WIP Container Tracking

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The SPEDE WIP Operations Traceability function controls and tracks the flow of serialized WIP containers to ensure the correct sequencing of operations is followed. SPEDE checks the correctness at issue to prevent sequencing errors. For easier tracking, the same serial number can be used throughout each operation when possible.  

WIP Traceability Functions include:

1. Routing by WIP/FIN part number
2. Identifies Purchased, Produced, and Component parts used at each operation 
3. Tracks recycles/re-starts
4. Options for tracking through "blind" processes such as plating, painting, etc.

For some applications, including when WIP containers are temporarily warehoused, it may be most efficient to track the location of the container using the same Bluetooth technology that the SPEDE Locator System uses to track steel coils.  

A Bluetooth Beacon, which has a unique ID, is attached to the steel WIP container via magnet. 

At Receiving - When the WIP container is transferred to or received into the warehouse, the operator can scan the Beacon ID to associate it to the WIP Container ID, and then scan/ enter additional data regarding the WIP if desired, to complete the Receipt transaction. The SPEDE Locator App records the Receipt.

At Putaway - crane-mounted distance lasers identify the XY or XYZ location where the container is putaway and SPEDE records the precise location.

Every time the container is moved, the Beacon will transmit its ID to SPEDE and the new location will be automatically recorded.

At Picking /Issuing, the operator simply enters the search criteria for the desired container. SPEDE displays the specific location of the desired container. Distance lasers on the crane verify the crane is at the correct location, and SPEDE confirms the desired container ID is being picked.

The SPEDE Locator database is instantly updated with the transaction. 

 Key Features of the Bluetooth Beacon 

1. Small Size (1.5 in diameter, .5 in height)
2. Long Battery Life (3 years)
3. Replaceable internal button battery (CR2032)
4. Extended Bluetooth (BT) transmit distance (up to 300+ feet)
5. Internal Accelerometer inside Beacon wakes up on coil movement, and automatically triggers BT data transmission
6. Beacon has a magnet for easy attachment to coil
7. Beacon has an optional 2D barcode that can be scanned to associate the Beacon ID to the coil’s data, e.g., part nbr, heat, supplier, etc.
8. Beacon transmits its unique Beacon ID to a SPEDE BT App on a handheld Windows 10 PC tablet, where the Coil Location database resides
9. Optional WiFi support for multiple tablets and/or interface to a host computer system.

Advantages of using Bluetooth Beacons:

• Simple to use
• Inexpensive
• Precise - Data transmission occurs only when the target item is moved (Beacon wakes up) 
• Earlier solutions used RFID tags on coils
• RFID reader often picked up signals from surrounding RFID tags resulting incorrect RFID reads and errors in picking, locating, shipping, inventory counts
• RFID tags are more expensive than Bluetooth Beacons