The leading household brand, operating a single global manufacturing base in Asia, sought an efficient way to transform its logistics by tracking shipments to its five warehouses worldwide. To meet this need, they integrated an RFID solution that provides real-time visibility of pallet movements, ensuring effective management of shipments throughout their supply chain.
The company and their solution provider have chosen to remain anonymous for this case study to protect proprietary information and maintain confidentiality.
Challenges in Pallet Management
Shipping products from their manufacturing site in Asia to a global network of five warehouses presented several challenges, including the need to track individual pallets accurately, reduce the risk of misplacement, and improve overall efficiency in logistics. The company needed a durable solution that could function effectively in both indoor and outdoor environments, ensuring asset traceability at every step of the supply chain.
The RFID Solution
To address these challenges, the manufacturer selected the Xerafy Cargo OUTDOOR RFID tags after a comprehensive field-testing process.
There are several pallet RFID tagging solutions available in the market and the company was specifically looking for durability and reliability in outdoor conditions.
Capable of withstanding exposure to weather extremes, the Cargo OUTDOOR tags offer a long-range readability of up to 12 meters, making them ideal for tracking pallets efficiently across various logistics facilities.
Xerafy offered its Cargo OUTDOOR, a durable RFID tag from its OUT TRAK series.
With unique EPC encoding for each pallet and customizable features such as permanent marking, the Cargo OUTDOOR tags enabled precise identification and tracking of individual shipments.
RFID System Overview
This RFID solution was integrated into the manufacturer’s global logistics operations, providing end-to-end visibility of pallet movements from the factory to the warehouses.
The RFID system was implemented at key points across the supply chain, including loading docks, warehouse entry and exit points, and storage areas. RFID readers track tagged pallets in real time, providing accurate data on pallet location and status. This automated tracking significantly reduces manual intervention, improves inventory accuracy, and minimizes the risk of misplaced assets.
The system integrates with the company’s warehouse management software, providing seamless data flow for better decision-making and logistics planning.
Key Benefits of RFID in Pallet Tracking
The RFID solution for pallet tracking delivered several key benefits:
Real-Time Visibility: The RFID system provided real-time data on pallet movements, improving inventory accuracy and supply chain transparency.
Reduced Losses: Automated tracking reduced the risk of pallet misplacement and loss, enhancing asset security.
Improved Efficiency: Automation of tracking processes minimized manual work, leading to reduced labor costs and fewer errors.
Optimized Utilization: The ability to track pallets accurately allowed the company to optimize their use, improving turnaround times and reducing idle assets.
Integrated Data: The RFID system seamlessly integrated with the warehouse management software, providing comprehensive data for better logistics planning.
Broader Impact
By integrating RFID technology into their global pallet tracking operations, the brand achieved greater visibility and control over their supply chain. This solution not only improved pallet tracking but also optimized logistics processes, leading to reduced losses and enhanced operational efficiency.
For insights into how this company also uses RFID to automate mold management, please refer to the related case study covering RFID for Automated Mold Management.
Xerafy is a pioneer in Industrial RFID, bringing to market several innovations that enable advanced identification and automation capabilities in manufacturing.
In addition to a complete range of field-proven RFID tags available off-the-shelf, Xerafy offers Custom RFID Tags services, covering everything from a personalization service bureau to custom-design engineering capabilities.