Warehouse management is a crucial part of various businesses including logistics, retail, manufacturing, etc. It is a complex process that requires real-time monitoring and tracking of consignments coming in and going out as well as accurate identification of each pallet.
Warehouse managers accurately verify each package, update the data in the ERP/ installed warehouse management system and safely store the same. The traditional barcode technology has been an efficient solution in this regard. However, as businesses scale and require more data on day-to-day warehouse operations and inventory control, use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology becomes crucial.
RFID is an advanced AIDC (Automatic Identification and Data Capture) technology that employs a set of RFID labels, RFID readers, antennas and dedicated software system to accurately identify and track pallets, bins, and containers. Since RFID tags don’t require a clear line of sight, and can be scanned from a distance of up to 15m, RFID tagging proves to be more efficient than any other technology.
RFID Warehouse Management System: Components
RFID technology can enhance the capability of existing warehouse management systems by providing advanced tracking and security solutions. The RFID based warehouse management system leverages RFID tags, RFID readers, antennas and RFID software system to perform the 360 degree warehouse management.
1. RFID Tags: RFID tags are attached to the goods, pallets, or containers. You can use any form of tag, including passive and active tags. They are small, durable tags that respond to a reader. Whenever the reader and tag contact each other in a line-of-sight connection.
2. RFID Readers: RFID readers emit radio frequency signals that scan and retrieve information from tags. Readers are placed at key locations within the warehouse, such as loading docks, storage facilities, and shipping areas.
3. RFID Warehouse Management System/software: A management system is software support that will work as a central processing unit. It receives input data from RFID readers and processes the received data to provide efficient warehousing solutions. Advanced Warehouse management systems can use the data captured by RFID readers and generate valuable insights and reports which leads to decisive data driven actions.
RFID-based Tracking of Shipments
In a warehouse management system, RFID is a valuable tool for tracking and management systems. RFID tracking works in several stages.
1. A shipment arrives at a warehouse that has an RFID tag attached to it.
2. Each tag has an internal microchip that contains information about an item, to provide real-time visibility and control over shipments throughout their journey. RFID tags are attached to individual items or pallets, allowing for seamless tracking and monitoring at every stage of the supply chain.
3. RFID readers are placed in the entry points of a warehouse system, to scan these shipments and items. The reader emits radio signals when a tag comes into the range of radio signals. It power-ups the tags and asks for encoded data of items inside their microchip. Then, they start an intercommunication to retrieve the data of tags.
4. After retrieving data from tags, the RFID reader transfers the information to a central database system. The management system analyzes and updates this information about an item as the item progresses throughout the warehouse management system.
Benefits of using RFID in the warehouse management system
RFID technology in warehouse management enables following benefits:
1. Eliminating manual Interventions: Using RFID in your warehouse management system will reduce the chances of human errors because it can automate various tasks of warehouse management as it can directly update the data of products into a database by scanning tags.
2. Increase in the accuracy of stock management: RFID will increase the accuracy of stock because the warehouse encounters large quantities of products every day, you can use RFID to manage your warehouse; it automatically records inventory and manages stock levels of inventory. It will assist you in providing optimal solutions for warehouse management, and it can send an alert whenever the under-stocking or over-stocking of goods has reached its limit.
Some advanced RFID tags can even handle complex tasks in warehouse management for products that have shelf-life expiration and products that are sensitive to environmental factors like temperature.
3. Enhanced tracking for equipment: RFID benefits warehouses for equipment like electronic devices, heavy machinery, and tools affixed with an RFID tag, enabling real-time, accurate, and automated tracking. It means that warehouses can precisely monitor the location and movement of their equipment. It offers the ability to quickly locate the equipment when needed and saves valuable time for warehouse staff.
4. Precise inventory management: RFID helps in inventory management by providing real-time visibility into various stages and levels of inventory. It can automatically collect data from products through their SKU number, which contains the manufacturing details of the product. You can also monitor their location as they move to a different zone or shift from one facility to another.
To conclude, use of RFID in warehouse management has revolutionized various warehousing operations to be more accurate and efficient. RFID is highly accurate, which eliminates the risk of human errors. It saves time by automating various operations. In terms of ease of warehousing operations, workers are saving crucial hours and increasing productivity because RFID makes it possible to find the exact location of a product swiftly. Integrating RFID with the warehouse management system will reduce the operating cost of the warehouse with more efficiency and accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1) What is RFID?
RFID is a technology that uses radio waves to identify a tagged object. It is used in various commercial and industrial applications like tracking items with a supply chain to tracking of items.
Q2) What are the benefits of using RFID tags in the warehousing industry?
RFID tags do not require any line-of-sight contact with the reader. So, workers no longer need to be within a few inches of a box to scan it. Items equipped with tags can be scanned and categorized easily. Even, if a tag is hidden behind a box.
Q3) What are the applications of RFID in the warehouse management system?
Some applications of RFID in warehouse management systems include:
1. Asset tracking
2. Automated receiving and put-away of goods
3. Tracking the movement of critical assets and equipment
4. Improved visibility and distribution in the supply chain
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