How an RFID Technology Benefits Your Business

The beginning of a new decade presents many opportunities for automating existing processes with “internet of things”. The push towards automation globally is majorly in two areas – speed and accuracy. For large warehouses and distribution centres, an RFID inventory control system can be used to streamline and automate processes accurately. Tasks such as receiving and put away, order ful filment, and shipping can be tracked through this automated technology.

What is RFID Technology?
RFID means radio-frequency identification in which electromagnetic fields scans and track objects through attached tags. With the help of a chip fixed on a transponder, a radio transmitter and a receiver, workers would then be able to use remote readers to track the required information on the inventory.

This decade various businesses will be looking to use RFID chip inventory control systems for their warehouses and distribution centres. The data suggests that its market revenue is expected to reach nearly $20bn globally this year and double its size by 2025.

Difference Between Barcoding and RFID

Both serve the same purpose, which is to store information and data, However, there are subtle key differences:

·        “Line of sight” not needed for RFID tags whereas Barcodes can be scanned only when facing the label itself.

·        Barcodes can only be scanned one at a time: Multiple RFID tags can be scanned at the same time.

·        RFID tags are durable, whereas barcodes wear off easily to adverse conditions such as wet weather or humid warehouses. RFID chips for product tracking are also more accurate than traditional barcodes.

·        RFID tags hold much more data about an item than a barcode.

·        Barcode technology is cost-efficient as compared to RFID, which starts at $1 each. However, it’s essential to look at the benefits of RFID technology.

Line of Sight Not Required
The term “line of sight” is used to refer to technologies that need a reading device in order to “see” a data carrier. Barcodes, for instance, barcodes can be scanned when facing the label. RFID technology works on a different model. The user simply has to just turn on the tracker and locate the intended item within the vicinity. This leads to significant savings of time and resources and the cumulative effects would lead to a more efficient and productive business. Workers will have more time to fulfil other tasks which overall will help in increasing the productivity of a business.

Durability
RFID tags can withstand conditions such as:
Weather conditions such as rain, extreme heat, and cold, or wind do not affect RFID tags.
RFID tags are designed to withstand poor handling through the supply chain for inventory.
The various methods of transport, whether it’s land, sea, or air, do not pose risks to RFID tags, however, barcodes get humid and cause adhesive-based labels to fall off.

Data Storage
RFID tags can contain and handle a large amount of data. It also allows workers easy access to all the critical details, including delivery information, orders, and stock levels – all with their remote devices. The extra level of data enables teams to work more efficiently and productively.
This helps in order fulfilment and the workers can quickly and accurately bring together the products for individual orders, saving time, and reducing the risk of errors.

Multiple Products Scan
RFID technology enhances the order fulfilment process by providing the ability to scan multiple products at the same time. With this technology, the workers will be able to control the way they scan items for specific orders, which can significantly speed up the process. This can then lead directly to business growth in revenue and profits.

RFID Tags Automation
The benefits of RFID technology surely can help a business to enhance the inventory management processes. Its ability to scan items without needing to be in the line of sight, real-time information saves time and allow workers to become more productive.

The price tag of RFID technology can be expensive but this is where we come into the picture. Once your business has the budget, we are ready to support RFID.

Keep in mind that the RFID technology can take your business to newer heights with its cumulative benefits such as durability, flexibility, accuracy and speed; all of these are critical to meet your business targets.