RFID real-time tracking: Small label with big impact - practical example (part 1/2).

The general process flows in the warehouse can be as sophisticated as they seem, but if the overall intralogistics package is not right, much of the efficiency is lost. The result: high costs and large differences in inventory. This presents many companies with ever new challenges. But how can these challenges be solved and mastered in the best possible way?

One solution module can be the combination of our warehouse management system SuPCIS-L8 and the connection of a "Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)" system. The advantage: Our warehouse management software has functions that enable the integration of RFID without any problems. This combo is ideal for tracking goods along the entire supply chain in real time, better monitoring and controlling in-house logistics processes, and making them more efficient. It all sounds promising in theory, but what does it all look like in practice?

We have implemented the RFID solution in two different variants. In the first practical part, we present the parts identification using the example of the textile industry.

In the case of individual part identification, the entire stock of goods is equipped with transponders. Alternatively, the goods are labeled as non-RFID-capable items in the part number master of the warehouse management software. Ideally, this labeling is already done by the manufacturer. The attached transponders and the implemented RFID subsystem make it possible for the contents of the carton to be recognized in the goods receiving area simply by passing through a tunnel with an RFID reader. In the process, the goods are automatically identified. As a rule, even without having to open the cartons. In the event that the correct number of labels is not read or possibly an incorrect label or part is detected, the carton in question is rejected for rechecking. A second check is then made at this clearing station by reading at the manual workstation. It is usually sufficient to shake the carton a little to loosen up any parts that are very close together. In this way, at best all parts can be detected during the new reading. If there is still an error after this, an individual part check is carried out after opening the carton. During this process, it is also possible to reprint missing or defective labels via the warehouse management system.

Now there are manufacturers or suppliers who do not attach the RFID labels to the goods. Here, relabeling is then performed as a billable service that is documented in the warehouse management system. The reverse principle is also used as a picking control. In order to check whether all the individual parts have actually been placed in the totes during the picking process, picked totes travel through tunnel reading stations. Here, too, there are corresponding control stations (clearing points). This not only serves to verify the employee's identity, but is also intended to ensure smooth processing of incoming goods at the store. It was important to the retailer that RFID technology could be used along the entire process chain. He achieved this with our Warehouse Management System and RFID.

The second practical part is about container identification with RFID at a pharmaceutical company. To the blog post: Practical example (part 2/2).

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Do you also want to stop opening boxes and always know where the goods are? Feel free to contact us.