Are there advantages to using wireless technology, as opposed to hardwired, in a manufacturing plant?
BB: Yes. Keep in mind that material handlers are constantly moving, and the goal is to keep them moving efficiently. In a wireless environment, information travels with the worker via their RF or RFID device. In a hardwired environment, the worker travels to the information — such as a PC on the plant floor. Often they take the material with them when they need to look up something or print labels, which wastes time and disrupts the efficient flow of material. A wireless solution gives the worker the information and label-printing tools they need at the point of the event. Plus, things can change on the plant floor. Production lines may need to be moved. Wireless gives you a lot more flexibility, and more options for system expansion. It’s much faster and cheaper to relocate wireless devices than it is hardwired terminals, PCs and printers. NGM: How are you integrating wireless devices on the plant floor? BB: There’s virtually no limit to the ways you can use wireless technology to st
