Summary: This blog explores RFID technology, a powerful tool for supply chain businesses to enhance productivity and ROI. It explains what RFID is, how it works using tags, antennas, and readers, and its advantages over barcode technology, such as non-line-of-sight scanning. The blog highlights RFID’s automation, cost-saving benefits, and integration with WMS and ERP systems for improved inventory and asset tracking.
Table of Contents
By now, you’ve surely heard the buzz surrounding radio frequency identification, or RFID. Supply chain businesses around the world are using it to improve their productivity and increase the return on their investments. However, many companies are still unsure about RFID systems in general. They’re wondering what technology they include and how they will actually work in their warehouse or distribution center.
If you or your co-workers have wondered these same things, Lowry is here to help and explain. Follow this guide to find out what RFID is, what it does and how it can benefit you. A good managed it services firm should also be able to identify if you need an RFID solution for your business.
What is RFID technology, exactly?
RFID is a method of data collection that involves automatically identifying objects through low-power radio waves. Data is sent and received with a system consisting of RFID tags, an antenna, an RFID reader, and a transceiver.
- RFID is a method of data collection that involves automatically identifying objects through low-power radio waves.
- Data is sent and received with a system consisting of RFID tags, an antenna, an RFID reader, and a transceiver.
How does RFID work?
Like barcode technology, RFID Scanner recognizes locations and identification of tagged items — but instead of reading laser light reflections from printed barcode labels, it leverages low-power radio frequencies to collect and store data. In a warehouse or distribution center, RFID technology is used to automate data collection. The transceiver reads radio frequencies and transmits them to an RFID tag. The identification information is then transmitted from a tiny computer chip embedded in the tag and broadcasted to the RFID reader.
Here are a few of RFID’s helpful features and functions:
- Tags can trigger alarms when moved
- Communication between readers and tags is not contingent upon orientation
- Data can be automatically read and stored
- Tags can carry unique or standardized product codes
- Items can be individually labeled, but read in mass
- Tag data is compatible with WMS and ERP systems
- Tags are difficult to reproduce/counterfeit
What is the difference between RFID Scanner and barcode technology?
Aspect | Barcode Technology | RFID Scanner |
Functionality | Barcode and RFID share similar functionalities, but they have one distinct difference: human intervention, or “line of sight.” | Barcode and RFID share similar functionalities, but they have one distinct difference: human intervention, or “line of sight.” |
Definition of Line of Sight | This refers to the distance between the operator of the data collection device (barcode scanner or RFID reader) and the labeled or tagged item — in other words, whether or not they are close enough to the item to see it. | This refers to the distance between the operator of the data collection device (barcode scanner or RFID reader) and the labeled or tagged item — in other words, whether or not they are close enough to the item to see it. |
Scanning Requirement | To get a good barcode read, operators must position their handheld scanner within the line of sight of the item. | To collect data using RFID Technology, operators are not as limited — they simply need to be within the range of the tag. |
Operator Movement | Operators must position their handheld scanner within the line of sight of the item, requiring physical movement from shelf to shelf. | Employees can collect data for any item within the read range without physically moving from shelf to shelf. |
Multiple Item Scanning | Typically reads one item at a time due to line-of-sight requirement. | This also means that more than one item can be read at once. |
Operational Value | Requires more manual effort due to line-of-sight constraints. | For those reasons, many companies are looking to RFID to add even more value to their operations. |
What are the benefits of using RFID?
RFID enhances supply chain efficiency by automating inventory and asset tracking, reducing costs, and improving visibility. Paired with mobile device management solutions, it ensures secure, real-time tracking with handheld scanners and devices.
- Tracks inventory and assets efficiently.
- Cuts costs in manufacturing, distribution, and inventory management.
- Enhances visibility, eliminating labor-intensive processes.
- Streamlines operations with secure mobile device integration.
By automating data collection, RFID saves time, allowing employees to focus on customer service, shipping, and picking, while improving speed and accuracy.
- Automates data collection, saving time.
- Frees employees for customer service and operations.
- Boosts speed and accuracy of tasks.
This automation reduces labor costs and inventory carrying costs through higher throughput. Accurate, on-time shipments increase customer satisfaction.
- Reduces labor and inventory carrying costs.
- Ensures accurate, on-time shipments.
- Improves customer satisfaction.
If you have any other questions, please contact an expert at Lowry Solutions. We’d be happy to help!
