In industrial, automotive and general manufacturing, RAIN RFID is transforming the way materials, components, and finished products are tracked across the production lifecycle. From inbound logistics to final assembly, RFID enables end-to-end visibility, process automation, and real-time data for operational excellence.
Manufacturing is accelerating toward Industry 4.0, with RFID playing a central role in smart factories. Manufacturers are leveraging RFID to enable automated WIP tracking, predictive maintenance, and digital quality assurance.
There is growing demand for real-time visibility across supply chains, driven by global disruptions and the need for greater traceability. RFID also supports lean manufacturing practices, helping eliminate manual scanning errors and streamlining workflows.
As sustainability and compliance requirements rise, RFID is emerging as a critical enabler of Digital Product Passports (DPPs) and eco-friendly production tracking.
Manufacturing plants are exposed to dust, heat, vibration, and harsh chemicals. Choose antennas with durable enclosures (IP65 or higher) and materials that can withstand industrial conditions without compromising RF performance.
In conveyor-based or automated manufacturing lines, tags may pass quickly or change orientation. For fast-moving tags, consider the antenna coverage and signal strength (beam width and gain) to get a strong read in the limited time.
Consider whether your tag placement and orientation is known or controlled, in which case a linearly polarised antenna would suit. Circularly polarised antennas provide the best performance for dynamic tag movement and orientation variability. Also consider the proximity of the tag to antenna placement. For on-surface reads, near-field antennas are a great fit.
Machinery, tools, and metallic structures can interfere with RF signals. Use antennas specifically designed for performance near metal or select near-field options for short-range, item-level reads in these conditions.
Space on production lines is at a premium. Slim, compact antennas with flexible mounting options (e.g., VESA, flush, adhesive) can be easily installed on walls, ceilings, or embedded into equipment.
From WIP tracking and tool monitoring to asset management and quality control, antenna selection should align with the required read range, read zone definition, and integration with automation systems.
