Auto ID Solutions: seamless data capture for efficient inventory management systems

Automatic identification, or Auto ID, describes the automatic identification, tracking and data collection of objects. Automatic identification systems have become increasingly important in recent years due to the trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. At HellermannTyton, we specialise in providing seamless data capture solutions that enable industries to improve the efficiency of their tracking solutions.

Auto ID includes many different technologies such as barcode, QR code solutions or RFID technology. In detail, our Auto ID cable management solutions include RFID labels, RFID tags, RFID cable ties, markers as well as other Auto ID technologies that provide accurate and reliable data collection solutions for a wide range of applications.

Whether you are in manufacturing, retail, or any other industry that requires accurate data collection, our innovative solutions are designed to streamline operations, improve inventory, asset, and warehouse management, and increase overall productivity.

The key features and benefits of Auto ID are:

• Accurate inventory tracking: Real-time data capture solutions for accurate inventory management systems, minimising errors
• Enhanced security: Enhanced measures to prevent unauthorised access and reduce losses
• Improved operational efficiency: Automate processes, optimise resource allocation, and save time
• Actionable insights: Gain valuable data-driven insights for better decision-making
• Optimised asset management: Optimise asset tracking solutions and reduce maintenance costs
• Improved customer experience: Personalise interactions, improve service delivery, and boost satisfaction
• Cost reduction: Increase operational efficiency, optimise inventory, and reduce errors
• Sustainable growth: Drive productivity, streamline operations, and foster long-term business growth

These general points outline the main applications that our Auto ID portfolio offers to different industries:

• Retail: Inventory and stock management systems to optimise stock levels and prevent stockouts
• Healthcare: Asset tracking solutions of medical equipment, reducing costs and improving efficiency
• Logistics and transportation:
  • Warehouse management system with automated inventory control and picking processes
  • Real-time shipment tracking and supply chain optimisation for efficient logistics operations
  • Vehicle identification and tracking to optimise fleet management and improve safety

• Manufacturing:
  • Supply chain optimisation with real-time inventory tracking and just-in-time supply management optimisation
  • Quality control and traceability for compliance and product safety
  • Asset tracking solutions and maintenance for equipment utilisation and predictive maintenance

• Hospitality: Inventory management systems for efficient stock control in restaurants and bars

Auto ID solutions ensure excellent track & trace solutions in the following core application areas:

• Supply chain management: Optimisation and real-time inventory visibility, improving order fulfilment and managing inventory across the supply chain network
• Process management: Auto ID solutions enable seamless data capture, real-time information sharing, and streamlined task allocation, leading to improved productivity, reduced bottlenecks, and enhanced collaboration across various processes within your organisation
• Asset management: Auto ID solutions provide enhanced security measures to prevent theft, minimise asset loss and safeguard valuable resources by providing visibility into asset location, condition and usage to any inventory management system

The example showcased in the following video illustrates the efficient and secure management of materials through the implementation of Auto-ID technology. Thanks to the various solutions, it is possible, among other things, to systematically label equipment.

These are the main components of automatic identification systems:

• Data carrier
  • Barcode/ QR code: A graphical representation of data that can be scanned and decoded to quickly retrieve information about a product or item
  • RFID tags/ transponders: Small electronic devices that utilize RFID technology to wirelessly transmit data, enabling the identification and tracking objects or assets. In addition to that, RFID tags provide a memory which can be used to store data and update it on demand
• Hardware: Barcode/ RFID scanners: Devices that capture and read the encoded data from barcodes or RFID tags, converting it into readable information for further processing

• Software for data capture: Software applications designed to collect, process and analyse data obtained from the automatic identification system, providing valuable insights and enabling efficient management
• Communication Infrastructure: The network and connectivity components that facilitate the transmission of data between the identification devices, scanners, and backend systems

The printable materials range includes all printable labels, cable markers and other identification elements for unique identification with barcodes and QR codes. The main benefits of the printable markers are:

• Long-lasting protection against harsh environments, reducing maintenance costs
• Excellent print performance to ensure a stable identification that remains visible and legible in challenging conditions
• Supplied in continuous or ladder style formats
• Distinctive features available such as low smoke propagation, toxicity or halogen free
• Easy to install, saving time during application, and minimize the need for frequent replacements
• Available in a range of different colours

