The coding and RFID seminar that we ran in November was a resounding success. From wanting to know more about what RFID can offer in the ‘real world’ today, to asking specific questions about their own barcode, 2D or RFID applications, delegates were very interactive and the atmosphere was relaxed and positive. The aims of Fairfield University events are to stimulate ideas, share knowledge and evaluate the true value of coding and RFID applications in track and trace.
Particularly in the case of RFID, feedback from the event showed that there is still a heap of confusion over even the simplest things such as the proliferation of RFID tags on offer and the nuts and bolts of how RFID actually works.
Mark Lynch (Fairfield) and Mark Higham (Siemens) started the proceedings and warmed the crowd up to let them know what was in store.
Mark Lynch
Lee Wragg then kicked off the presentations with a technical overview on the evolution of coding. Speaking about the limitations of 1D codes, Lee described how 2D can solve a myriad of problems due to them being hardier, industry standard compliant and generally an all round excellent choice for most applications in track and trace. They can also form a compliment or step towards RFID. Direct part marking was a main feature, and the fact that such a vast amount of information could be stored in a small amount of space went down well with the crowd as they examined some samples of products that had been laser marked with a tiny code. Traceability is obviously key in both aerospace and automotive and the presentation stimulated some good questions on the value of 1D linear barcodes in comparison to 2D codes and technology.
Lee Wragg
Examining various aerospace and automotive parts that are RFID tagged or 2D laser coded
Siemens’ Jens Dolenek speaks about coding and RFID
Jens Dolenek from Siemens then explained in his presentation how RFID & Coding applications enhance the entire process. From raw material supplier, to end user, coding and RFID can be a key driver to ensuring your information flow is smooth and slick, so you can stay above your competitors. Examples were given from many industries, such as airline baggage using RFID bag tags, automated identification in logistics, and product traceability down to item level.
RFID was then the order of the day as Andy O’Donnell led the group through a lively two way street of RFID debate and also a simple yet powerful presentation on the principles of RFID in essence. Questions were abundant as delegates were eager to apply the concept of the technology to their problem or application. From understanding frequencies to finding out about cost, to answering queries about RFID pilots and trials, Andy was kept on his toes with a host of questions that enabled delegates to take away useful information.
Andy O’Donnell
Delegates were then invited to tour the demo room and were shown some of the hardware on offer. They then returned to see that hardware in action, combined with bespoke software that Andy used to demonstrate the power, speed and multi-read capability of RFID.
Impressive RFID Demo room
Live RFID Demonstration
The day closed with an opportunity to network with the Fairfield and Siemens team as well as other delegates. Watch this space for more information on further events for all of our industries, or email alison.wileman@fairfieldgroup.com to register your interest directly, regardless of which industry you are in.