFID, it's critical to link tag data to the PLCs, because the tags can trigger a variety of actions. For instance, they can determine which production line a pallet or case should be routed to, or set off alarms to segregate defective parts or products. Tag-read data can also be integrated into manufacturing execution systems (MES) to streamline production and boost efficiencies.
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Some RFID professionals maintain that linking an RFID system with PLCs can be relatively straightforward, depending on the technology used and the goals of the project. Still others claim designing a solution to achieve such integration can be complicated—and costly. There is no playbook to follow, because every deployment is different, depending on the systems already in place, the technology selected and the broader integration goals.
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