Jun 09, 2022

As e-commerce continues to revolutionize distribution workflows, distributors must ensure their current tracking systems are providing effective visibility and reliability. Studies show that e-commerce transactions experience a 20.8% return rate compared to average 9% return rate in brick-and-mortar stores. Without effective tracking, unmanaged returns skew stock counts, damaging profitability with false out-of-stocks, insufficient storage, and preventable spoilage.

To resolve this issue, visibility technologies like Bluetooth, automated data capture, and RFID have become indispensable; however additional yet unique challenges such as facility size, inventory type, and rate of new hires may require different kinds of technologies for your workflow. Regardless of the choice, visibility solutions should aim at empowering teams with actionable, real-time decisions to help warehouses efficiently adapt to demands and strengthen inventory management. Zebra’s Warehouse Vision Study shows that 77% of industry leaders agree they need to modernize their warehouse operations but admit they are slow to implement new devices and technology.

Modernized Visibility is Vital, but where to get started?

While shifting demands make modernization almost mandatory, deploying new technologies requires both a financial and time commitment. If businesses don’t choose an effective tracking solution that matches their needs, it could be too costly or time consuming. This is why it is important that your business is educated on the benefits modernized tracking systems bring. Leading the charge in dependable real-time visibility, RFID tracking empowers reverse logistic operations with…

1. Faster data capture via RFID Handheld Scanner - To effectively eliminate manual data entry, accelerate scanning, and integrate long-distance data capture, RFID automated data capture while scanning multiple codes at once. Equipping your distributors and delivery teams with RFID technology solutions, like ZEBRA’S MC3390XR scanner, provide your workers with real-time updates and enhanced data visibility to simplify asset tracking. Mobile RFID asset tracking helps workers locate assets, manage inventory, check out with due back assignment, check in, commission assets, and more.
   
   
2. Precise locationing and tracking scanned through a RFID Fixed Reader - In addition to an intelligent handheld scanner, long-range readers like Zebra’s FX9600 facilitate locationing by pinpointing items in your facility. This prevents storage space from being misused or products from being misplaced.
   
   
3. Customizable RFID tags that adapt to environmental challenges - Lastly, every effective tracking system is founded on enterprise labels. For example, Zebra’s customizable RFID tags allow businesses to select inlays and pre-tested materials to craft a tag that endures constant movement and exposure to environmental challenges like dust, extreme temperatures, and moisture. By deploying long lasting labels, returned inventory can be quickly tagged and tracked the moment it re-enters the supply chain.

In addition to dependable technologies, effective tracking is also built by reliable wireless connections that take environmental challenges into account. RFID’s great strides have now enabled systems to operate flawlessly in dense, high ceiling rooms, and for small, curved objects. To sustain real-time tracking, HEARTLAND’S ALWAYSCONNECTED team assesses and structures visibility solutions to thrive in challenging conditions. To learn more how RFID can adapt to your operations, reach out to our teams for a full workflow assessment.