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Asset Tracking with RFID and RTLS

RFID and RTLS-enabled Asset Tracking provides real-time status of critical assets within a manufacturing facility, a distribution center, a trailer yard or a maintenance depot.  The benefit?  On-time delivery, reduced expedite costs, less rework and minimized risk. 

What Assets Need To Be Tracked?

A Chemical Manufacturer automated Asset Tracking by RFID-enabling their ERP system with OAT software, saving labor costs on customer deliveries and minimizing scrap product.

Asset Tracking has a broad definition – assets come in all shapes and sizes, from a single component part to an 800-passenger commercial aircraft.  Business cases for asset tracking usually originate in a specific functional area and are focused on a labor-intensive process, such as tool tracking.  The following table illustrates common asset tracking use cases by industry and functional area.

Asset Tracking Examples

Assets Tracked by INDUSTRY
  Aerospace & Defense Automotive Chemicals Consumer Products Industrial Machinery & Components
Mfg
Assets		 • Components
• Subassemblies
• Tools
• Tooling
• Production Equipment
• Composites Materials

 • Components
• Subassemblies
• Tools
• Production Equipment
• Finished Goods

 • Hazardous Materials
• Containers
• Indirect Materials

 • Hazardous Materials
• Containers
• Indirect Materials

 • Components
• Subassemblies
• Tools
• Production Equipment
Distribution Assets • Transport Jigs

 • Finished Goods

 • Transport Containers

 • Warehouse Inventory

 • Finished Goods
• Trailers
Sales & Service Assets • Component Inventory
• Tools
• Tooling

 • Replacement Parts

 • Transport Containers

 • Store Deliveries

 • Replacement Parts
• Tools
OAT Solutions • Work-in-Process Tracking
• Tool Tracking

 • Work-in-Process Tracking
• Tool Tracking
• Yard Management

 • Work-in-Process Tracking
• Container Tracking
• Container Pedigree

 • Work-in-Process Tracking
• Container Tracking
• Container Pedigree

 • Work-in-Process Tracking
• Tool Tracking
• Yard Management

What are the Most Common Asset Tracking Challenges?

  • Lack of visibility into the movement, use and specific attributes of manufacturing assets: components, subassemblies, tooling, etc.
  • High costs of managing assets: additional labor, duplicate inventory, expedite fees and compliance fines
  • Missed project deadlines, production delays and quality issues due to lost, missing or non-compliant assets

How Does RFID Automate Asset Tracking Processes?

A Specialized Equipment Manufacturer worked with OAT to automate kitting and shipping of high-value assets to end customers, resulting in reduced costs for outbound shipping and customs documentation.

Based on 200+ implementations, OAT’s Asset Tracking deployment guide provides best practices, ERP integration examples and process flows for eight common use cases:

  • Receiving
  • Reusable Container Tracking
  • Component / Subassembly Tracking
  • Tool Tracking
  • Jig/Mould Tracking
  • Whole Goods Tracking
  • Shipping
  • Yard Management

Asset Tracking deployment guideLearn More:
Spotlight on Asset Tracking and Work-in-Process
Asset Tracking for Manufacturers
Real-Time Reporting on Assets
Asset Tracking with RFID: Development Tips