RFID and Weintek HMI: Step-by-Step Guide to Automating Access Control

Industrial automation demands reliable and efficient identification solutions that operate seamlessly in dynamic environments. RFID technology, which combines contactless data reading with on-tag data storage, has become an essential component across various industries. Telemecanique RFID antennas with Modbus RTU support offer a fast, dependable, and easily integrable solution that works flawlessly with Weintek HMI visualization panels.

Contents:

• What is RFID and How Does It Work?
• Common RFID Applications
• RFID Integration with Weintek HMI Panels
• Step-by-Step: Using RFID for HMI User Access

What is RFID and How Does It Work?

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a wireless data transmission technology that uses electromagnetic waves to identify objects equipped with tags. RFID tags contain encoded data that can be read by an RFID antenna or reader. Unlike traditional barcode readers, RFID does not require line-of-sight and can read multiple tags simultaneously.

An RFID system consists of two main components: a tag and a reader. The tag includes a microchip for storing data and an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals. The reader acts as both a radio transmitter and receiver that sends a signal and receives the data stored on the tag.

Common RFID Applications

• Employee Identification and Access Control – RFID cards function as contactless access keys, allowing or denying entry to designated work zones, machines, or vehicles. Simultaneously, arrival and departure times are automatically logged, ensuring accurate timekeeping and management reporting.
• Animal Tagging – RFID tags are implanted or attached to livestock, enabling quick identification of animals, their owners, and birth dates. Historical data such as vaccination records, medications administered, and scheduled veterinary checkups can also be accessed, improving animal welfare and avoiding data duplication.
• Warehouse and Retail Logistics – RFID tags on products allow for fast and accurate inventory control, goods receipt, and dispatch. Each tag may contain essential information such as product code, manufacturing date, price, country of origin, and more. The system can also monitor unauthorized removal of items, enhancing security.
• Pharmaceutical and Food Industries – RFID is used to trace critical raw materials and finished products. It logs production and handling stages, storage temperatures, transport routes, and compliance with quality standards. This data is crucial for audits, traceability, and response to recalls or safety incidents.

RFID Integration with Weintek HMI Panels

Telemecanique RFID readers such as XGCS490B201 and XGCS4901201 support Modbus RTU communication via RS-485. This functionality allows for simple integration with Weintek HMI panels, which serve as a central interface for data visualization, entry, and processing.

The connection to the HMI enables users to read and display information stored on the RFID tag and input new data from the interface directly into the tag. This bidirectional data exchange is especially useful in manufacturing and logistics environments where fast and error-free data flow is essential.

The data captured by the Weintek HMI can then be:

• displayed on the HMI screen in a user-friendly format,
• transferred to a PLC for device control or automation,
• stored in company databases or ERP systems,
• sent to cloud-based solutions like Weincloud, Azure, or AWS.

Step-by-Step: Using RFID for HMI User Access

Below is an example of how to configure RFID cards for user access control on a Weintek cMT-X series panel using EasyBuilder Pro software:

1. Enable the RFID reader: Navigate to System Parameters → Security → Plug-in. Check the Enable box and enable Auto Login if you want automatic authorization upon scanning.
2. Set control addresses: Define the command address, status, and error registers used for RFID reader data exchange and troubleshooting.
3. Add the reader: Click Scan Reader. Only when prompted, connect the RFID reader via USB. The software will automatically populate VID and PID fields.
4. Assign users: Log in with an admin account and enter value 3 in the command register. You'll then be prompted to scan the user’s RFID card for assignment.
5. Verify access: The assigned user can now access the HMI simply by placing their RFID card near the scanner – no password required.
6. Revoke access: To remove card access, log in as the user and enter value 5 in the command register.

This system provides a higher level of security, faster user switching, and detailed access control – suitable for industrial sites, warehouses, offices, and laboratories.

Telemecanique RFID antennas paired with Weintek HMI solutions offer a modern and reliable method to automate identification and data exchange in industrial environments. This combination allows for rapid deployment, simple configuration, and broad integration capabilities with existing systems. RFID solutions significantly improve safety, efficiency, and data quality – whether used in logistics, manufacturing, or the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

To learn more about available models or receive integration support, contact the experts at ZTF Lāsma – we will help you select the most suitable solution for your needs.