Jan 24, 2024

In a fast-paced digital world, agility is crucial to enterprise success. As a result, legacy systems and paper-based workflows have slowly fallen out of favor since they cannot keep up with ever-changing supply chains. While traditional barcoding systems have successfully reduced errors and accelerated reporting, a deeper degree of visibility is needed in today’s on-demand markets to overcome challenges such as:

• Providing real-time order tracking
• Establishing transparency within production
• Safeguarding timely replenishment
• Back-tracking recalled stock

In light of these challenges, it is no surprise that RFID tracking has become popular as a sure method to integrate agile adaptability in the modern supply chain. Recent studies show that over half of warehouse decision-makers intend to deploy RFID technology into their inventory management systems by 2028. Unlike traditional barcoding systems, RFID technology enables real-time tracking with higher precision for static and in-motion items. Moreover, while the cost difference may seem higher upfront, RFID ultimately maximizes ROI by reducing errors and the expenses needed to correct them. Also, RFID tags can contain multiple codes within one label, reducing paper waste while accelerating workflows with one single trigger pull. Before embracing RFID, solution specialists recommend first understanding how it works.

What is RFID?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that uses radio waves to identify and track objects tagged with an RFID chip. The technology has been around for decades and has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its ability to streamline processes and increase efficiency in many industries.

RFID uses a reader to emit radio waves that activate the RFID tag. The tag then sends back a unique identifier that is read by the reader and transmitted to a computer system. This allows the system to track the movement of tagged objects, monitor inventory levels, and improve supply chain management. RFID technology can be used in a wide range of applications to monitor the movement of goods in a supply chain.  

Implementing RFID Tracking in Your Facility

To best simplify implementation, our strategic team has gathered helpful tips to keep in mind during the integration process.

Before you tag:

• Start with a clear vision: Before implementing RFID technology, it's important to define your specific goals. Do you want to streamline your inventory management process, increase the speed of order fulfillment, or improve quality assurance? By knowing your objectives, you can make informed decisions and select the appropriate tags, readers, and software that will best meet your needs. This will ensure that your RFID system is optimized for your unique requirements and will provide the most value to your business.
• Conduct a feasibility study: Working alongside a solution developer, it is imperative that you assess your warehouse layout, mainstream workflows, and existing connectivity infrastructures to pinpoint potential blind spots and bottlenecks. While robust, RFID tracking is susceptible to interference when fastened onto curved objects, metal surfaces, and liquids. A preliminary assessment of your inventory allows teams to recommend specialty inlays and tags for challenging materials.  
• Choose the right tags: In addition to surface type, your solution developer will help evaluate other factors such as product size, budget constraints, and estimated read ranges. With this consolidated information, businesses may choose between common UHF tags, suitable for pallets and cases, active tags for high-value inventory, or NFC tags for near-field applications.
• Implement appropriate readers and antennas: A complete RFID tracking solution requires more than tags. An ergonomic RFID reader and configurable antennas allow businesses to customize ranges to create a scalable system. For example, fixed readers cover pre-defined zones while handheld readers empower workers to scan tags anywhere for more flexibility.
• Pair your system with a WMS: Needless to say, your warehouse management system (WMS) must be compatible with your new tracking system to properly process collected data. Open application ecosystems like those offered through Android’s operating system facilitate implementation by requiring less app rewriting from your IT teams.

During Implementation

• Choose an experienced solution provider: To safeguard ongoing efficiency from an RFID solution, businesses should invest in a long-term partnership with their solution provider. RFID systems may need to be reconfigured in the future to accommodate inventory growth, changing labor pools, or new technologies.

RELATED: CHECK OUT THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SELECTING A QUALIFIED SOLUTION PROVIDER.

• Plan for thorough training with your teams: Most RFID solutions take a few months to implement after factoring in preliminary surveys, device procurement, rollouts, and training. Proper user training will ensure teams are familiar with devices and can interpret collected data. The training should include a comprehensive overview of the system's features, its applications, and the procedures to follow in case of any malfunctions or discrepancies.
• Start with a small pilot: Your solution provider will work with you to outline a pilot plan testing different scenarios to refine your solution further. Continuous system monitoring and data analysis enable proactive finetuning to ensure your system can quickly adapt to sudden changes without compromising visibility.  

After Implementation

• Track improvement opportunities: With every year comes new improvements to most mainstream technologies. Next-generation RFID solutions now encompass metal scanning, temperature and humidity monitoring, and large-scale tags for big assets such as forklifts and robotics. By staying updated, you can improve the efficiency and safety of your operations, as well as optimize your inventory management.
• Convert collected data into better decision-making: In harnessing the insights obtained from RFID data, businesses can significantly improve their warehouse operations. For instance, they can identify the most frequently accessed items and place them closer to the shipping area, reducing the time and labor required to locate them. They can also identify underutilized areas of the warehouse and repurpose them for other functions or remove them entirely.
• Service your system as needed: Continue supporting your IT team by regularly checking your system within a set schedule to perform software updates, replace damaged tags, and conduct preventive maintenance on your readers and antennas. This will not only help extend the life of your equipment but also minimize the risk of downtime and data loss due to issues preventable issues.

Bonus tip: Further protect your sensitive data with embedded cybersecurity to prevent data leaks or breaches.

Related: Here are four crucial factors to keep in mind when fortifying your cybersecurity solution.

Remember, successful implementation hinges on careful planning, experienced support, and systematic execution. To learn more about how you can seamlessly enhance your workflows with RFID, contact our modernization team.