‘Speed and Efficiency’ are the two important wheels of a productive warehouse. And every inventory management software thrives on the same concept.
However, it’s not a cakewalk. Because, with the growing demand, you keep extending your product line and product mix and that’s where the complexity arises – in streamlining and segmenting the goods and looking after their availability.
Thankfully, Radio Frequency scanners have simplified warehouse management and made things move much faster than they used to. Today, order pickers wear barcode scanners or readers on their wrists and the scanner will redirect them to the proper location and item within the warehouse that needs to be picked.
However, RF scanners can do a lot more than just simplify the task of an employee in a warehouse. Let’s understand in detail about RF scanners and how it works.
What Are RF Scanners?
RF (Radio Frequency) Scanners are handheld devices that are attached to your mobile phone for scanning and transmitting data to a central database to streamline the real-time inventory management system. RF scanners speed up the warehouse by scanning the barcode and performing your workplace activities automatically which was done manually.
RF/barcode scanning module is at the heart of a warehouse picking revolution. So, when you use RD or HTML 5 scanners in your warehouse, you can generate real-time insight into your actual stock. They are available in pen or gun style and you can pair them easily with any tablet or laptop or complex device. This not only benefits your company but your customers and clients too.
Here all the data is scanned and directly registered in the 3PL Dynamics to provide real-time insights into your warehouse activity. Through this scanner, you can know where and how much your goods are located and accordingly you can manage and optimize your storage space.
Uses for RF scanners include:
- Picking
- Packing
- Receiving,
- Put-Away,
- Cycle Counting
- Shipping
- Communication between different types of scanners
- Communication between the technology systems and the warehouse facility
Understanding How RF Scanners Work
Whenever you employ the RF Scanner, you must link the device with your company’s management system. Secondly, all goods in the warehouse facility must be labeled correctly and properly.
Transmitting the signal
When you scan the product, the information stored on the RF code will be transmitted to a receiver. The receiver will further send this data over your wireless network via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi so you can read your WMS system.
Although, today most devices are capable of operating with a 4G or 5G connection in the case of working outdoors. This fast transmission makes it possible for your warehouse to manage your inventory in real time.
Labeling the product
Before using RF scanners, every item in the facility must be correctly coded and adhered to with proper labeling. It can be a traditional barcode (QR) or two-dimensional (2D Barcode) or RFID system.
So when the product is scanned, the operator follows the instruction shown on the screen and will give confirmation on the completion of every operation. And further, he will receive new instructions and accordingly proceed ahead.
Thus, with every RD scanning process, the data gets stored and automatically you can get to know where the goods are, in what quantity, under what circumstances, in what process, – every little detail of storage, etc.
Types of RF Scanners
There are different types of RF scanners available that can improve your productivity in the warehouse and help you make better purchasing decisions. Let’s discuss this in detail-
Barcode Scanner
Barcode Scanners are POS or traditional scanners that you have used in the past. It uses a laser beam for reading and capturing the information present in the barcode. It is designed to run off a battery pack or a power cord for the wireless scanner. This barcode scanner is popularly used for scanning simple codes like UPCs or EANs. However, it didn’t work well with QR codes because of size issues and technical complexity.
QR Code Scanner
QR Code Scanners are designed specifically to read the QR label and determine the location of the item and the inventory level. However, it can scan and understand the barcodes. The key differentiator between QR code scanners and other scanners is – It has its own screen for transmitting information through a wireless network. You can call them smart devices for scanning the labels on every item.
RFID Scanner
RFID Scanners are used for gathering information from RFID tags. It is used to track individual objectives or inventory in real time. This scanner can be worn around the neck, handheld, or kept stationary –fits perfectly as per the requirement of your warehouse facility.
Benefits of employing an RF Scanner in the facility’s logistics operations
1. Increased productivity
RF Scanner is the best device for accelerating any warehouse operation right from the identification of goods to picking the order.
With the help of an RF Scanner, you don’t have to manually write and store the information because everything will be stored automatically on the screen. That’s how you can increase your employee’s productivity and manage your orders in the warehouse facility.
2. Eliminate the chances of error
RF Scanners contribute significantly to eliminating the possibility of error by involving automated technology in the process. No more misplacement of important papers now! It even simplifies the operator’s task because they just have to scan the product and follow the instructions shown on the screen.
3. Rigorous stock control
RF Scanners will inform you where your product is located and in what quantity. So, based on this real-time logistics information, you can prevent unforeseen events and anticipate problems from afar. This will help you in maintaining the availability of your inventory level in order to meet the increasing demand for your goods. That’s how you can avoid understocking or overstocking goods.
The Final Words
RF Scanners –Warehouse Scanning Equipment is contributing significantly towards improving the facility level of automation in the warehouse. It is speeding up all types of logistics operations and eliminates the chances of making more mistakes or more returns.
Hire For Contact Solution PL now to automate your warehouse facility!