Printable cable labels are mainly used to identify cables, pipes, hoses, assets, parts and storage systems with barcode and location information. Among the benefits are:

• High quality printable labels
• Labels suitable for flat and rough surfaces
• Good resistance in indoor and outdoor applications
• Durable materials and adhesive properties ensure long-lasting performance in harsh environments
• The laminated selection of labels gives excellent protection against humidity and mechanical abrasion
• Tamper-evident labels have a feature that leaves a clear mark if a label has been removed

HellermannTyton has developed smart RFID transponders for various industries and applications. The portfolio includes cable ties, security seals, hard tags, markers and labels. The key features and benefits of RFID cable ties and RFID security seals are:

• Innovative solution for clear and rapid product identification
• They combine the many benefits of a standard cable tie with RFID technology
• Especially suited for securing, serialisation, tracking and identification of products
• Ideal for areas of resource management, electrical inspection, inventory, distribution and rental services as well as for easy management of maintenance and repair routines
• Available in LF, HF and UHF frequencies

HellermannTyton has developed a smart range of RFID hard tags and RFID markers with distinctive features, suitable for different applications and industries as well as for different fixing methods (with bolts, screws, nails, rivets, weld fixation or sticked with glue). Our RFID hard tags are available in standard polyamide, PPA, PC/ ABS and SS, PET and TPU. They can be classified into:

• FlexLine: RFID hard tags and RFID markers which are characterised by being versatile, elastic and made of soft material. They are available in UHF
• Hardline: RFID hard tags which are characterised by being robust, durable and made of a very resilient material. They are available in both HF and UHF
• ToughLine: RFID hard tags which are characterised by being extremely robust and durable, with a carrier made of made of impact-resistant plastic. They are available in UHF

HellermannTyton has developed smart RFID labels according to international standards, which allow a clear identification or objects and locations through unique numbering systems. Features and benefits include:

• RFID labels available in high frequency (HF) and ultra-high frequency (UHF)
• Ideal for the clear identification and digitized management of mobile and stationary equipment, raw materials and semi-finished or finished products
  • With a resilient material and adhesive for permanent adhesion
  • Labels with an integrated insulation layer to ensure the RFID function on metal surfaces
  • Conveniently printable with thermal transfer printers for visual identification
  • Thermal printers with RFID enable printing and coding within one process

HellermannTyton thermal transfer printers are ideal for industrial-grade printing. The printers use heat and special ribbons to create durable labels on a range of printable materials, from heat shrinkable tubing to cable markers.

HellermannTyton offers TagPrintPro label design software for use with the range of printers and marking materials. Customised labels can be easily and quickly designed from scratch. Features and benefits include:

• TagPrintPro 4.0 runs on Windows 7, 8.1, 10 and 11
• Print automation allows one-step printing of label jobs to one or more printers simultaneously
• Single user and network user licences available

HellermannTyton is part of the Industrial Association for Automatic Identification, Data Capture, and Mobile Data Communication (AIM). AIM is an international organisation focused on promoting technologies for automatic identification, data capture, and mobile data communication. The network advocates for the development, standardisation, and dissemination of technologies such as barcodes, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), NFC (Near Field Communication), RTLS (Real-Time Location Systems), and other automated identification and data capture technologies.

Through its membership in AIM, HellermannTyton can contribute early in the development of new technology standards and bring expertise in manufacturing methods. For example, non-electrified objects can be digitised with suitable transponders, as is the case with HellermannTyton RFID cable ties.

Auto ID stands for automatic identification and refers to the automatic identification and tracking of objects without human intervention. Auto ID systems use radio frequency, magnetic strip, and barcode technologies to help increase efficiency, accuracy, and security in a variety of industries. Applications include asset tracking, inventory, and warehouse management solutions.

At HellermannTyton, we offer many customisation options for all our Auto ID solutions. Besides offering custom printing of our printable cable tags and markers, we also manufacture RFID labels or tags to customer specifications, including printing, design, prototyping and moulding.

We have an extensive experience in the Auto ID industry, and we work with relevant partners in the market to implement comprehensive, high performance automatic identification systems, in any market and for any volume. Simply contact us with your requirements and we will advise you on the best solution for your situation.