Advanced RFID technology is responsible for the track-and-trace software solutions available today. The tools vary in design, function and usability, but customized programs can be created to use in any work environment. Here's some basic information about the programs.
The process involves tracking and tracing a specific item or product as it travels from one location to another. The programs allow you to see where the product is currently and where it has been. This is helpful for many reasons. Mainly, it allows you to estimate when the product will be delivered or when it will be ready for delivery.
Some of the older programs relied on employee observation. When an item passed through an employee's station, he or she was responsible for entering information into the database. While this process was fairly effective, there was lots of room for errors and errors did happen.
RFID technology helps to reduce errors. A tag with a tiny radio transmitter is attached to each item. Radio receivers are placed in locations throughout the warehouse, factory or shipping facility. Employees responsible for transporting the goods carry handheld receivers. As the tags are scanned, the items are tracked.
Many shipping companies including FedEx and UPS make use of these track-and-trace software solutions. Smaller parts and delivery companies can also make use of the technology. While there are some costs involved in the implementation process, the cost of use is very low. The tags are not much more expensive than other types of identification tags.
The long term benefits of track-and-trace software solutions far outweigh the costs of implementation, if only because the risk of loss or theft is diminished. Internal theft is a real problem in all companies. There is no way to determine how much of a company's shrink is due to internal theft, but in some business environments, it is clear that internal theft is the main cause of shrink.
RFID technology reduces internal theft. In some cases, it may eliminate it all together. Employees realize that supervisors can easily determine where an item was when it disappeared. So, track-and-trace software solutions are theft deterrents.
Any item you can think of can be tagged. At one time, the tags were too large to be used on tiny items. But today's advancements have made it possible to tag something as small as a honeybee.
As the use of RFID continues to increase, the costs of implementing the programs continue to fall. Now, most companies feel they cannot afford to do without the technology.
If you found some value in "RFID Track-and-Trace Solutions Make Businesses More Profitable" you might be interested in this RFID article?
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