With the rapid development of the logistics industry and technological advancements, traditional logistics is evolving into modern logistics. This involves a series of complex modern logistics activities, including planning, organization, control, and coordination, all of which rely heavily on information technology. How to achieve modern logistics management? The application of
RFID technology in logistics and warehousing management is therefore particularly important.
RFID technology is characterized by its small size, adaptability to harsh environments, reusability, and safe operation. Using
RFID technology, the logistics industry can manage all aspects of the logistics process. For example, it can improve retailers' inventory management, enabling timely replenishment and effective tracking of transportation and inventory. Furthermore, in warehouse goods entry and exit and inventory counting,
RFID can reduce manpower, decrease error rates, and improve efficiency.
By attaching electronic tags to shelves and pallets, station numbers and locations can be identified, while simultaneously recording the quantity and type of goods currently stored on the shelves. Pallet tags can record the type and quantity of goods and exchange data with the data center in real time. We can understand the specific applications of
RFID through three steps in warehouse management: inbound, outbound, and inventory counting.
Inbound
As shown in the diagram, warehouse personnel prepare available storage locations for arriving goods and attach initialized
RFID tags to the goods. When goods enter the warehouse, the
RFID reader at the entrance reads the tag information and simultaneously sends the storage location information to the loading/unloading vehicle terminal. When the loading/unloading vehicle arrives at the designated storage location, the fixed reader on the vehicle reads the storage location tag information, matches it with the goods information, and updates the inventory information.
During the
RFID-managed inbound process, the fixed reader on the loading/unloading vehicle identifies the
RFID tag on the goods, finds the corresponding item information in the database, and automatically inputs it into the
RFID inventory management system. It can also optimize storage location selection based on inventory information, providing reasonable storage location choices. These aspects of traditional warehouse management involving personnel operation records can be automated, resulting in greater accuracy and saving time and effort. Outbound Shipping
Outbound shipping is the reverse of inbound shipping. As shown in the diagram, warehouse managers ship goods according to the first-in, first-out (FIFO) principle. Loading and unloading personnel use the system-provided driving routes to reach the corresponding shelves. The vehicle-mounted
RFID reader reads the tag of the goods to be picked up, matches the correct goods, and then picks up the goods, simultaneously updating the inventory.
Inventory Counting
Warehouse managers can periodically check and count inventory. They can scan goods in a fixed area using a reader, or use
RFID handheld devices worn by operators to scan goods and compare the results with information in the database. When goods are moved,
RFID information is automatically transmitted to the system for synchronized inventory updates. The use of
RFID technology enables real-time and accurate inventory monitoring, reduces average inventory levels, and improves inventory management capabilities.
