RFID Integration with SyteLine for Manufacturing Tracking
RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) integration with SyteLine enables hands-free, automatic identification of materials, work-in-process, and finished goods throughout the manufacturing floor. Unlike barcode scanning which requires line-of-sight and individual scans, RFID readers can capture hundreds of tags simultaneously from several meters away. This capability transforms SyteLine inventory accuracy, production tracking, and shipping verification from manual scan-based processes to automated real-time data capture.
RFID Hardware Architecture for SyteLine
A SyteLine RFID deployment consists of three hardware layers: RFID tags applied to items or containers, fixed and handheld RFID readers, and RFID middleware that filters and routes tag read events to the SyteLine IDO layer. For manufacturing environments, UHF (Ultra-High Frequency) RAIN RFID tags operating at 860-960 MHz provide read ranges of 1-12 meters, suitable for portal-based reads at dock doors, production line stations, and warehouse transitions. Fixed readers from Zebra (FX9600), Impinj (Speedway R700), or Honeywell are installed at transition points. Handheld readers like the Zebra MC3330xR provide mobile RFID capability for inventory searches and cycle counting.
- UHF RFID tags: Avery Dennison AD-229r6 for standard items, Confidex Ironside Micro for metal-mount applications
- Fixed readers: Zebra FX9600 (4-port), Impinj Speedway R700 (4-port) installed at dock doors and production stations
- Antennas: Zebra AN720 circular-polarized antennas for portal reads, Impinj Mini-Guardrail for conveyor-side reads
- Handheld RFID: Zebra MC3330xR for mobile inventory, Zebra RFD8500 sled attached to TC52 for dual barcode/RFID
- Middleware: Zebra RFID IoT Connector or Impinj ItemSense filters raw reads and publishes events to SyteLine APIs
Tag Encoding and SyteLine Data Mapping
Each RFID tag stores an Electronic Product Code (EPC) that uniquely identifies the tagged item. The EPC encoding scheme must map to SyteLine's item identification hierarchy: item number, lot number, serial number, and container ID. Use the GS1 SGTIN-96 encoding format for serialized items, SSCC-96 for shipping containers, and GRAI-96 for returnable assets. The RFID middleware translates EPC reads into SyteLine-meaningful identifiers by querying a cross-reference table that maps EPC values to SyteLine item, lot, and serial numbers. Encode tags at the point of manufacture or receiving using inline RFID printer-encoders like the Zebra ZT411 RFID or SATO CL4NX Plus.
- EPC encoding: SGTIN-96 for serialized items (company prefix + item reference + serial number = 96 bits)
- Cross-reference table: Uf_RFIDTagMapping with columns EPC, Item, Lot, Serial, ContainerID mapped to SyteLine entities
- Inline encoding: Zebra ZT411 RFID prints and encodes labels simultaneously during production or receiving
- Tag commissioning workflow: encode tag > write to Uf_RFIDTagMapping > verify read > associate with SyteLine transaction
- GS1 compliance: use GS1 Company Prefix and allocate serial number ranges in SyteLine's Numbering Sequences form
Real-Time WIP Tracking and Production Visibility
Install RFID read points at each production workstation to automatically track work-in-process movement through manufacturing routing operations. When a tagged job traveler or container passes an RFID portal, the middleware triggers an IDO method call to SLJobRoutes to post material movement or operation completion. A real-time dashboard powered by SyteLine data displays the current location and status of every job on the manufacturing floor. This eliminates the lag between physical production events and SyteLine system updates, providing accurate WIP valuations, capacity visibility, and production schedule adherence metrics.
- Workstation portals: install Zebra FX9600 with two antennas at each production cell entry and exit point
- Auto-posting: middleware triggers SLJobRoutes.OperationCompleteSp when a tagged container exits a workstation portal
- WIP dashboard: real-time visualization pulling from SLJobs and SLJobRoutes IDOs showing job location and status
- Material tracking: RFID reads at staging areas automatically log material issues to jobs via SLJobMaterial IDO
- Finished goods: portal reads at production output trigger automatic receipt to inventory via SLMatlTrans.PostSp
Netray AI agents design RFID-to-SyteLine integration architectures, configure middleware mappings, and generate IDO workflows for manufacturing tracking. Bring real-time visibility to your production floor.
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