Not only in intralogistics does practice show that there is no single correct identification technology – it always depends on the application, and the technical and economic conditions associated with it. Machine constructors, system integrators and plant operators, however, demand consistent integration and operation platforms. The thinking behind this is that they really want to be able to use the particular most suitable labeling technology for the material flow or logistical concept without having to make a major integration effort every time, e.g. for a conveyor system, a high-bay warehouse or a sorter. This is where SICK comes in: with IDpro.
IDpro: SICK’s integration concept for bar codes, 2D codes, RFID and hybrid systems
SICK is currently the only supplier of Auto-ID systems whose product range includes all the technologies for bar codes, 2D and RFID; who developed and produces them itself; and who has created a uniform platform, i.e. consistent user interfaces, process interfaces and connections. Based on this uniform platform the CLV6xx, LECTOR®620 and RFH620 product families have all the necessary features for future applications and are proof of SICK’s comprehensive Auto-ID competence. All IDpro devices are characterized by a design appropriate for industrial use and can be connected, configured and parameterized in the same way. Control and software structures that have been used once for a machine or plant, as well as data telegrams that have been parameterized once, can be used identically for all Auto-ID systems. Users profit from cost-effective solutions for their tasks and secure investments, while integrators and OEMs have completely compatible, network-enabled technologies with uniform parameterization and user interfaces, consistently compatible electrical and mechanical connection technology, and identical fieldbus components – regardless of whether they use bar code scanners of the CLV6xx series, LECTOR®620 2-dimensional code readers or the RFH620 RFID interrogator.
More efficient and economical integration and commissioning
The IDpro platform opens up hidden potentials for greater efficiency and improved cost-effectiveness. Manufacturers of logistical plants generally have a defined and documented in-house control and software structure for their products. It is therefore not unusual that changing to a different Auto-ID technology involves considerable adaptation costs. With IDpro, however, a constructor can now exploit the most suitable Auto-ID technology from project to project. In information technology terms, implementation takes place within a single identical environment – regardless of whether a bar code label, a 2D code, a transponder or even a hybrid label has to be identified. They can also continue using the engineering and knowledge that they are familiar with from, say, bar code technology, when they have to switch to using 2D codes or RFID transponders – because they all have the same user interface. The reduced need for training and documentation results in lower costs. Depending on the plant and the equipment, considerable savings potentials for software adaptations, as well as for the configuration and integration effort, are possible. The fact that each of the devices can provide the parameterized data output format and individual sorting and filter functions defined for a machine or an application also contributes towards cutting costs.
Planning security, integration security, investment security
IDpro thus offers integrators maximum planning and investment security because their logistical concepts do not become worthless when a technology is changed. They can always use the basic solution concept and adapt the data detection on the object to the particular conditions, without having to make complex changes to the IT processes for the material flow. Moreover, with IDpro all three identification systems are directly Ethernet-enabled without an additional gateway. Future Industrial Ethernet protocols can be uploaded via software, which also makes a considerable contribution towards the investment security offered by IDpro.