How Zebra’s RFID Technology Benefits Your SMB

Customer expectations shape how business is done. As customers change their demands for greater convenience and speed, SMBs must incorporate the technology that can help meet the demands of the customers and requirements of contracts. Technological advancements have helped to ease that changing landscape.

RFID tagging allows businesses to see what is on an entire pallet as it comes in or out of docking. This automation provides greater visibility and ease with inventory management in a shorter amount of time, eliminating the need for manual scanning of every barcode. Software can provide notifications when inventory is low, monitoring levels and automating reorders, resulting in enhanced employee productivity.

RFID Enhances Profitability and Productivity

Change management is a constant reality in business. Consumer demands and market changes are a constant, especially as technology advances. Some of the reasons large companies mandate RFID technology are some of the same reasons why incorporating RFID into your SMB can help your profitability and overall efficiency:

• • • Visibility

    • Traceability

    • Regulatory requirements (government)

    • Automation

    • Digitization

    • Inventory Management

    • Temperature-sensitive Monitoring

    • Tag Durability

    • Cross-docking

RFID can provide a more automated, hands-off approach, reducing the amount of physical touch or individual scanning of items. From an inventory standpoint, RFID can quickly geo-locate an item so an employee can locate the item, get to the item, identify it, retrieve it, and put it into a load. This can help ease issues created during labor shortages when there is an increase in order volume.

RFID aids in cross-docking, providing fast and reliable information for forklift operators. RFID provides real-time visibility to products without having to actively scan a visible barcode at each stage. This helps to minimize errors as RFID has a 100% read rate on every item.

RFID tracking gives traceability to products in almost every industry as items move through a workflow or a supply chain. This provides a greater ability for tracking what the status of the product is as it is being manufactured, such as what station it is at. It provides real-time visibility to the product without having to actively scan a visible barcode at each stage.

RFID Use Cases

Many SMBs have taken the leap and incorporated RFID technology into their facilities in anticipation of future mandates. These businesses have seen improvements in the efficiency of their processes and a boost in their profits, creating growth for a bigger future. Here are some use cases from incorporating RFID technology.

Since the RFID rollout, the furniture manufacturer has found it can better track their products within their facility. The software quickly details where each product goes without having to manually update the information. 

Produce Distributor

A produce distributor that supplies lettuce, tomatoes, and onions to a nation-wide fast-food chain was required to incorporate RFID tags onto their cases. The priority of the mandate is to track products for freshness and manage source information in case of recalls. Upon assessment, the produce company incorporated:

• • • ZT411R Printer Encoder
    • FX9600 Fixed Readers with portals
    • MC3300R Handheld Readers
    • Custom middleware to provide RFID equipment control and integration into ERP/WMS

The produce company also found that using RFID tags helps with their own inventory management, keeping track of the products coming and going. The fixed readers improved the rate of cross docking, while handheld readers cut back on repetitive tasks for employees.

The distribution company found that not only do they have fewer lost packages to the end-customer, but their own facility can also more easily track packages moving through their warehouse, more quickly manage cross-docking, and scanning is quicker and more efficient with wearable scanning technology.

Imprint Enterprises is the Zebra Technologies RFID Specialist

The benefits of using RFID are seen across multiple industries, including automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical, retail, manufacturing, and distribution. Companies find they can track equipment, inventory, and parts more effectively while also providing an added layer of security. RFID technology has proven to increase operational efficiency by minimizing human error while providing real-time data and tracking.

Imprint Enterprises is a Premiere Solution Partner with Zebra Technologies, working with RFID installations since 2006. Imprint is a company that grows with you, providing your business with an affordably priced solution. Imprint builds a lifelong relationship with you and your company that is based on quality and trust with Specialists that can help you determine what you need. Imprint knows that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all.

Zebra Technologies has over 30 years of experience and is a leading expert in barcoding technology. Zebra rigorously tests their products in multiple R&D facilities, making sure you receive the quality you deserve. Originally founded in 1969, Zebra now has 10’s of millions of devices worldwide, creating end-to-end solutions.

Imprint Enterprises has decades of experience in RFID solutions – from printers, readers, and tags/labels.

Imprint will support you in making the most informed decision for your SMB and can outfit your company with RFID technology from Zebra Technologies. Contact us to begin building your comprehensive RFID solution for your SMB.