Data collection solutions began with stationary laser scanners in warehouses and then gained momentum when barcode scanners became more common use in supermarkets in the 1970’s. Today multiple options are available for how to capture inventory movement data.
The decision for today’s business leaders is how to select the right technology for the job, and how to combine data capture technologies into a multi-modal strategy that uses a combination of data collection methods.
Barcode readers, RFID printers and scanners, rugged mobile computers, stationary and mobile barcode printers, voice-directed picking systems, pick-to-light systems and others have lead to a certain amount of confusion for warehouse and distribution center managers. Representatives of each technology portray their solutions as the ultimate answer to all needs and requirements for gathering data about inventory. However, operations and processes are different across the warehouse. Receiving is different from picking, and shipping is different from put-away. Given that the processes are different, why use a single solution to solve all the productivity, accuracy, cost and performance issues across all processes.
Take RFID as an example. As a receiving application RFID is a perfect use of technology given the process of being able to scan an entire pallet as it is loaded onto a truck. It would not be such a good fit for sorting or picking in high-volume operations. For those operations a hands-free ring scanner with a wearable computer, or a voice-directed solution would be more appropriate.
The selection of data collection technology is dependent on a number of factors. In a report from Cadre Technologies, it states there are many different types of devices needed, based on physical and environmental diversity from warehouse to warehouse. It should be added that diversity in processes is another important factor for developing a multi-modal platform. In a report from WERC (The Warehouse Education and Research Council) it is concluded that we will see hybrids of many existing and emerging technologies applied to meet the warehousing and distribution challenges of the future.
The primary point to remember is that data collection technology is just like any other technology. Its effectiveness depends on applying it in the right way to the right problem.
Please add a comment
Leave a Reply