The proprietary WMS MaGS1 class IT system, developed at the Institute of Logistics and Warehousing (ILiM), was equipped in August 2011 with an innovative functionality for the automatic reading of warehouse location addresses using RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) technology. This functionality is currently being implemented at the Franspol Sp. z o.o. warehouse in Konin as part of a project co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. The MaGS1 system has been adapted to support RFID technology implementing an RTLS (Real Time Locating System), which is being deployed in cooperation with ILiM by Hadatap Sp. z o.o.
The RTLS system installed at Franspol is a simplified solution modeled on the technological experience of Mojix Inc. It uses dynamic tracking of logistics unit flows in the warehouse, similar to the X-STAR solution from Mojix, which is currently one of the most innovative automatic identification systems used worldwide. The X-STAR solution offers an unprecedented level of precision and scalability in managing internal supply chains and tracking the logistics objects moved within them. The concept of the X-STAR solution is presented in Figure 1.
A single X-STAR module consists of one or more STAR receivers managing low-cost eNode transmitters, creating a star network topology aimed at covering a three-dimensional indoor or outdoor area. eNode transmitters provide power to all passive RFID tags located within the listening area. The centralized, high-sensitivity STAR receiver reads signals transmitted by the tags from a potentially huge area, up to 25,000 square meters. At the Franspol warehouse, instead of a network of eNode transmitters, an RFID reader with antennas installed on the roof of a forklift was used. This reader collects location messages from passive RFID tags hung at height.
In the MaGS1 system, in accordance with its fundamental principles, global identification standards in the form of EPC (Electronic Product Code) codes stored in passive RFID tags have been used. By using passive RFID tags, which standardly encode pallet logistics unit numbers (SSCC – Serial Shipping Container Code), and a system of passive RFID tags identifying location addresses, the MaGS1 system provides full automation of recording location changes (all physical flows) in real time, without excessive human intervention (for example, a Franspol warehouse worker performs typical tasks, and MaGS1 records every one of their logistics activities).
The article comes from the magazine “Logistyka” 5/2011.