RFID in the warehouse
Application of RFID Technology in the Warehouse
Various accounting and control schemes based on RFID technology can be applied in the warehouse.
Main options for using RFID identification:
- RFID portals (also known as «gates»);
- mobile forklifts with RFID systems;
- handheld RFID readers;
- RFID labeling.
As a rule, RFID identification does not completely replace barcoding or QR-coding, but complements them to speed up accounting operations and provide «background» control. This significantly reduces the number of errors and, most importantly, allows you to receive real-time data on the location of goods.
The implementation of an RFID system in a warehouse starts with labeling. Storage locations — aisles, shelves, bins — are equipped with RFID tags. Since passive RFID tags are inexpensive, the «coordinate grid» can be as detailed as possible.
For the «warehouse coordinate grid» to work, mobile forklifts must be equipped with an RFID system. When moving products in pallets or containers, it is possible to accurately track the tag number of the packaging and the tag number of the storage bin. To do this, two antennas are installed: one reads the tag of the moved cargo, the other — the tag of the storage bin. Additionally, a third antenna can be installed to control the movement of the forklift by reading floor-mounted RFID tags.
Important! Implementing an RFID system in a warehouse does not replace the WMS but complements it with radio frequency identification technology. To operate effectively, the WMS software or the enterprise's ERP system (warehouse management module) must be upgraded.
