RFID Self-Service Box Automates Kanban and Textile Returns
With the CT S-WBOX.01 from CRAFT TECHNOLOGIES, IDCRAFT offers a mobile UHF RFID solution for the automatic capture of Kanban cards, containers, and textiles.
Whether in industrial material supply, laundries, or the healthcare sector: wherever large quantities of items are regularly returned, manual scanning takes time. With the CT S-WBOX.01 from CRAFT TECHNOLOGIES, IDCRAFT GmbH offers a mobile RFID self-service box that captures multiple tagged items simultaneously.
The principle is simple: Employees place Kanban cards, empty containers, or workwear into the box. The integrated UHF RFID reader identifies the transponders in a batch read and transmits the EPC data to the host system. There, returns can be automatically documented, inventory levels updated, or replenishment processes initiated.
E-Kanban: Automating Material Replenishment
In industrial manufacturing, required materials must be reliably replenished. With electronic Kanban, RFID-tagged cards or empty containers serve as replenishment signals.
With the CT S-WBOX.01, employees can return multiple Kanban cards or containers at the same time. The system detects their RFID transponders and transmits the identification data to the higher-level software, which can then generate corresponding replenishment requests.
There is no need for individual scanning. This reduces manual effort—especially in cases of frequent material movements and recurring return processes—and supports a reliable supply of materials.
Laundries: Textile Returns Without Individual Identification
In industrial laundries, hospitals, and companies with centralized workwear supply systems, the RFID self-service box also simplifies the tracking of returned textiles.
Employees place worn, RFID-tagged workwear into the box in bulk. The system identifies the textiles and transmits the data for documentation and further processing. This allows returns to be processed more efficiently and textile movements to be tracked with greater transparency.
Other potential applications include the issuance and return of personal protective equipment (PPE), the tracking of hospital linens, and the return of rental items.
Integrated UHF RFID technology for bulk capture
The CT S-WBOX.01 features an integrated UHF | RAIN RFID reader system. In the LARGE version, four UHF antennas are arranged around the interior and connected to the reader.
The system supports EPC Gen2 in accordance with ISO/IEC 18000-63 and operates in the European frequency band from 865 to 868 MHz. The captured EPC data is transmitted to the host system via Ethernet or USB.
The reader, antennas, power supply, and cabling are already integrated. A PC or kiosk terminal for the user interface can be connected separately and is not included in the scope of delivery.
The self-service box is available in two sizes:
LARGE: 1430 × 1000 × 1120 mm, with four UHF antennas, a hinged lid, handles, and four casters for mobile use.
SMALL: 600 × 600 × 600 mm, a compact design for limited space.
IDCRAFT provides support in selecting RFID hardware
For reliable batch scanning, transponders, items, and the reader system must be properly coordinated. Material properties, tag positions, and the arrangement of the items all influence the reading results.
“It is crucial that RFID transponders and the reading system are optimally matched to the specific application,” explains Patrick Kochendörfer, Managing Director of IDCRAFT GmbH. “That’s why we test the solution with our customers’ actual products and ensure that batch reading works reliably even under real-world conditions.”
As a specialized value-added distributor, IDCRAFT supports companies in selecting suitable RFID hardware and evaluating specific application scenarios. The focus is on reliable data capture and integration into existing processes.
Project pricing and availability of the CT S-WBOX.01 are available upon request.
Further information: CT S-WBOX.01 – RFID Self-Service Box
About IDCRAFT GmbH
IDCRAFT GmbH, headquartered in Neuhofen, is a B2B value-added distributor for RFID, NFC, and auto-ID hardware. The company distributes products from various manufacturers and supports customers in Europe in selecting and integrating suitable identification technologies for industry, logistics, healthcare, retail, and the public sector.
Contact and Project Consulting
Patrick Kochendörfer | IDCRAFT GmbH
Tel.: +49 6236 4494 685
www.idcraft.com