When the molds used to manufacture aluminum engine blocks are built, visibility into the entire assembly process can help ensure that any defects are caught before the finished block is shipped to a customer. With that in mind, automotive components manufacturer Nemak has automated its work-in-process (WIP) tracking, with a radio frequency identification system supplied by Balluff Inc. that writes sensor data from automation equipment to ensure that any defects in the mold are caught before molten aluminum is poured into it.

Delta Air Lines is employing radio frequency identification technology to improve the visibility of oxygen generators installed within its aircraft in an effort reduce the amount of waste associated with discarding generators, as well as the time required to check the devices' expiration dates.