Siemens Enterprise Communications Manufacturing GmbH, has gained considerable savings in both time and costs in various steps in their production and logistics chain since implementing an RFID solution in 2007. Simultaneously, a giant step has also been gained in the fight against counterfeiters of the high-end business telephones in their portfolio. Siemens Enterprise Communications Manufacturing uses UPM Raflatac's UHF EPC Gen2 Web inlays with NXP U-Code G2XL ICs in their RFID solution.

At Siemens Enterprise Communications Manufacturing, an RFID tag is embedded inside each business telephone. After assembly and technical testing, a unique identification number (MAC) is given to each phone and programmed to the RFID inlay. Based on that information, each product is then packed and correct labels are attached to the outer boxes. An individual pallet can include 114 phones. The pallet then moves on to Siemens' logistics centre concurrently with the data of the delivery.

Data from the tagged phones is read in the logistics centre without having to unpack them from the outer boxes. This is a huge advantage since previously all products had to be identified manually. To optimise the whole process with precision, all gathered data is automatically transferred into the centre's ERP and IT systems.

Benefits are not limited to just production. Thanks to linking the RFID system with CRM systems, it is possible to track customer deliveries and gain base data for evaluations and stock overviews. Knowing the exact identification numbers of the phones, installation and service processes are efficiently accelerated. In cases where several hundreds or thousands of phones need installations or updates, it is a major saving in time and resources when this can be done electronically.

Security issues present also an important advantage. Data transfer between tags and readers happens via an electronic field, and thus keeps the information protected from outsiders. "By embedding the RFID tag inside the phone it is nearly impossible to remove or destroy the data they carry without visibly damaging the product. This makes counterfeit or imitations nearly impossible," says Mikko Nikkanen, Business Development Director, UPM Raflatac RFID.

UPM Raflatac's globally functioning Web inlay was chosen for this solution due to its ideal dimensions and excellent performance even when it is embedded into the phones plastic protective cover. Given that the assembly lines and the products on them at Siemens Enterprise Communications Manufacturing factory are close to one another, it is important that the Web inlays are not affected by the nearness of other tags.

In general, package level RFID tagging of consumer electronics, such as laptops, LCD screens, televisions and cameras, can provide return on investment within 6 to 12 months. This is because utilising RFID technology makes several business processes more efficient.

Embedded item level tagging of consumer electronics has even more to offer. It simplifies considerably the after sales services and recycling processes. As the electronics device itself can be read, information e.g. about origin, updates, warranty and maintenance are constantly on hand throughout the products life- cycle. This is definitely a noteworthy benefit for both manufacturer and consumers.