ATLANTA — Three new components have been added to Siemens Energy & Automation’s SIMATIC® RF600 RFID line, a coordinated system of matched hardware and software components utilizing Ultra High Frequency (UHF) technology (860 to 956 megahertz frequencies).
Additionally, Siemens recent acquisition of RVSI Acuity CiMatrix, a leading manufacturer of 2-D readers and verifiers for direct part marking (DPM), enhances the company’s solution set to address the Department of Defense mandated (UID) compliance requirements.
“Siemens is uniquely qualified to deliver end-to-end solutions for the UID mandate of the Department of Defense, combining RFID and 2-D Data Matrix Code reading,” said Alex Stuebler, business manager of factory automation sensors at Siemens Energy & Automation. “The advantage of having both technologies available from the same supplier is that a unique and permanent identification using 2-D barcodes can be read and verified and used to track assets through Siemens RFID technology.”
New Components
The new components -- the SIMATIC RF610 mobile UHF reader, SIMATIC RF620L Smartlabels, and SIMATIC IT Production Modeler -- are now available in the U.S. as part of the RF600 line that is designed to reduce storage costs and enhance supply chain repeatability from a single platform.
The SIMATIC RF610 mobile UHF reader functions as a plug in card for a number of mobile devices, including PCs, notebooks and PDAs. The mobile reader can be used simultaneously with barcode scanners. Supporting EPC and ISO standards, the reader operates online and offline.
The new SIMATIC RF620L Smartlabels are attached to transport units, cardboard containers and goods and may be used in a variety of ways, including distribution logics and goods identification. Each Smartlabel has a unique identifier (EPC Code 96 bit). The Smartlabels correspond to UCODE EPC 1:19 and ensure that data will be maintained for 10 years. Functional in temperatures ranging from -20 to +70 degrees C, the Smartlabels operate for at least 100,000 write cycles and unlimited read cycles.
SIMATIC IT Capable
The SIMATIC IT Production Modeler imports RFID data directly into Siemens SIMATIC IT Manufacturing Execution System (MES), linking and harmonizing the information in the higher-level business planning software. The Production Modeler helps define business process rules by converting RFID reader data into business-relevant information, including incoming goods transactions; thereby becoming a hub for distributing RFID data to all higher-level software systems.
The MES applications of SIMATIC IT also give new options to RFID users, including reducing material and time losses by automatically updating information stored in material management software.
Department of Defense Compliant
Siemens asset purchase of Acuity CiMatrix expands Siemens ID portfolio to the DoD UID segment. 2-D readers and verifiers for UID compliance resolve many of the authentication and identification voids in bar-coding. Siemens Acuity CiMatrix brings a depth of expertise in 2-D barcode, data matrix and vision product design.
For more information about Siemens RFID solutions, log on to www.sea.siemens.com or call 800-964-4114.
About Siemens
Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. is one of Siemens' operating companies in the U.S. Headquartered in the Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta, Ga., Siemens Energy & Automation manufactures and markets one of the world`s broadest ranges of electrical and electronic products, systems and services to industrial and construction market customers. Its technologies range from circuit protection and energy management systems to process control, industrial software and totally integrated automation solutions. The company also has expertise in systems integration, technical services and turnkey industrial systems. For more information: www.sea.siemens.com.
Siemens AG (NYSE:SI) is one of the largest global electronics and engineering companies with reported worldwide sales of $96 billion in fiscal 2005. Founded nearly 160 years ago, the company is a leader in the areas of Medical, Power, Automation and Control, Transportation, Information and Communications, Lighting, Building Technologies, Water Technologies and Services and Home Appliances. With its U.S. corporate headquarters in New York City, Siemens in the USA has sales of $18.8 billion and employs 70,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Eleven of Siemens` worldwide businesses are based in the United States. With its global headquarters in Munich, Siemens AG and its subsidiaries employ 460,000 people in 190 countries. For more information on Siemens in the United States: www.usa.siemens.com.