From quality checks to automated stock counts, RFID systems have revolutionized warehouses by redefining speed and accuracy. It is no surprise that experts estimate a market growth of over $31 billion by 2029. RFID’s real-time visibility and quick data capture have proven beneficial to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers alike. Outside of standard track and trace, RFID has been used for:
- Monitoring reserve stock for just-in-case material handling
- Verifying product origin and composition before shipment
- Tracking misplaced medical assets to safeguard quality patient care
While many industries benefit from RFID, studies predict a significant adoption uptick for the retail, manufacturing, and distribution sector since supply chain challenges are only expected to progress. About seven in ten warehouses are currently considering or in the midst of automating vital workflows. Therefore, to remain a step ahead of the competition in today’s on-demand markets, warehouses can no longer compromise on visibility. Nevertheless, implementing RFID is not as simple as it sounds.
Understanding the Pains of RFID implementation
There is no one-size-fits-all RFID solution. As a matter of fact, RFID’s need for customization is one of the many reasons it’s so successful. When working alongside an experienced RFID integrator, businesses can tailor read ranges and antenna positioning to monitor in-motion assets and inventory within any given space. To accomplish this, it is recommended you...
- Establish a clear goal upfront – Certain workflows may require more workarounds; therefore, it is important to discuss possible growth plans and goals prior to hardware selection. For example, distribution centers planning to integrate AMRs can proactively gather coverage information needed for mapping out robotic pathways.
- Allow ample time for piloting and testing – Coverage adjustments are normal and may be frequent as your business grows. On the other hand, a preliminary network assessment can help pinpoint potential obstacles and interference. By addressing these before implementation and testing, businesses can raise productivity by as much as 10%.
- Choose user-friendly tracking software – Traditional implementation hurdles are not excused from RFID systems. Similar to mainstream barcode systems, software must be configurated and matched to your workflows. This is where working alongside certified technicians may come in handy to speed up configuration, kitting, and roll-outs.
The Core Technologies in an RFID System
At the very basics, RFID systems generally integrate the following components:
- An RFID Reader – Quality readers should be able to survive your work environment without compromising read speed.
- And RFID Scanner – Luckily, today’s handheld devices are optimized to include RFID capabilities alongside your inventory tracking database. As with readers, scanners must be rugged enough to survive long shifts and potential falls and tumbles.
- RFID Tags – Unlike traditional barcoding, RFID labels can hold up to 40 barcodes per label, greatly minimizing the number of printed supplies needed. However, metal surfaces, curves, and liquid containers are known to challenge RFID efficiency. Before selecting a tag and/or inlay type, consider evaluating tagged inventory to match the surface to the correct tag.
- A Centralized Database – Lastly, to fully harness the power of your collected data, an RFID system will need to communicate with your WMS or database of choice. Real-time updates can be quickly retrieved and dispersed throughout your facility without depending on manual reporting and sharing.
After a careful operational analysis, your RFID integrator should be able to estimate which additional devices will complement your system. If you are still unsure if RFID is the best fit for your operations, schedule a no-obligation evaluation with our experts.