RFID or radio frequency identification has become an integral part of all industries, specifically retail. Inventory management is after all the technology’s primary application. A scanner is used for sending the data embedded in an object’s tag to a reader via radio waves. The reader interprets the data to create real-time updates. Every tag is covered with plastic for protection and can be fixed to surfaces for better tracking. There are also handheld readers for mobile RFID solutions.
The following write-up specifies the pros and cons of relying on RFID for inventory management. Please check them out right now.
RFID for Inventory Management – Pros
2. Needs Zero Line of Sight
The experts providing the best RFID warehouse management systems said RFID does not need line of sight, thus, one can scan the items without lifting them from the counter or visually counting them. They can focus on other chores instead of finding the location of the label on a box. Dealing with damaged or missed barcodes is also not necessary.
This particular feature of RFID is specifically beneficial in dense areas where otherwise a user has to climb a platform or bend under a table.
2. Enhances Visibility
RFID improves visibility throughout the supply chain because huge lots of information are captured and processed.
3. Decreased Labor Costs
When scanned by the AIDC (automatic identification and data capture) systems, the RFID tags can successfully generate and report information. This decreases labor costs to a great extent.
4. Accurate Counts
As the counting system is less reliant on the users scanning every product individually, the counts become much more accurate.
5. Contain Sufficient Data
With access to sufficient data, you can trace and track products. This keeps consumers, retail partners, and other professionals involved in the supply chain fully informed.
6. Prevents Understocking or Overstocking
The experts using RFID technology in healthcare said RFID tags can eliminate stocking issues. You would not have too much or too less of a product at any point. That’s great, right? As all the items are tracked, the facility remains secure.
7. Fast Inventory
RFID is capable of reading several items simultaneously. The tags can thus process and catalog data faster than even the most expensive barcode scanners. RFID ensures more inventory counts within a short period.
8. Less Prone to Damages
RFID tags are manufactured from plastic or hard shells so they do not get damaged during shipping, packaging, etc.
RFID for Inventory Management – Cons
1. High Cost
Although RFID proves its worth down the road, not all businesses are capable of affording this technology because of the cost. Barcodes are much more reasonably priced.
2. Interference Problems
RFID transmission may experience interference due to materials such as heavy or thick metals.
As evident from the above discussion, using RFID for inventory management has some compelling benefits. However, you must exert substantial amounts of effort to streamline the overall procedure.
A significant part of the challenge is to find out ways to scale the solution in a cost-efficient manner while capitalizing on the uses. If your business can afford to invest in this technology, please do so and improve the inventory management procedures.
