Smart Technology Developer Optimizes Processes with RFID-Enabled Workforce Tracking

Caron Engineering needed a smart, secure RFID reader that would allow them to add operator authentication and log-in to their solutions for US and international CNC machining market customers and to enable those customers to use their current employee badge system.

The reader needed to:

+ Provide secure and accurate user identification, authorization and access control

+ Read all of the RFID card technologies their clients might be using

+ Be easy to reconfigure for new technologies of functionality

+ Mount cleanly and securely to the exterior controls area of their machines

+ Be able to withstand industrial environments

Situation

Established in 1986, Caron Engineering Inc develops advanced sensor and monitoring technology to optimize performance, productivity, and profitability for the machine tool industry. Their largest customers are in the aerospace, medical equipment, and defense industries. Caron Engineering’s smart manufacturing products are sold worldwide and interface with virtually all CNC machine tools on the market. These products utilize high-precision sensors and high-speed data processing units to make real-time automated adjustments, optimize machining, and provide valuable information about the cutting process and the machine’s health.

Finding and retaining skilled operators is increasingly tricky for Caron Engineering's customers. As a result, operator training demands are high, and so there is a need for workforce tracking and continuous process optimization.

Challenge

Caron Engineering realized that the "who" is typically the missing link in manufacturing data. Understanding operator identity is the key to enabling data-driven decisions in the modern factory. Machine authentication allows plants to incorporate worker activity at a granular level within the production environment and ensures that only trained, authorized operators can access machine controls.

When there is access control, current machine access control is typically done with physical keys—keys often left in the machine, lost or shared among the workforce. Or access control is enabled using passwords and PINs, often forgotten or likewise shared among staff— including staff who shouldn’t be touching the equipment or performing a specific function. Generally, there is no traceability, and when something goes wrong, the responsible party is not known.

Caron Engineering and its customers required an RFID reader solution to integrate with their MiConnect CNC control interface software to ensure only authorized operators could access equipment and specific software. They also needed authentication to ensure operators were adequately trained and traceability for reporting and improvement purposes. With the shortage of skilled operators, such training is essential for process optimization.

Solution

The ELATEC TWN4 Slim reader met Caron Engineering’s requirements and more. The Slim is configurable for all the major RFID card transponder technologies used worldwide—more than 60, maximizing their market opportunities and helping them better serve customers using multiple technologies. Their customers now use the same corporate ID cards used for building entry to grant authorized employees access to their manufacturing software and equipment.

With its flexible architecture and open API, the Slim reader can be remotely re-configured to activate new card technologies or upgrade firmware to meet emerging security and functionality requirements. Or a contactless card may be presented to the reader—no touch labor required. The Slim is integrated with the Caron Engineering middle- and backend software, so every time an operator or maintenance worker runs the equipment, it is logged along with who did it when they did it, and what actions they performed.

Caron Engineering has hundreds of its MiConnect software applications installed in locations around the world. And where it has been implemented with the TWN4 Slim reader, it provides secure, reliable machine operator authentication and access control to help their customers ensure workforce training authorization and safety to optimize their manufacturing processes.

Benefits

Integrating the ELATEC TWN4 Slim reader has significantly benefited Caron Engineering's machining customers.

Firstly, the seamless integration of the Slim reader with existing corporate ID cards has streamlined access control processes. Authorized employees conveniently use their familiar ID cards, eliminating the need for additional access credentials and reducing administrative burden.

Secondly, the comprehensive traceability of the Slim reader with MiConnect software enables effective monitoring of operator activities. Detailed information, including the operator, timestamp, and equipment used, is tracked, fostering accountability and facilitating targeted analysis for troubleshooting and process improvement.

Lastly, the Slim reader's flexible architecture and open API ensure future-proof functionality. Remote reconfiguration capabilities allow easy adaptation to new card technologies or firmware upgrades, ensuring compatibility with evolving security standards and industry requirements. Implementing the ELATEC TWN4 Slim reader empowers Caron Engineering's customers with enhanced workforce management, improved security, and optimized manufacturing processes.