KBA launches wireless paper pallet tracking system

KBA has launched the PileTronic wireless identification system, which automatically provides real-time data on the location of sheet-fed goods, at Drupa 2008.

Its key element is Siemens' Simatic RF600 RFID sensor system, combined with MIS software, which documents the number of piles consumed and partial piles left over.

The system kicks in as soon as the paper is delivered to goods reception.

Each pallet has two Simatic RF630L smart labels (pliable RFID data-storage media) to which an RF660R read/write device transmits an ID number via a wireless ultra-high frequency (UHF) band (between 865 and 868 MHz in Europe, 902 and 928 MHz in the US).

Incoming goods are booked in under this ID number with specification of volume or quantity, order number, format and grammage.

Affixing two labels to each pallet in the RF600 system safeguards against accidental loss or failure and ensures that the pallet is detected by the RF660A antennae, regardless of its transport direction.

Smart labels are cheap, self-adhesive and have a data-storage capacity of 96 bits.

They do not need batteries or an individual power supply, as the operating current is provided via the system antennae as soon as they come within range.

Their memory content is then received by the antennae and analysed in the read/write devices.

The data can then be transmitted via the devices' integrated Ethernet interface to master logistics and management systems such as KBA's LogoTronic.

PileTronic ensures that all materials are identified when a pallet leaves a location and reaches the next or a change occurs in the pile - this means that all goods entrances and pile turners must be fitted with antennae.

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