How to track work-in-progress using RFID readers?

We decided to introduce another functionality, which is typical for worth thousands of euros production systems,  but now you can use it in Prodio! RFID readers will help you to monitor your production better and faster register tasks by your employees. Also, they will enable better shop floor control. Check what you need and how easy it is:

Watch a tutorial:

Download a manual:

— online version —

What do you need?

• Any RFID reader (USB with keyboard and “enter” emulation)

It sounds like some kind of engineering operation, but in fact, it is the most popular RFID readers standard, and even though there are many different models available on the market, it would be hard to get one below this standard.

TIP: For your convenience, the whole kit: is tested with Prodio readers + cards / key-fobs you can order FROM the US / or get a bonus with your annual subscription package.

• Cards/key-fobs/RFID stickers

The situation is analogical to the choice of readers, there are only two standards, RFID 125kHz / NFC (depending on the reader you choose).  125kHz readers are cheaper but fully workable and enough. NFC readers are a good choice to register production using a smartphone.

 TIP: When choosing your kit, think which one would be more convenient and safer (ex. neck key leash isn’t suitable for someone leaning over machines. Our favourites are: key-fob + SKIPASS holder or silicone hand band).

How to set up registration at the production hall?

• Assign cards/key fobs to employees

1. Connect a card reader to a computer (where you have your manager’s account opened).  99% of USB readers install automatically.
2. Assign cards / key fobs to particular employees.

„Settings” -> “Workers”. Next, you edit the worker to whom you wish to give a card.	Set a cursor in the box Code NFC or RFID (as if you wanted to enter information manually), and the “line” symbol should pulse.	Put a card to the reader. The software should read a code from the card and take you back to the list.
		Optionally: sign a card with a marker before giving it to an employee.

• Connect a reader to a computer on the shop floor.

Now, you can connect your reader to a computer with opened production module and…. it works, doesn’t it?

TIP: we recommend using the newest version of the Google Chrome browser.

  from now on, an employee can skip the first two steps – it is enough to choose:

Manual for the employees.

• Clock-in registration:

An employee chooses on the production plan CLOCK-IN button	Without choosing anything, in particular, an employee nears their card to the reader	Clock-in has been recorded.

TIP: If a worker wishes to leave comments regarding their lateness, we recommend using manual registration with a PIN code.

•  Clock-out registration:
  

An employee chooses the production plan CLOCK-OUT button.	Without choosing anything, an employee nears their card to the reader.	Clock-out has been recorded.

TIP: If a worker wishes to leave comments regarding their early leave, we recommend using manual registration with a PIN code.

•  Start work on a particular machine

Employees choose a production order they wish to produce at the particular machine/working station.	After opening an order view, without choosing anything in particular, they near their card to the reader.	The start of work has been registered.

TIP: In the case of some older versions of Internet browsers, the computer might block reading the cards – it is enough to click the RFID symbol and try once again to near the card to the reader

• Finish operation on a particular machine

Workers choose the production order they wish to finish and give the number of pieces made.	After opening an order view, without choosing anything in particular, they near their card to the reader.	The software recognizes that this particular employee was working on the order and shows a production registration view. After entering parameters, the employee clicks STOP.

TIP: In the case of some older versions of Internet browsers, the computer might block reading the cards – it is enough to click the RFID symbol and try once again to near the card to the reader 

FAQ – Most frequently asked questions

Can you use both PIN number and card system to log in?

What if an employee forgets their card?

What if an employee loses/damages their card?

You will issue a new card / key-fob, registering them in the system beforehand, as if it were the first registration. It will not affect working history in any way, etc.

In our company, there is already a working time registration system/access control system based on RFID key fobs – can the same key fobs be used in Prodio?

Of course, there aren’t any contraindications – just register in Prodio’s currently used cards.

RFID – interesting solutions

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