RFID in the logistics industry
How can RFID labelling help logistics organisations to drive even greater efficiencies and offer opportunities for differentiation, growth and future-proofing?
An RFID system stores unique identifying data on a tag. The tag is attached to an object. The object could be an individual product, a pallet or a truck. The identifying data is in the form of an EPC, which links to an inventory database. The tag may contain more detailed product information, including date of manufacture, destination, sell-by date and batch number.
Key differences between RFID and barcoding
Whilst there are certainly similarities between RFID and barcode labels, the RFID tag offers several benefits over barcoding:
- Barcodes require line of sight to be read while RFID technology allows multiple tags to be captured in one go as they pass through a read area (i.e. the entire contents of a box, pallet or room).
- RFID Tags can be more compact and durable than a traditional barcode label, making them more suitable for certain applications
- RFID Tags can have additional data appended as they move through the supply chain, while data can only be printed into a barcode once
Benefits of RFID for logistics
Compared with barcodes, RFID offers faster data capture about a wider range of objects. Active tags enable a far wider range of applications. This generates real time data accuracy, faster, improved tracking of inventory and assets, and reduced labour costs.
- Inventory visibility
- Stock level accuracy
- Staff productivity
- Asset tracking
- Tracking of shipments
- Vehicle logistics
- Security access
- Shrinkage protection
- Product feedback
- Faster dispatch