I was introduced to a bleeding edge technology called RFID in the early 1990's when industry journals were filled with the proposed benefits of another new RF data communication technology: spread spectrum. At the time, many users of narrow band RF doubted that anything could be better than their existing system. Here it is, over a decade later, and spread spectrum RF communications is a given in most warehouses, and RFID technology is becoming a reality.
I have read many articles recently that discuss the cost of the tags, capabilities of the readers, and technical issues for the supporting network. I have read very few articles, however, that clearly spell out the systems issues concerning warehouse management systems (WMSs).
Unless your WMS is brand new, it is doubtful that you will escape purchasing bolt-on middleware or upgrading your current system to support RFID.
Here's the scenario: unlike bar code scanning, where items, cases, or pallets are scanned individually, RFID systems collect data on multiple items in a single scan, with no distinction between item, case, or pallet. A middle layer of software is required to sort the data, sift through it for exceptions, and disregard duplications - in real time. Furthermore, most warehousing environments (at least initially) will require a mixed use of bar code and RFID. Thus the WMS needs to support a flexible means of data entry.
Data management issues could pose significant problems for clients of WMS vendors who have not been forward-thinking in their preparation for RFID. Today, most top tier and a handful of smaller WMS suppliers have already added RFID support to their upcoming versions or have added a middleware offering.
Step One: Don't assume anything. Investigate your WMS vendor's level of focus on RFID. Chances are you'll need to upgrade your WMS before implementing middleware. Ensure the middleware supports both bar code and RFID data input simultaneously.
If your industry will be impacted in the next 2-3 years by the tidal wave of RFID, and your WMS vendor has not made RFID integration a priority, you need to evaluate alternatives. There are bolt-on packages available that can provide limited functionality, such as outbound compliance. These standalone systems are less costly in many cases; however, you need to consider their limited functionality and limited integration to other systems.
Step Two: Remember, this technology is "just" an enabler, and less than optimal processes will need to be addressed. RFID can dramatically change your ability to move and track items in the supply chain. First, profile your operations to understand how workflows and information gathering will change. Prepare your people for the transition by involving them in investigative efforts. The benchmarking process alone may point out immediate ways to fine-tune your operational infrastructure.
Step Three: Realize that this technology is still evolving. There are still many issues to be ironed out. Evaluate the providers of this technology. Ask tough questions about physical limitations of the tags and about WMS interfaces.
One of the most touted benefits of RFID is inventory visibility throughout the supply chain. Now is the time to fully understand what your trading partners, both up and down the supply chain from you, will require.
The future of RFID is riding on the success of initial pilots with several Wal-Mart vendors and leading WMS providers. Some measure of skepticism among the rest of us is certainly warranted. However, don't miss out on this opportunity to understand and evaluate what operational and systems changes you would need to respond to your largest customer should they follow Wal-Mart's lead.
Patti Satterfield, business development manager for Q4, has worked in the field of data collection and warehousing automation for more than 17 years. Before joining Q4, she was associated with other industry consulting and technology firms. She is a frequent presenter of technology at national associations, such as CLM, WERC, Promat, NCOF and Distribution/Computer Expo. You can contact her at psatterfield@q4logistics.com
