Latest Technology in Supply Chain Management

A) Radio Frequency Identification

Introduction

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) implies to an object (normally called as an RFID tag) concern with or integrated into a good, person or animal for the principle of recognition and tracking through radio impression. Few tags can be interpreted from quite a distance of meters apart and beyond the line of spectacle of the person who reads.

Radio-frequency identification consists of interrogators (also referred to as readers), & tags (also called as labels).

Application

Almost all RFID tags consist of more than one part. One part is an integrated circuit for processing and storing data, modulation and demodulation of radio-frequency (RF) signals, and various other specific functions. The second part is an antenna for getting and transmitting of signals.

There are normally three types of Radio-frequency IDentification tags: active RFID tags, which contain a chargeable battery and can propagate signals at its own, passive RFID tags, they work without a battery and needs an external source to aggravate signal transmission, while third is battery backed passive (BAP) RFID tags, which needs an external source to provoke but have noteworthy higher forward link capability propagating greater range.

RFID has many uses; for e.g., it is applied in enterprises in supply chain management to pick up the efficiency of supplies and stocks tracking and management.

Uses

RFID can be utilized in various applications such as:

 Management Access

 Goods tracking and RFID in retail

 Tracking of animals and persons

 Contactless payment and Toll collection

 Scanning of documents through machine

 Smart dust, for massively circulated sensor networks

 Location-based services

 Scanning sports memorabilia to confirm validity

 Airport luggage tracking logistics

Advantages

* In comparison with bar codes, more data can be held in RFID tags.

* A built in facility that data can be altered or further added as a tag passes through particular process.

* It is tends to be more effective in severe environments where bar codes come across different problems. A plastic seal can be applied eradicating several difficulties that affect bar codes.

Disadvantages

* Privacy gets hurt of others

* Implantation in human body

* Government's excessive control

* Intentional destruction in different items like clothing

B) Barcode reader

Introduction

A barcode reader (also called as barcode scanner) is an electronic device used for reading barcodes printed on different goods and stuff. Similar to a flatbed scanner, it comprises of a light supply, a lens & a light antenna interpreting optical impulses into electrical ones. Also, almost all barcode readers consist of decoder circuitry scrutinizing the barcode's image data transmitted by the sensor and forwarding the barcode's matter to the scanner's output port.

Types of barcode readers

Methods

Scanning methods are discriminated by the amount of operator manipulation required:

 Pen or wand readers

 Semi-Manual readers

 Fixed-mounted readers for automatic reading

 Reading gates for automatic scanning

Application/Uses

i) In the warehouses, the products are linked with barcode labels in the racks. Scanner can identify these labels even from 30 feet apart from the lifting vehicle. Through this operators can have all the information or materials on their finger tips.

ii) When the materials are taken to the production floor for the assembly process. First, the verification of parts and their quantities is done through the barcode tags, by which materials are tracked right through the course. This is significant when a part is spoiled and needs to be discarded.

iii) After finishing products are label with a barcode tag, and then packed into batches. New barcodes will be allotted to these batches, by which tracking during the shipping process gets ensured till they are distributed to shops and final consumers. Barcodes can get damage at some stage after being exposed to elements such as dirt, scratches and water. Especially designed scanners are required for this case.

C) Voice Picking Technology in Warehouses

Introduction

In warehouses where workers want to work in such a manner that their hands remain free so that they can work more effectively and efficiently, Voice Picking System can play a major role. Workers can interact uninterrupted through Voice technology which uses voice recognition for speech synthesis and software without any hindrances with a Warehouse Management System. Warehouse workers can entertain instructions and can vocally verify their steps taken from the host system by using a wearable wireless computer operated with microphone peripherals and headset.

Order picking is generally the most widespread use of Voice data collection technology. However it can also be employed in shipping, inventory management, pallet put away and receiving orders.

Uses/Application

Increased benefits can be achieved in enhanced productivity and accuracy in order picking through this technology. Continuous Inventory checking can also be attained through it. Perfection in Order Picking precise is unbelievable and 99.9% accuracy can be obtained and can be enhanced further more. The contemporary method in order picking also counts so as to achieve perfection in work, but if one transfers to voice picking from paper pen based system,