Radio Frequency Identification or RFID makes use of wireless communication via RF signals coupling. This coupling takes place within the radio frequency section that is located in the radio frequency spectrum. An RFID system is typically made up of three elements, namely:
- Scanning Antenna: Converts RF fields into AC currents as it is in essence a transducer.
- Transponder: As a blend between a transmitter and responder, a transponder receives and automatically responds to signals by sending out a different signal.
- Transceiver: A combination between a transmitter and a receiver, enabling it to both send and receive signals/radio waves by making use of the scanning antenna.
In this article, we will discuss what can be achieved with warehouse RFID solutions and the benefits of this system.
Types of RFID Systems
There are two types of RFID systems and they are used for different purposes. These systems consist of:
- Active RFID System: These systems make use of transponders that are stuck to products. These transponders then provide readers with information on the product when they come close to them. The readers then send this information to a computer. Active RFID systems are mostly used for large assets.
- Passive RFID System: A Passive RFID system is defined by the fact that it does not have a build in transmitter. Instead, it makes use of reflecting radio waves back to the readers’ antenna that it originated from. This type of RFID is often used in retail stores for inventory control, access control, asset tracking etc.
Benefits of RFID Tag for Inventory Management
RFID tags are an innovative and efficient way of managing inventory within a warehouse. This method of inventory management boasts a host of benefits that make it essential to every warehouse and business. These benefits include but are not limited to:
- Improved Inventory Auditing: An RFID system is extremely precise, being able to reach 99.9% accuracy of inventory while saving money. It also allows you to know exactly where your inventory is at all times (even while moved from one location to another).
- Reduced Labour: As RFID systems allow for tasks related to inventory management to be completed in a more effective manner, it creates a less labour-intensive environment. This allows one to make use of one’s employees more effectively and will in turn require less staff to perform the same amount of work.
- Increased Efficiency in Shipping: RFID systems can also be used to monitor, analyse, and improve transfers of stock or assets.
RFID Warehouse Management System Cost
Depending on the extent of one’s needs for a RFID warehouse system, the price can increase or decrease. Even though it might seem like a costly exercise at the time it is important to keep in mind that such a system will decrease many hidden operational expenses in other areas of your business in the long term.
Contact us at Milestone to find out more about how you can manage your warehouse effectively with the help of RFID.
