Is RFID in Warehousing and Distribution Taking Management to the Next Level?

Keeping track of packages and inventory has come a long way in distribution centers. The introduction of RFID technology has discarded the use of pen and paper to keep things organized. The said technology has not only made things more comfortable, but the speed has increased noticeably as well. The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) track identifies objects with tags using electromagnetic fields.

Most warehouses and distribution centers prefer to use RFID because they deal with high-value packages. The use of an electromagnetic tracking code means it keeps the item protected. It also increases inventory accuracy by diminishing any chance of wrong ordering or pickups. While many might mistake RFID with barcodes that are attached to certain items, both of these technologies are two completely different elements.

For barcodes to work, one must keep the barcode in line of sight, and it can only scan one code at a time. However, for RFID to work, the scanner only needs to be in a particular range. The best thing about this technology is that many tags can undergo scanning at once. It makes the technology time-efficient, saving countless hours, and still delivering accurate results.

Higher benefits like cutting down labor costs, security, real-time management of assets, and many other reasons have contributed to this technology. It has succeeded in changing the face of management in otherwise disorganized warehousing set up. Some of the benefits of the use of RFID technology are as below:

●        Reduce theft and loss: When managing an inventory warehouse, more often than not, there are chances of theft or damage. However, with this radio frequency technology, the chances of these issues occurring are minimal. From giving quick and easy access to all kinds of inventory and storage locations, it tracks the movement of each of the items. As the tracking is precise, it becomes impossible for an item to get lost.

●        Accuracy: Since it is a technology generated process, the tags transmit data. There is no need for human intervention, which curtails the likelihood of any error. Not involving laborers also cut down the cost. With its remarkable speed, it brings customer satisfaction as well, since the products reach customers on time.

●        Frequency: With a wide range of frequency available that suits various needs, each country’s telecommunications authority regulates RFID systems bandwidth availability. The different types of frequency that RFID uses are High Frequency (10-15MHz), Ultrahigh Frequency (850-950MHz), Microwave(2.45-5.8 GHz). The kind of warehousing determines the use of frequency bandwidths.

One of the vast advantages of RFID is that it is operative both inside and outside of the warehouse. Unlike barcodes, it is incredibly durable. It can withstand extreme natural adversity and temperature.

Undoubtedly, there were various security concerns regarding this technology in the past. However, the improvement in RFID technology has amounted to meet up with the latest set of standards. With less disarray and more organized management it provides, RFID continues to gain popularity.