Several studies have suggested the operational improvements available through RFID systems can be summarized as follows:
Shipping and Receiving:
- Automated processing of loading and unloading
- Reduced labor requirements
- Faster processing
- Automatic cross docking
- Automatic generation of 100 percent accurate electronic manifests
Storage and Fulfillment:
- Correct product storage locations
- Faster product retrieval
- Fewer order errors
- Reduced losses and shrinkage of assets
- Improved order fill rates and times
- Less safety stock required
Task and Resource Management:
- Automatic updating of tasks for each resource
- Improved automation and accuracy of flow control
- Improved real-time monitoring of operations
- Automatic conveyance and sorting
- Automated and accurate picking and packing
RFID-based solutions need to be kept in focus. A primary objective of RFID systems is to provide real-time visibility into all of the supply chain. To achieve that end, the distribution center needs to be part of the real-time, RFID-enabled supply chain.
