Patti Perspective

Hi there,

We're always looking for the best ways to provide solutions for our customers.  This month we're featuring a newer technology that opens many possibilities for data tracking.  You'll find out about what it is, a recent project we worked on, and potential applications.

In our spotlight, you'll read about our lead engineer on that recent UHF RFID project, Ian Mogab.  He's made quite an impression since he joined Patti Engineering not all that long ago.

Featured Technology: UHF RFID to Improve Data Collection

Industrial identification has huge implications for our end users: it makes detailed traceability possible, resulting in better quality, flexibility, and reporting for manufacturing and logistics. We’ve been looking forward to featuring new UHF RFID because of the benefits it offers over older identification methods.

Siemens has created a new C&I (Communications and Identifications) Solution Partner program which will combine Siemens Industrial RFID and Networking. Patti Engineering is one of two partner companies that will have this designation. We jumped at the opportunity to pilot this program because we believe innovation is critical for our end users’ success.

UHF (Ultra-high Frequency) RFID is one of the technologies that C&I encompasses. It became available for industrial applications fairly recently. In October 2014, Siemens launched a new line of UHF RFID hardware in their SIMATIC RF600 series. Where traditional HF RFID scans one tag at a time at close range, there are two main advantages to UHF RFID: The readers can scan hundreds of tags at once and the tags can be scanned up to 26 feet away. These two advantages mean that UHF RFID significantly increases reliability for tag detection. Cost can also be an advantage. The UHF RFID readers are typically more expensive; the tags, however, are far less expensive.

Recent Project:

At a large engine manufacturing end user, UHF RFID reduces human error and environmental conditions’ impact on scanning reliability.

Challenge:

One of our customers was using traditional HF RFID tags on carts in an engine hot test area. Traditional readers must be within inches of the tag, so the tags were installed on the bottom of the carts and scanned as they rolled over the reader. The tag detection reliability was too low. Oil and gas from the testing would drip down or splash up onto the tags and readers, making them impossible to read. If the carts rolled just a few inches off from the scanner, it would not read.

Solution:

We installed UHF readers 10 feet above the work stations. Anytime the cart gets into the readable zone, it scans. With a five-foot buffer, we’ve eliminated the possibility of human error. With the readers overhead, they are no longer in the messy area. The tags themselves are installed on the top of the carts, so they too stay much cleaner. Splashing oil and gas are no longer an issue. The increased scanning area and decreased interference both lead to very accurate, reliable RFID tag reading.

Application Examples

There are many possible applications for this technology including case and pallet tracking, work in progress (WIP) tracking, inventory management, process verification and more.

• Loading inventory onto a delivery truck, a UHF RFID reader is installed over the loading dock. As the pallet of products is loaded onto the truck, the reader scans all of the products simultaneously as they pass under the scanner.
• As merchandise is unloaded from a truck into a warehouse, the scanner reads all of the inventory simultaneously.
• As parts are being assembled, the RFID reader tracks the parts throughout the process. At each station, the piece is scanned to verify the correct step in the process and alerts the operator if he or she is about to set up the wrong part, reducing errors and waste.
• In a food and beverage facility, a UHF RFID reader is installed above a cleaning station, tracking when each piece of equipment is cleaned and sterilized. Real-time reports are easily generated for inspections and certifications.

UHF RFID technology works great in any application where you have certain locations within a facility that you want to identify what items are in that location. Once you can determine what is in the location, you can then make business decisions around what to do with those items. UHF RFID makes this possible in more applications.
We are excited to see the opportunities that UHF RFID technology creates for our customers. If you are looking to improve traceability in your facility,

Patti Personnel Spotlight: Ian Mogab

Ian Mogab hit the ground running when he started at Patti Engineering after his graduation from Texas A&M University with a BS in Engineering Technology in May 2015. He met Steve Palmgren at the Texas A&M career fair. With controls and robotics as his strongest interests, Ian knew that Patti Engineering would be a great fit- and the feeling was mutual.

“From our first interview at Texas A&M to his first day on the job and beyond, Ian has continued to impress us,” remarked Steve Palmgen, VP of Texas Operations. “He sees the big picture, takes ownership and responsibility of his projects and tasks, and continually delivers high-quality engineering solutions for our customers.”

Ian shadowed the lead engineer designing test stand system for an oil and gas service company for only about a week before he took over the project himself. It was a big project, but Ian proved himself capable extremely quickly.

“Since then, the projects have only become more complex and difficult, but I enjoy the challenge,” he says. He has worked on another test stand project with a retrofit, a sorter retrofit, and the UHF RFID project featured in our main article this month. Despite just finishing his rookie year, he has been lead engineer on two of the projects, a testament to his abilities.

“I love the challenge of creating custom solutions, likely things that have never been done before. There’s no template or instruction manual. It allows for complex problem solving and definitely no boring days at work,” Ian says. “I also really like the size of the company. It has a small company feel, but the resources of a larger company. I enjoy having the opportunity get my hands dirty in all aspects of the company, engineering, sales, and strategy.”

Ian married his wife, Brittney, in November 2015. They live in New Braunfels, TX with their dog, Jax, and cat, Sailor. For fun, Ian enjoys sailing, lots of outdoors activities like hiking, fishing, shooting, camping, etc. He’s also a sports fan, playing golf (“Mostly I just walk around hitting balls into the woods,” he says) and watching A&M sports, especially baseball and football.

We work as partners with our clients. When you need an expert to help solve automation challenges, we are here to add value to your solution - enhance efficiency, increase productivity, and work with your team as a trusted resource. Visit our website for more information on our areas of expertise, or call us (248)364-3200 for a free initial consultation.

Thank you for your interest in Patti Engineering.

Best regards,

Georgia H. Whalen
Director of Marketing
Patti Engineering