With ever-increasing competitiveness in the warehousing industry, it is of the utmost importance for the warehouse manager to be aware of the latest cutting-edge technology and to understand the relative strengths and weaknesses of each, to remain ahead of the competition.
Of all the tools in a warehouse, a handheld or fixed barcode or RF scanner is probably the most commonly used, being an essential tool throughout warehouse operations, from receiving to shipping. For that reason, this article explores the usefulness of radio frequency (RF) scanning as an option in warehouse management.
Scanners do not “live” in a world of their own in your warehouse, but are interrelated with all the other advanced technology employed to keep your warehouse functioning at maximum efficiency and capacity.
Constant advancement in scanning technology lays the foundation for further investment in warehouse management technology and employing artificial intelligence for greater efficiency and profitability.
Call us on Ireland: +353 (0)1 683 3333 or UK: +44 (0)161 888 2580 or email us at info@principalsystems.com for expert advice on the latest scanning technology and how to integrate it with the best WMS and ERP software.
One of the latest developments in wireless scanning in a warehouse is a handheld radio frequency identification scanner (RF or RFID scanner) that communicates with your WMS network via radio waves, rather than the more common scanners using laser or other light technology.
Although there are technical differences, the term RF is commonly used as a shortened version of RFID and for ease of reference, this article will use the terms interchangeably to avoid confusion.
Simply put, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags send a complex radio signal with a lot of data, that uniquely identifies the products they are attached to, to the receiver, whereas the term radio frequency (RF) is often used as a general term for radio frequency scanning, including the tags that send much simpler data via a radio signal.
Radio frequency identification systems consist of four main components, the RFID tag, antenna, reader (scanner), and a computerised database managed by software applications.
Radio frequencies (RF) or radio waves, are essentially electromagnetic fields with long wavelengths, used to transmit information over long distances without wires or cables to or from devices such as televisions, radio broadcasts, smartphones, wireless networks, radar systems, and satellite communications.
Radio frequencies can also be used to detect objects, such as radar, metal detectors, and body scanners, or to control devices such as radio-controlled toys, drones, etc.
Another application of radio frequencies, not relevant to this article, is to generate heat in a microwave oven or other industrial applications.
Radio frequencies are measured in units called Hertz which represent one cycle per second. RFID warehouse scanners most commonly operate at 13.56 MHz.
Barcode scanners (both CCD and QR scanners) use light sources (such as a laser) to read barcode tags in a line of sight. In contrast, RF (and RFID) scanners use radio signals to collect the information from the tags for real-time inventory tracking from anywhere in the warehouse. RF scanners can be fixed, handheld, or worn around the neck.
RF scanner signals can also be transmitted on a WiFi or mobile network for faster and more reliable transmission.
RF/ RFID scanners are used throughout the supply chain process for data capture, receiving and tracking inventory, and fulfilment of orders.
In addition to communicating with the WMS, they also make communication and interaction between the different mobile devices possible, for increased productivity.
The operator can scan bins for warehouse information, SKUs, product descriptions, quantities, locations, and divisions. It is also possible to enter bin numbers, UPCs, and SKUs instead of scanning the tags.
Wireless RF technology streamlines the process for greater picking efficiency with less human intervention, movement, and manoeuvring around the warehouse for either item picking or cart picking.
When receiving stock items, inventory is automatically updated.
Stock movements are easily tracked and new locations are instantly identified.
Inventory transactions are recorded and the database is automatically updated.
Three main types of RF scanners are used, namely low-frequency, medium-frequency, and high-frequency scanners – each suited to a particular task or application and software compatibility, although the most common frequency is 13.56 MHz.
The other main differentiation is in terms of mobility.
o Handheld scanners, either wired or wireless, are pointed at the tag and at the press of a button, the data is transferred and the worker can move on to the next item.
o Wearable scanners can be completely wireless or connected by cable to a portable device, usually worn around the neck or on the wrist.
o Stationary scanners read the tag from items of various sizes placed in front of them.
o Vehicle-mounted scanners which are fitted to forklifts.
The technical and physical differences between radio-frequency tags and barcode tags give them different strengths and weaknesses, appropriate to different situations and warehouse applications.
o RFID tags contain a unique serial number that cannot be copied or cloned, ensuring absolute authenticity and security.
o They include the option for data encryption and password protection.
o They have a “kill” feature to instantly secure data or prevent unauthorised sequential commands.
o The “kill” function also allows returns and recalls to be differentiated from active inventory.
Barcodes have become the industry standard because they are accurate and inexpensive, with multiple variations in terms of complexity and applications.
However, there are specific applications where RFID tags and RF scanning would be well worth the additional expense and become preferable to barcodes. Here are a few of those reasons:
At Principal Logistics Technologies, we can help you compare all the various barcode and RF scanner systems and integrate them with the best WMS software solutions for your warehouse.
Contact us online or call on Ireland: +353 (0)1 683 3333 or UK: +44 (0)161 888 2580 or email us at info@principalsystems.com.