AIR WMS
AIR WMS (AIR Warehouse Management System) is the key part of supply chain which primarily aims to control the movement and storage of materials within a warehouse and process the associated transactions including shipping, receiving, put away and picking.
In case of Warehouse Management, RFID is simply the Automated Data Collection technology.
| Frequency | Range | Most Used | Pros and Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| UHF | 300Mhz -3Ghz | 860-960Mhz | Range up to 7m, Faster Data rate, Cheaper Efficient designing makes it more insensitive near metal or liquids |
Is any of the following statements apply to your business
- Dealing in High Valued assets that needs to be protected
- Processing speed can provide great advantage
- Highly automated company that need less human intervention
- Could get benefit from knowing where are the products in real time
- Some of our areas needs to be protected from unauthorized access
- Barcode cannot survive your process
- Need more information on a unique item than a barcode contain
If any of the above statement fits your profile RFID should be given serious consideration.
Warehousing RFID Systems
Warehousing RFID Systems will produce many significant benefits. One of main benefit that makes RFID a huge resource for warehousing industry is that tags do not require line of sight as bar codes do, they are direction independent. Warehouse workers do not need to be there to trigger in order for a reader to read an RFID tag. RFID readers can be set up in read zones that automatically monitor and record all movements for certain areas of the facility such as a shelf, secure storage areas, a dock door, or container yard. Eliminating the need to scan items in a warehouse will save enough time and item movement will be automatically recorded improving inventory control and shipping accuracy.
Warehouse Requirements
- Large amount of data collection
- Fast and efficient data collection
- Reusability of tags
- Long run Solution
- Cost effective Solution
Warehouse Benefits
- Reduce Costs
- Increase operational productivity
- Improve warehouse safety
- Improve customer service
- Reduced inventories in the supply chain
- Improve employee satisfaction
- Increase product security
RFID Applications in Warehousing
Here are some applications for RFID in warehousing
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Pallet and case tracking
Pallet and case tracking, particularly when the pallets are reused within a closed system. -
Smart shelves
Retailers are experimenting with readers embedded in stocked store shelves to keep track of tagged inventory and notify either the back room or the supplier when stock is low. The application could be modified for use in warehouses and distribution centers for materials management and inventory control.
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Access control
Chips embedded in ID cards can control locks and prevent unauthorized entry; chips on products, cases, pallets and equipment can control item movement and sound alarms in case of unauthorized removal. -
Forklift identification
RFID can identify forklift location to allow systems to monitor activity and assign the closest forklift to those pallets needing moved, and serve as a permanent asset ID.