The global storage and warehousing market is currently valued at $429.22 billion. However, it often suffers from massive delays due to manual tracking and stock misplacement issues. Standard barcode systems rely on line-of-sight scanning, generally slowing operations where the chances for human error exist.
Instead, an RFID warehouse management system provides real-time visibility and operates on a no-touch basis. The RFID tags will track items in real time, regardless of bulk or distance. Manufacturers such as FOYCOM offer a scalable WMS RFID-enabled option, enabling companies to operate faster and smarter in the new space.
The Rising Challenges of Traditional Warehouse Operations
Traditional warehouse systems are under heightened scrutiny due to the increasing complexity of supply chains. Therefore, companies relying on manual systems often experience slow purge times, human error, and lost items due to inefficient processes.
Time lost in a warehouse not only decreases operational productivity but also compromises customer service. Without integrating warehouse management software with RFID, manufacturers, retailers, or distributors can suffer from problems like;
● Manual Errors in Inventories While Stock Movement
Manual processes can lead to inadvertent mistakes. Team members may not enter correct stock movements or may simply fail to perform the entries altogether. Over time, the discrepancy between physical stock and stock in the system can create significant differences. Such uncertainty in the accuracy of inventory data can erode trust altogether.
● Time-consuming Overall Operations
In a purely manual scenario, teams must spend a significant amount of time locating inventory, checking, and verifying quantities. So, without automation, these manual activities will take longer to aggregate. This becomes even worse when there is a high number of SKUs, making order fulfilment lengthy and costly.
● Lost or Misplaced Items
Traditional systems do not enable real-time tracking. Items are frequently "lost or misplaced" during receiving or shipping, especially when many items are being handled at once. To find a lost product means a waste of time and effort.
● Inability to Track Item Movements
Without innovative tracking systems, it can be challenging to track the stock's location after it is received in the inventory. This lack of visibility delays decision-making. An RFID inventory tracking system eliminates that problem.
The Major Features of an RFID-Enabled Warehouse Management System
Inventory management has undergone a significant transformation with the advent of the RFID system. All elements of the system work together to eliminate manual processes, minimize errors, and expedite shipping.
Feature
RFID tag reading
Real-time inventory sync
Location-based tracking
Integration with ERP/POS
Automated audits
Alerts and analytics
Description
With RFID tags, the required items can be read automatically each time, at the point of arrival, point of departure, or anywhere the total is required.
With an RFID warehouse management system, the data is nearly real time and can be synced across all locations
The RFID warehouse management system enables location-based tracking, from the moment an item is received aboard to its current location and dispatch.
A connection with current ERP or POS systems allows the system to keep everything synced and accessible.
Automated inventory counts allow for hands-off inventory audits. This improves accuracy at all storage locations and frees up time.
In real-time, you will get alerts on low stock, misplaced items, and delays. Dashboards provide actionable insights to help you improve.
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What Are the Exact Benefits of Using RFID in WMS?
RFID inventory tracking system helps logistics managers in multiple ways. The RFID tags and scanners help them handle both inside and outside materials smoothly as they pass through the warehouse. Here are the benefits that WMS gets through RFID;
● Live Inventory Visibility Eliminates Manual Counting
With the RFID system, warehouse managers can track each item in the inventory in real-time. With it, you can track each item in your warehouse as soon as it arrives. This automatic data sync eliminates the need for manual counting and speed lags.
● Drastic Reduction in Stock Entry Errors
With this fully automated system at hand, retailers and manufacturers can reduce stock entry errors by up to 90%. This lowers inventory inaccuracies, automates the process, and minimizes human intervention. All of these factors collectively help reduce stock entry errors.
● Accelerated Process from Picking to Packing
Real-time inventory tracking with RFID tags helps smooth the picking, packing, and shipping system entirely. With it, workers can locate an item faster, verify its documentation instantly, and go for packing. This minimizes the efforts and eases the final shipment procedure.
● Saves Money For The Greater Good
As RFID fully automates the tracking system, you will need fewer hands on the inventory for this routine task. Therefore, manufacturers can significantly reduce their workforce costs and focus on quality enhancement. Hence, from labor dependency, they can switch to a futuristic automated system for higher scalability.
● Improved Audit Compliance with Instant Traceability
Apart from the movement of the items, RFID also provides accurate information on storage duration. It even takes a record of the handlers from the first entry point to the last. This level of traceability helps you quickly improve your tax filings. It also enables you to meet industry regulations and prepare better for audits.
● Accurate Asset Tracking Minimizes Steals and Losses
With RFID, it will be difficult to steal or lose an item. Each item with the RFID tag will come under the radar of the RFID system software. Therefore, you will get instant notifications if someone tries to move it outside the authorized zone. So, it eventually improves your warehouse's security.
