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Radio Frequency ID
RFID in Manufacturing:
Manufacturers can track and record in-process assembly information into the RFID tag as an item progresses along the line. For example, as features are added to a personal computer assembly, they could be recorded on the tag. In this case, the tag would keep a current "inventory" of the PC's contents. The tag information could later be read to produce a shipping list and invoice. The tag could also remain with the item for later use by field personnel during installation and maintenance.
RFID solutions are ideal for manufacturers who build several products on a single production line, or manufacture complex or customized products. Assembly line personnel could use an RFID reader to verify which processes have been completed, to determine which inspections or tests are required and to automatically update the central production database. And production planners and inventory control personnel could use the RFID tags to automatically update the customer database and finished goods inventory, using an RFID reader and PC, rather than manually creating data entry sheets, which could introduce errors into the system.
RFID in Inventory:
Although many companies are now using sophisticated Warehouse Management Systems integrated with Supply Chain Systems, Enterprise Systems, and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), the movement and tracking of goods through the manufacturing and supply chain process is still a complex procedure which is difficult to manage. In many instances, the goods being distributed to the retailer must go through one or more third party distribution processes, before they reach their final destination.
Currently, most material tracking systems employ two-dimensional barcodes that must be close to and within the "line of sight" of the barcode reader. This requires manual scanning or a conveyor-like process to position the barcode and scanner. Barcodes can run the risk of getting wet or scratched due to mishandling or a harsh environment, which often prevents accurate reading by the scanner. Manual intervention is labor intensive, costly, and error-prone. In addition, scheduled scanning or manual methods cannot ensure the inventory remains up-to-date, due to oversights, errors, and internal shrinkage.
With HTE's RFID solution, inventory can be updated in real time without product movement, scanning or human involvement. Our fully automated system allows inventory status to be determined, and shipping & receiving documents to be generated automatically.
Benefits of using RFID Systems:
Provides total asset visibility
Gives full inventory history
Allows reduced inventory-stocking levels
Facilitates "Just-in-Time" deliveries
Reduces lead-time
Shortens cross docking time
Speeds up sort/pick rate
Provides higher-level security
Reduces errors
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