Facilitator's Question

What are the reasons leading to upgrading from bar-code scanning to radio-frequency identification (RFID) for effective warehousing operations? Explain.

There are many reasons to why bar-code scanning should be upgraded to radio frequency identification(RFID) for effective warehousing operations. For effective warehousing operations to occur, a warehouse must be up-to-date with the current technology, efficient, fast and accurate. Even though bar-code scanning would be able to improve accuracy it is unable to improve the speed and efficient of various warehousing operations.

For example: Bar code Scanning would require close range line of sight scanning and is only able to scan one item at a time. Where else RFID would enable warehouse to detect items at a further range and able to scan many items at ago. We have an example of how RFID would help improve the receiving dock and shipping process in one of the post at the bottom titled RFID- Receiving dock and Shipping. Through RFID, it would also ensure a 100% order shipment accuracy.

The second factor would be to increase competitiveness level. By upgrading to RFID which assures consumers 100% accuracy, efficiency and prompt service. Consumers would definitely be more willing to store their products due to the extra service which RFID would help to achieve. Therefore RFID would definitely be able to boost the company reputation in comparison to Bar code Scanning which in comparison to RFID is more back dated.

Thirdly, RFID technology is beginning to cost cheaper and cheaper. There is a article which I found on the internet which indicates RFID tags getting cheaper in price which i posted titled Tag Cost and ROI. The article basically is about RFID tags getting more affordable and cheaper due to technological advances and etc. Therefore, if RFID is becoming more affordable why not pay a little extra more to gurantee even more customer's satisfaction. Customers would definitely be more satisfied knowing their goods are being stored in a warehouse with the lastest technology and equipments.