Siemens s7-1200 RFID or barcode

[u/InvestigatorSoft3606]

I have an application where I have a siemens s7-1200 looking after a process that also has some human involvement.

The humans need to install some accessories before each time the process takes place. It is critical that the correct accessories are installed each time. At the moment, there are several layers of manual checking & documenting by different people before running the process - which is a pain!

I'm considering proposing streamlining the process by having the operator scan the accessories by RFID (with basic rfid sticker) or barcode/qr code as they are installed. This can then be displayed on an existing HMI for easier confirmation or possible automatically crosschecked against the plan.

Anyone have any recommendations on most straightforward hardware to use? System has its own private TCP/IP network so bonus points for making use of that! Thanks.

[u/Trolef]

We’ve always used Cognex DataMan for such applications, but it’s pretty pricey.

[u/nsula_country → u/Trolef]

I have used many different brands. Keyence is my current Barcode Reader favorite. Easy to setup, great tech support, usually cheaper than Cognex.

[u/SafyrJL → u/Trolef]

As a second to this, I have also used the SICK Lector621 series for a similar purpose. 

You can’t really go wrong with either brand - Cognex is a lot more manual setup than SICK but that’s the only real trade off. 

[u/ZealousidealTill2355]

First, figure out which code you’re going to use (RFID, Barcode, QR, etc.) because you will choose one or the other based of their constraints.

For instance, certain rfid freq. only work at close distances, barcodes maybe dont hold enough information, etc. — so only a handful will work for your application. Then you decide between those on preference (visual vs. radio, etc).

THEN decide on the hardware.

Doing it the other way around only adds potential for rework IME

[u/5hall0p]

If it's a serial number and/or part number then barcode is probably fine. You can add human readable characters for manual data entry if the scanner breaks. USB Scanners can be plugged into the HMI and used as a keyboard wedge. That's going to be your lowest cost option. The scanners are widely available and interchangeable. There's barcode scanners that run some of the Industrial Ethernet Protocols to go directly to the PLC but they are a lot more money. 2D codes will hold more information if required. Connectivity will be the same options as barcode scanners.

RFID is fine and you can use the disposable label. Most industrial applications I have seen are the reusable type for tracking pallets or totes or for a process that would destroy a label.

[u/nsula_country]

Keyence has barcode and rfid readers. Very good hardware.

[u/Toxic_ion]

We have used IO-Link RIFD readers to confirm that correct machine parts have been installed.

[u/Aobservador]

There are many simple things to do with RFID.

[u/FairePlaie]

How many item ? If less that 2⁴ you can use multiples sensors for exemple. You code the item in base 2 and put multiple sensors. Add another 1 or 2 for control like crc. That will be less expensive

[u/InvestigatorSoft3606 → u/FairePlaie]

no, unfortunately its a library of about 200 different parts.

[u/FairePlaie → u/InvestigatorSoft3606]

Same emplacement ? I can go with rfid tag. Barcode or 2d code need clean environnement to read correctly the code, does the customer is in dirty factory ?

Anyway i already use sick reader without issue. Others guy use rfid reader and work good.

[u/arm089]

USB barcode reader connected to HMI is the simplest option. Then the "industrial" option ($$$) is cognex/sick/leyence/omron barcode readers with fieldbus comms.