How RFID Improves Distribution Center & Warehouse Management
Productivity and operational efficiency of distribution centers and warehouses worldwide have improved with Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology implementation. RFID is commonly used in coordination with existing data capture technology such as barcodes.
RFID Benefits
Labor Cost Reduction – The work hours needed by warehouse workers to carry out their picking, packing, shipping, and inventory tasks are typically reduced.
Greater Inventory Accuracy – The accuracy and efficiency of receiving inventory is increased, along with the accuracy of picking and ordering.
Inventory Stock Levels Decreased – Visibility of stock and demand generation is improved.
Decrease of Unsellable and Out-of-Stock Items – Inventory levels that are lower and leaner result in speedier inventory turns and reduced stock stagnation.
Customer Satisfaction Increased – The proper goods are shipped to the correct address in a timely manner.
RFID for Receiving
Traditionally cases, items, and pallets had individual barcodes that were scanned by employees individually. RFID allows simultaneous reading of numerous items as they pass a portal reader installed at the dock door. The process can be reduced from several hours to 30 minutes if the cartons are RFID-tagged. Utilizing a Warehouse Management System (WMS) lets contents be cross docked, so they can be immediately shipped, staged, or stored.
Point of Manufacture Item-Level Tagging
Point of manufacture product tagging will typically result in greater data accuracy regarding inbound and outbound items in distribution centers. Efficiency of shipping and receiving at external sites also improves.
Real Time Asset Management
RFID tags attached to containers, equipment, people, and products will give companies the capability of tracking their status and location in real time. Implementation of Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) will increase the data granularity of asset management.
RFID Traceability
Compliance with government regulations such as “farm to fork” is enabled by RFID tags that store the needed tracking data, including date of manufacture, batch, lot, shelf life, expiration date, and serial numbers. Portals and readers along the supply chain allow wireless updates of data, providing a record that may be needed to address recalls and suspected counterfeiting.
Progressive Office Cabling
Founded in 1986, Progressive Office’s success has been a direct result of years of commitment to seeking cost-effective solutions. Working together, Progressive teams are committed to getting your data cables installed and operating while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call our toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.
