Dow Corning Leverage RFID to Monitor Work-in-Process

As part of its solution pilot to monitor work-in-process in its Auburn, Michigan, manufacturing plant, global silicones supplier Dow Corning will leverage Reva Systems' Tag Acquisition Processor (TAP). The Dow Corning pilot will involve a collection of Symbol Technologies' DC600 Portal Systems, XR440 fixed RFID readers and MC9090 handheld readers deployed to cover strategic points and process steps in Dow's manufacturing operations. The RFID equipment and related devices, including printers and sensors in the process flow, will be controlled and coordinated as a system by the Reva TAP, which will then pass clean RFID tag data to Dow Corning's shop floor and ERP systems. A Reva-certified channel partner, Lowry Computer Products, will act as the primary integrator for the project. The intent of the trial is to demonstrate an internal ROI and the viability of using UHF passive RFID tags in Dow Corning's demanding manufacturing environment. "Dow Corning is investing in RFID through pilots to prove it is a viable technology and will provide value for our supply chains and businesses. We feel Reva's TAP offers significant advantages over other solutions that are available today," says Gene Sumption, Dow Corning's manufacturing systems manager.