How RFID Tags Can Transform the Supply Chain

RFID tags communicate with readers via electromagnetic energy. The reader’s signal provides enough electricity to power the microchip inside the label and transmit data.

Passive RFID tags have no internal power source, instead relying on backscatter reflection to transmit data to the reader. This enables them to operate with next-to-perfect long-range performance.

1. Enhanced Product Identification

Unlike barcode systems, RFID tags work at long distances. The readings they send to the reader depend on backscatter reflection that allows them to transmit information without the need for direct contact with the product, even if it is covered by paper or other materials. The readings are extremely accurate and reliable. They can be used in harsh environments and at high temperatures.

Using this technology to automate goods reception significantly reduces the time it takes to process orders and get them ready for shipping. This translates into significant progress for any business.

The efficiency of this system also makes it possible to shorten production procedures, which increases the amount of output and boosts profit margins.

This is especially important for retailers tasked with meeting the needs of omnichannel customers and keeping inventory up to date across stores. Using this technology to track and locate items in warehouses, distribution centers and retail stores helps them fulfill buy online, pickup in-store (BOPIS) orders more quickly. This, in turn, improves the overall customer experience. It also prevents inventory loss and improves the quality of products.

2. Increased Product Accuracy

RFID Tags use microchips to identify products, animals or humans. These microchips transmit information to scanners that can read them at a distance and may be powered by either passive or active technology. Passive tags don’t emit any electricity and rely on backscatter reflection to transmit their signal, while active tags have internal power sources or batteries to operate.

Increased Product Accuracy

Due to its ability to process and catalog data much faster than traditional barcode scanners, RFID technology reduces manual work in your supply chain. It allows employees to instantly RFID Tag check in entire shipments instead of manually scanning individual packages. It also helps improve inventory accuracy and reduce cycle count time by preventing human error. It can also detect low-stock alerts and automatically reorder items at safety stock levels.

In addition, the automation enabled by RFID technology can eliminate the need for manual form filling and replace outdated spreadsheets. It also helps avoid transcription errors, duplication of data and “missed entries” when dealing with large volumes of information. Furthermore, RFID technology can be used in conjunction with cloud-based systems, which provides real-time updates for everyone in your organization on the status and whereabouts of each item.

3. Increased Customer Service

With the ability to quickly scan a whole truckload of products in seconds, RFID reduces time spent on manual inventory. It also avoids transcription errors, missed items, and duplication of data when used to collect information on a large number of products at the same time.

RFID also helps retailers prevent product returns that can be attributed to theft or customer misplacing. When paired with an ERP or WMS, it can help companies automate reordering and shipping processes. This can save a company a significant amount of time and money in addition to improving supply chain and logistics operations.

RFID tags are used in many different applications and industries. These include access control (electronic keys), asset tracking, animal tracking, and contactless payment systems. They can also be used to track inventory, like in a warehouse or retail store. A healthcare facility may use them to keep track of equipment and ensure proper medication administration. Okoniewska et al. (2012) conducted a study to evaluate the utility of RFID in tracking staff and equipment in an acute care hospital setting. The results of this survey showed that a lack of education on the technology led to limited usage of the system.

4. Increased Product Security

With RFID, you can quickly locate equipment or inventory that is located in multiple places within the distribution center, warehouse or retail store. This increases efficiency and reduces the risk of missing important information or items.

RFID systems operate without line-of-sight requirements, unlike barcode scanners that rely on direct visual contact to read barcodes. This means you can simply wave a handheld reader over multiple items tagged with RFID and the device will automatically recognize them, even if they are obscured from view or in a stack of boxes.

However, the technology does not come without its challenges. RFID tags can be problematic largely due to the lack of real industry and global standards that they operate on, which can lead to jamming and disruptions. Additionally, the signal may be disrupted by metals, water or other sources of interference. Additionally, staff concerns regarding increased workload and computer training have been identified as barriers to adoption. Educating staff on the value of the system and the efficiencies it will bring can help minimize these perceived issues.

5. Increased Product Efficiency

In this time of health concerns and supply chain issues, consumers are becoming more conscious about where their food mifare desfire ev1 comes from. RFID tags offer a solution by offering transparency throughout the supply chain for customers.

At the store level, RFID can help save retailers time at checkout. Rather than having to scan every item in a cart one at a time, RFID can allow shoppers to simply walk out the door with their goods. RFID will automatically ring up the entire cart and transmit that information to the customer’s bank, credit card company or loyalty program for billing.

In addition to saving time at the checkout, RFID can help prevent theft. With a tag attached to an item, if the item is moved from its assigned spot or outside of the store, it will send an alarm signal. This helps deter shoplifting and also assists in keeping valuable assets (such as hospital wheelchairs or utility carts) secure in a specific location.

This technology can also be utilized to reduce the number of procedures required in production. This allows companies to save time and money on production costs, resulting in higher profit margins for the business.