Manufacturers can take advantage of these benefits starting from device design and manufacturing, with reliable traceability and visibility enabling enhanced process automation and workflow management.
How RFID Improves Traceability for Medical Device Manufacturing
The ability to reliably track devices throughout the product lifecycle delivers significant value for the manufacturer, which translates to increased sales and improved return on investment (ROI). With real-time visibility and traceability while manufacturing medical devices, RFID enables automated work-in-process tracking as well as collection and storage of detailed product build information, monitoring of materials, keeping track of employee activity by specific lots, serial and batch numbers, as well as expiration dates — all without requiring line of sight. RFID also supports tracking pallets in the warehouse and provides visibility into what is moving in and out, thereby improving overall workflow management, efficiency and profitability.
Moreover, RFID enables secure and automated flow of medical devices from distribution through the supply chain and beyond. Unlike QR codes or barcodes, RFID enables thousands of tags to be read at the same time, tracking and tracing entire pallets without requiring line of sight. This functionality allows accurate tracking and documentation of device chain of custody, while also enabling visibility into units in need of upgrade or retrofit. As a result, RFID helps avoid errors and mitigate liability risks for greater peace of mind.
“Medical device OEMs that leverage RFID technology have the capability to transcend the status quo by creating visibility where it was not previously available, addressing many of the challenges associated with manufacturing, inventory management and supply chain efficiency.”
Caryn Mills, Medical Device Sales Director, U.S.A.
Why RFID is Ideal for Medical Device Manufacturing Traceability
The power of RFID enables medical device OEMs to create intelligent visibility and leverage accurate data analytics. In addition to manufacturing process automation and workflow management, traceability allows devices to be easily located anywhere throughout a warehouse or manufacturing facility, reducing lost inventory. Likewise, this inventory management functionality continues to provide benefits throughout the supply chain and device lifecycle for sales reps and distributors as well as hospitals.
RFID traceability throughout the device lifecycle also allows more effective tracking in the event of a product recall. Incorporating RFID allows OEMs to implement a device end of life (EOL) protocol to prevent the use of devices beyond their EOL stage, ensuring accurate lifecycle management and minimizing human error for enhanced quality and patient safety.
