Radio Frequency Identification

Warehouse and distribution center operations are at the center of the surge in radio frequency identification (RFID) activity. RFID is proving to be a cost-effective resource for saving time, improving visibility and reducing labor requirements for a variety of shipping, receiving and inventory management operations. And lift truck mounted RFID readers (not fixed portal readers) have become the essential ingredient in the recipe for that elusive RFID ROI.

Lift truck mounted RFID readers, just as with barcode scanners, enable real-time data collection which allows operators to accomplish traditional warehouse tasks – faster – thus reducing labor costs. However, a built for purpose, rugged forklift mounted RFID reader can offer advantages over traditional bar-coding and fixed portal RFID readers, as the examples below portray:

• Receiving – Forklift-mounted RFID readers eliminate the need to install fixed-position readers at each dock door, or to carefully schedule and coordinate deliveries so that RFID-enabled dock doors are available when tagged shipments arrive. And the application specific antennas used on lift truck-mounted readers help ensure that only desired objects are identified and that nearby cases and pallets are ignored.

• Cross docking – The receiving location flexibility and accurate pallet and case identification that forklift-mounted RFID readers provide are of great value in cross docking applications, where speed and accuracy are critical. Forklift readers also enable materials to be unloaded in the yard or temporary storage locations that may not be covered by a fixed-reader infrastructure.

• Putaway – Permanent RFID location tags can enhance putaway accuracy because built for purpose forklift readers can automatically record the location without requiring the operator to scan a bar code or enter a location code.

• Picking – Reading RFID tags at the time pallets and cases are picked can prevent picking errors and help ensure orders and pallets are built accurately. Automatic, accurate identification during picking could eliminate the need for a separate validation step.

• Shipping – All the economic and performance benefits associated with lift truck-mounted readers apply to shipping applications, such as when pallet or case tags on outgoing shipments are read to validate that contents match the order. If permanent RFID tags are used to identify dock doors or trailers, the lift truck-mounted reader can automatically confirm drop-off locations for a complete end to end transaction.

For a forklift mounted RFID reader to consistently deliver the above benefits it has to be engineered for purpose with application specific antennas yet tough enough for everyday warehouse use.

Why LXE?

• LXE receives Frost & Sullivan 2006 Product Line Strategy Leadership Award for mobile RFID systems.
• Involved in a wide variety of implementations using both passive and active RFID readers / computers.
• Launched first RFID trial in 2002 using a rugged handheld RFID reader / computer with numerous other trials underway since then.
• Subscriber to EPCglobal, the organization leading the development of industry-driven standards for the EPC.
• Extensive RF expertise to lead in RFID antenna technology development.
• Over 80 of the top Wal-Mart suppliers are LXE customers.

Need more information on RFID and RFID readers / computers – download our RFID primer. Or call us today at 1-800-664-4593.