Industries That Benefit from RFID WMS Today
RFID inventory tracking system is literally changing the way businesses identify, track, and manage their assets. So, the top industries that are widely leveraging the benefits of RFID in warehouses include;
● Retail & eCommerce – Fast Restocking
The retail and e-commerce industry, which has opted for radio frequency identification, is already achieving a 10% return on investment. For instance, the global fashion brand Zara utilizes it and achieves nearly 98% accuracy in inventory management. It can now restock twice a week with a 50% reduction in stock management time.
● Apparel & Footwear – Tracking of Variants
Apart from product types, RFID tags accurately track product variants. It helps segregate items based on color and size variations, improving stock replenishment. GXO Logistics invests up to $50 million in automation projects to enhance its warehouse output through innovative RFID technology.
● Electronics & Automotive Parts – Detailed Tracking
RFID is taking action even outside the inventory, as major automotive manufacturers are using it to track vehicles in transit. For instance, companies like Honda use this technology to track spare parts, which helps them to maintain efficiency.
● Pharmaceuticals & Medical Supplies – Compliance, expiry, and lot-level tracking
The medical sector is also benefiting from the use of an RFID inventory tracking system. For instance, RFID companies like Tageos produce special tags for pharmaceutical use. Using these tags, pharma houses can track lot numbers and even expiry dates of medicines. This helps them stay compliant with medical safety regulations.
● FMCG & Food Distribution – Traceability
Using RFID, the food processing industry ensures transparency and safety of easily perishable goods. The South Korean kimchi food chain market is reaping significant benefits from having real-time data on the temperature and humidity of food during transportation. Therefore, the kimchi food RFID market is growing at a rate of 12% annually.
3PL & Logistics Providers – High-speed Multi-client Inventory Control
With investments in RFID technology, 3PL and logistics companies can enhance inventory accuracy and optimize resources from a management perspective. They can work with multi-client environments, between retailers and suppliers. This reduces barriers to entry for SMEs to leverage enhanced warehousing capabilities. For instance, Wincanton, a logistics operator, utilizes RFID to manage its network across over 160 warehouses with the same level of integrity.
The examples of RFID-enabled WMS emerge as how warehouse operations can be revolutionized in any industry. From using it as item-level tags, RFID recreates how artifacts can result in enhancements in accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
How RFID Solves Traditional Warehouse Problems
Understanding how RFID works in warehouse automation helps you address traditional issues that you have been facing so far.
● During receipt, storage, and shipping, RFID tags are scanned automatically, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
● Managers can have real-time visibility into stock from anywhere and at any time, eliminating the need for physical stock accounting.
● Any movement in stock is also timestamped, so there is an accurate electronic registry to reference.
Results and Business Impact
Businesses experience a significant difference in results after implementing warehouse management software with RFID.
● With RFID, businesses can attain almost 30 to 50% improvement in warehouse throughput by automating the entire picking and packing task.
● It can drastically reduce stock counting time by 70-90%. So, you can use your workforce in more creative ways instead of manual tasks.
● Shipping error cases have become nearly zero with RFID tracking and verification.
● With a double-up order processing speed, you can enjoy greater consumer satisfaction and repeat sales.
● Companies can also reduce labor costs by 30% simply because RFID eliminates the need for manual counting and auditing.
Why Choose FOYCOM for RFID-Enabled Warehouse Management?
FOYCOM offers the best RFID WMS for small businesses, enabling optimal warehousing processes. We provide a user-friendly solution with real-time dashboards and seamless ERP integration, ensuring complete and efficient operations.
Additionally, FOYCOM's RFID workflows are scalable and easy to implement. This makes it simple to automate in a short time with minimal disruption to existing structures. Moreover, FOYCOM WMS comes with industry-specific templates that lessen the setup time and increase ease of use.
Also, FOYCOM offers local support, responding nimbly to help facilitate successful onboarding and ongoing use. Simply put, FOYCOM delivers the best value future-proof warehouse system with the right mix of price, features, and flexibility.
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Final Thoughts
RFID is no longer just a modernized version of existing forms of business management—it's a revolution in warehouse management. By providing real-time visibility, increased automation, and accuracy, So, RFID is an indispensable way for businesses to reduce errors, lower costs, and transition to a scalable solution. Implementing an RFID warehouse management system is the best way to move toward operations that are ready for the future.
Are you ready to bring the future to your warehouse using RFID? Learn how automation can transform your warehouse operations today! Schedule a free demo or chat with a FOYCOM RFID WMS expert today. Start the path to more profitable, faster, and more accurate inventory management with FOYCOM.