Description
Many manufactures utilize fixed barcode readers in their manufacturing process to track goods prior to shipping. Most WMS/ERP systems can provide an interface to these systems. Using a barcode reader and a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) interface cartons can be detected and read when they have entered a specified read zone. The readable information is then sent to a host system. In the event that the barcode was absent or unreadable, the barcode reader will then send a divert signal to the PLC and divert the carton down a trouble lane.

Tacit Solutions has developed software that can be embedded into the Symbol XR440 RFID Reader that emulates this fixed barcode reader process. Using an input device attached to Tacit’s General Purpose Input Output (GPIO) box which then attaches to the GPIO port on the XR440, the reader detects that a carton has entered the RFID read zone. Implementing near-field antenna technology, the reader then reads the RFID data from the carton. Next, the software reads and sends the RFID tag data to the host system. If no RFID tag is detected or the data is corrupt then an output signal is generated using the GPIO box and sent to a PLC to divert the carton down a trouble lane.

• RFID-enable existing process lines without software infrastructure changes
  
• Preserve investments in conveyors, middleware, hosts and PLCs
  
• System “drops in” to existing lines
  
• Runs independently or alongside existing barcode lines
  
• Utilizes Tacit Solutions’ expertise with our new GPIO box and near-field antenna technology