Automated yard management systems use RFID tags on trucks and trailers to track their movement in real-time and can use the information for efficient, automated routing and workforce management. Logistics operators automatically identify incoming trailers when they drive through the gates at its service center. The identification information is transferred by wireless LAN from an RFID gate reader to the yard management system on a host computer inside the center. The yard management system automatically dispatches personnel to receive the incoming shipment and updates the company shipment tracking system. Outgoing trucks are automatically identified and logged out of the yard with the RFID gate readers.

Pallet tracking offers a powerful RFID starting point, one that can provide a life-time of asset management benefits and set the foundation for many future internal and supply chain operations. Permanently identifying pallets and other returnable logistics containers with RFID tags facilitates automated tracking systems that reduce manual handling and dwell times. Application software can take advantage of the accurate, automatic identification to improve asset visibility and issue management alerts when items are missing and returns are overdue.

While gate readers can identify an incoming shipment, other RFID system can track individual pallets, cartons and cases, as they are unloaded. RFID readers at the dock door can expedite the identification of pallets in an entire shipment and log them into warehouse management or inventory control systems in seconds. RFID readers can save valuable time in cross docking by instantly locating needed items and accurately recording their transfer to outbound shipments.

RFID can be read through concrete, so some warehouse operators bury tags in the floor to guide and track RFID-enabled forklifts. The application provides a real-time view of locations, a data point which software application use to improve asset utilization and measure productivity.

RFID readers also can be mounted on forklifts or at key storage area entry/exit points to monitor inventory movements. Continual, unattended monitoring can be used to supplement bar code-based inventory control procedures to provide an added degree of visibility to high-value goods. The practice can produce near 100 percent inventory accuracy and eliminate the need for cycle counts and reduce out-of-stock emergencies.

RFID can error-proof shipping operations by ensuring all the items needed to fulfill an order are present and packed before the order is dispatched. Bar-coding is effective for shipment verification, but is still prone to errors because the application relies on operators to manually scan each item or carton.

For instance, individual cases are tagged with an unique serial number and a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), which many businesses already use in their bar code shipping labels. The item data is written to the pallet tag to create a master record. RFID readers record the information as pallets pass various locations and the data is transferred to a warehouse management system to record inventory levels and status. Systems like these produce timely information that improves visibility and provides the flexibility to utilize the pallet tags for other tracking, shipping and receiving operations.

Using RFID, logistics service providers can create shipment manifests and ASN files by reading pallet tags during the loading process. Tagged pallets facilitate accurate and efficient cargo transfers, especially in break-bulk operations. This can drive excess inventory out of the supply chain by making it easier to get the right product to the right store at the right time. Applying RFID tags to tractors and trailers creates possibilities for numerous other fleet and yard management applications.

The amount of spoilage and non-saleable perishables can be greatly reduced by recording a se by?date to the write portion of the rag thus enabling software systems to easily identify those products that need to be moved more quickly or removed from distribution.

The examples presented here have all described RFID use with warehouse management, inventory control and other enterprise software applications. Flexible, standard-based RFID equipment can integrate with current information system infrastructures to enhance and extend the benefits of successful applications. Getting started with RFID doesn have to mean starting over with supply chain applications.

Epcode offers numerous resources to help you determine how best to integrate RFID into your operations. Epcode; RFID solution is an integrated hardware and software, accessories, and professional services designed to give companies everything they need to develop a pilot or live application for RFID-enabled material tracking.