RFID per la Logistica: dati precisi e affidabili

Applications

Logistics

RFID for logistics management:
accurate and reliable information in real time

The main feature of RFID technology is the unique identification of items, performed both from a distance and out of the line of sight. In fact, it allows staff cost reduction, logistic flux optimization and error cost elimination.

Why using RFID in logistics management?

In traditional warehouse management systems the shipping clerk records a summary list of the goods reading 1D or 2D codes, and then proceeds to load and ship them. The risk in this case is a misalignment between the loading list and the actually loaded goods.

In a RFID system smart tags are attached to each pallet, box or single item. Once the goods check in or check out, they pass through a reading portal and warehouse load and unload is recorded real time. This allows great speed-up of logistic processes and error cost elimination.

Simplify the logistics flow: here's how

With an RFID solution, each pellet or single package is equipped with an intelligent tag that is read by an opening located near the loading area, in this way the reading and unloading of the warehouse is carried out simultaneously with the loading of the goods. In this way it is possible to speed up the logistic flow and avoid the cost of errors.

Real-time inventory thanks to RFID

Thanks to the use of handheld UHF frequency readers that allow reading even at a distance of 4-6 meters and fixed antennas, it is possible to have an inventory that is constantly updated in real time. The goods pass through gates into and out of the warehouse, automatically and immediately updating the warehouse inventory.

Having precise and punctual data is essential to be able to program orders and manage the Just in Time warehouse.

Advantages compared to the use of the Barcode

Being the functioning of barcode technology very similar to that of RFID, it is often chosen as an alternative to passive tag technology.

If on one hand RFID technology involves a larger investment than barcodes, on the other it sure offers greater benefits. Unlike the barcode, tags can also be rewritten and protected with passwords, thus making it a safer and more reliable tool.

These two technologies can still be used in combination though. On RFID tags it is in fact possible to print a barcode; combining RFID tags and barcodes allows continuous tracking if at some point of the supply chain it is not possible to use RFID, or even in the rare eventuality that the chip is damaged.