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Software links automation, RFID systems and business processes

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12.03.2008

The latest version of the Simatic RF-Manager software for the integration of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems in business processes features a number of innovations.

Simatic RF-Manager 2008 of the Siemens Industry Automation Division now links RFID with automation data from Simatic S7 controllers and also collects data from mobile Simatic RF610M handheld terminals. For this purpose, the software was expanded with new functions for efficient configuration, fast commissioning and reliable maintenance.

Simatic RF-Manager 2008 now links RFID data with automation data from Simatic S7 controllers. For this reason control tasks, for example, will be triggered by read events, e.g. a switch is set depending on the position of a tag (storage medium).

Write/read tasks for a write/read device (reader) can also be triggered by the controller and RFID data which has already been read can be transmitted to the control system. The engineering functions include a new comprehensive editor for the simultaneous parameterization of all RFID devices. With new simulation functions, signal processes and RFID read events can be tested in advance without installed RFID hardware. Furthermore there are new system functions for the processing of user data in RF-Manager.

Simatic RF-Manager 2008 is suitable for the most diverse scenarios in logistics and distribution – from the labeling of individual products to the automatic recording of entire commodity flows.

The software manages readers, collects the tag data produced by the readers, compresses the data, makes them available in the merchandise management system with the required accuracy and quantity. Furthermore, each individual tag can be accessed in order to read and write data or product identifiers which conform to EPCglobal (Electronic Product Code).

The EPCglobal standard is promoting identification per RFID in the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) range in order to optimize the value added chain.

Gerhard Stauss | Source: Siemens Industry Automation
Further information: www.siemens.com/simatic-sensors/rf

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