Kinesthesia is sometimes called the sixth sense. It is the ability to sense where the body is and what it is doing – for example, not having to look at one’s arm to know it is outstretched. This level of awareness is a crucial capability, and not just for people. Think about a factory or manufacturing setting: knowing what the different parts of the system are doing and how they’re functioning at all times is critical to efficiency. The same is true of the supply chain. For manufacturers, distributors and logistics providers, knowing the location and condition of individual products and shipments is vital.

The key to this level of awareness is connectivity, and the key to connectivity today is radio frequency (RF) wireless communication. Radio frequency identification (RFID) has been used for years in asset tracking and inventory control, but recent advancements in the capabilities of RFID tags – and the hardware and software used to communicate with them – have introduced exciting new possibilities.

RFID tags are useful for a wide range of applications and are available in many different forms to meet varied demands. Traditional hard tags, flexible tags, cable tie tags, adhesive labels, ferrite tags and molded PCB tags can all be leveraged in industries spanning medical to industrial to supply chain and many more. Tags are available for both high-frequency (HF) and ultra-high frequency (UHF) applications, with UHF tags offering a far greater read range so that operators can read the tag from dockside or across a warehouse. Customization is also possible — certain tag designs include a built-in antenna, LED and chip.

Incorporating a chip into the RFID tag opens a host of additional capabilities. Depending on the chip, the RFID tag can become a sensor, enabling the tag to sense temperature or humidity and then log and store that information. A battery-powered RFID tag can create a record of its environment over time that can be retrieved and analyzed. 

RFID tags are helpful for authenticating products to mitigate the risk of mistakes. For example, in the medical field, a device can be programmed to operate exclusively with specifically tagged cartridges and sensors, thereby minimizing the potential for unintended errors and preventing the utilization of counterfeit products.

RFID tags fitted with LEDs can also act as real-time warning devices. They can be set to activate after a certain period or to alert users of environmental conditions outside of given parameters. This information can be retrieved with a handheld or mounted RFID reader or even a smartphone. By reducing the requirement for specialized hardware, RFID tags are accessible to more users. 

Wireless communication is critical to effective performance in the smart factory of Industry 4.0. RFID tags have long been popular for inventory control and tracking. With innovations such as low-profile RFID labels and new developments in miniaturized RFID solutions, it is possible to track products in inventory and throughout the manufacturing process. By creating a fully formed picture of how the entire factory is functioning, significant potential exists for process improvement. Robust RFID capability and targeted analytics can help manufacturers identify bottlenecks and methods to accelerate the process – thereby saving time and money.

The sensing capability of RFID tags is especially valuable in logistics and shipping. Many products, particularly in the food and beverage and medical industries, must be kept within a specific temperature or humidity range throughout the shipping process. An RFID tag with a chip capable of sensing these environmental conditions can record the parameters at preset intervals. Upon arrival at the destination, this information is easy to read and can confirm that the product has been stored according to requirements. This ability to confirm safe storage conditions throughout the shipping process can help prevent a range of issues with spoiled or unusable products.

With a global manufacturing base and decades of experience, Molex offers robust support for customers in many industries, including manufacturing, logistics and medical. Molex carries 17 distinct types of RFID tags in various frequency bands and with different designs and attachment methods depending on the application. Using a standard Molex RFID product ensures rapid deployment, sourcing flexibility, lower cost and simplified development.

Molex also offers a convenient solution for downloading data from RFID tags, providing two options for seamless access. Users can utilize either a handheld RFID reader or their own smartphone equipped with Molex's dedicated app, available for download for both iOS and Android devices. This versatile approach ensures that users can effortlessly receive and download data from RFID tags, catering to their specific preferences and devices.

Where Molex truly stands apart is with customized connectivity solutions. Molex provides numerous advantages for companies seeking RFID solutions tailored to specific needs:

• Robust cross-discipline engineering support throughout the design process
• Extensive collaboration and customization ability
• Global manufacturing footprint
• Decades of experience in RF technology

Custom RFID solutions can include built-in chips, battery power, LED notification and other capabilities in several tag types. Molex RFID solutions can address a host of needs for smart factory, logistics or medical applications. Get more information on finding the right solution to address various challenges when you start the conversation with Molex.