• Inventory management software with built-in automation has been found to increase accuracy and profits.
• There is no one-size-fits-all solution for inventory management software—it’s about the best product for your business objectives and industry.
• While manual inventory management is prone to cost-draining errors, mobile inventory solutions have been found to help companies achieve 99.9% accuracy and more.

Understanding the importance of inventory management is crucial for any organization. After all, if products are not properly traced, accounted for, and utilized, there are far-reaching effects across the product life cycle, from procurement to delivery.

Proper inventory management involves a holistic view of all products with the goal of ensuring a smooth supply chain operation and minimizing costs. Through the use of inventory management software, organizations can streamline their approach to inventory for optimal results.

Inventory management software automates inventory processes, improving accuracy, efficiency, and profits. And with the average on-hand inventory quantities up 8.3% over the previous five years, it’s no wonder the inventory management software market is expected to grow to over $2.56 billion by 2029.

But how do you choose what inventory management software is right for you?

This article will provide a guide for organizations looking to select the right inventory management software.

Understanding Your Business Needs

The road to choosing the right inventory management technology begins with understanding your current business needs and inventory processes.

Analyze Existing Processes

Review your warehouse procedures to identify areas of inefficiency:

• Inventory turnover
• Stock control
• Demand forecasting
• Reorder points
• Safety stock
• Customer demand vs current inventory levels
• Material handling processes

Then look for areas where your inventory management process can improve. By having a proper understanding of your inventory, you can not only make your warehouse more efficient, but also improve profit margins and reduce costs.

Align Process with Business Goals

Once you have an understanding of your overall operation and how it’s functioning, the next step is to align your processes with your business goals and objectives.

After all, there is no shortage of challenges facing supply chain professionals in today’s marketplace. In developing short-term and long-term goals for your organization, you can better align inventory strategies to achieve those objectives.

Take Myers Tire Supply for instance, their long-term goal was to improve customer service and boost efficiency. To do this, they started by implementing lean supply chain models and just-in-time methodologies for inventory management. From there, they implemented mobile barcoding to increase accuracy and efficiency and gain full inventory visibility within their distribution centers.

How Myers Tire Supply improved operations with mobile inventory management software

READ THE FULL STORY »

Determine Operational Requirements

Finally, ensure you are aware of the specific requirements for your business and industry type. Tracking, monitoring, and distributing inventory are universal needs for organizations, but how you do it and the quantities of product you have will fluctuate based on your industry or business size.

Food suppliers, for example, hold a significant portion of operational revenue in their purchased but unused inventories, necessitating improved inventory control procedures. E-commerce, on the other hand, will often focus on maintaining the right amount of inventory in a store or warehouse to ship to customers around the clock.

For enterprise companies using an ERP platform, determining technical requirements is also crucial. The best inventory management software vendor options will offer standard integrations for your ERP, if not validated or certified solutions. Many will also hold some level of partnership with the ERP company itself.

Ultimately, these factors hold significant implications for the type of inventory management software you choose. Understanding your needs will help in selecting software and ensuring successful implementation.

Steps to a Successful Implementation: What to Expect for Barcode Software

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Key Features to Look for in Inventory Management Software

Research has shown that despite technological advancements, many companies continue to utilize spreadsheets or manual methods for inventory management. Supply Chain Dive recently found that over 67% of supply chain managers use Excel to keep track of inventory.

That’s a problem.

Spreadsheets are only slightly better than paper processes and woefully inadequate, especially for inventory at scale.

Couple this with the reality that the highest accuracy achievable with paper processes is only about 60%. For those who are tracking inventory manually or in spreadsheets, there’s a substantial risk of lost materials, mispicks, wrong orders, wasted time and money, and lack of operational efficiency.

That’s why it’s important to choose the right inventory management software that can help automate your processes, optimize your workflows, and streamline warehousing and production.

Important Inventory Management Features

Key features to look for include:

• Real-time inventory updates that interface with business-critical systems like ERPs, RFID, IoT, Industry 4.0 devices, and more—providing a single source of truth.
• Barcode scanning, which allows workers to capture perfect data, driving accuracy and visibility.
• Enterprise mobility to enable maximum flexibility and productivity.
• Purchase order management, which reduces risk of supply chain disruption by knowing what stock is on hand.
• Advanced inventory tracking capabilities like batch traceability, bulk moves, intelligent put-away, and offline data collection.
• Optimal replenishment automation to prevent delays and unnecessary expenses from back orders, double-ordering, and more.
• Collaboration with other software systems, like manufacturing execution systems (MES) and warehouse management platforms (WMS) to handle more sophisticated supply chain operations.

On-Premises or Cloud-Based Deployment

Companies must also decide between on-premises versus cloud-based solutions. Software as a service (SaaS) functionality has become the de facto choice for most solutions, reducing maintenance burden on IT departments. However, some organizations may require on-premises deployments that cloud-only providers can’t do.

Some solutions vendors can offer hybrid software or deployments that can easily migrate from on-premises to cloud, when the need arises.

Despite its benefits, almost half of RFgen Digital Inventory Report respondents have no plans to migrate to the cloud. Although today’s cloud solutions are more secure than ever before and continue to become even more resilient, many still avoid this transition due to security concerns related to cloud-based technology.

When choosing new inventory management software, it’s important to evaluate the risks, benefits, and practical concerns about deployment before making a purchase. This way, you can find the right solution that will work best for your business needs.

A Comprehensive Guide to Mobile Inventory Management Systems

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Evaluating and Comparing Inventory Management Software Providers

There is no one-size-fits-all inventory management solution. Numerous factors go into which software will work best for you. That’s why it’s essential to do the background work on your needs and goals prior to software selection.

Look to Providers with Proven History

Once you’re ready to research available software providers, start by looking at the industry leaders. Review their approach to inventory management and their methodology, as well as ways they’ve helped clients similar to you implement inventory best practices.

For specific industries, consider niche providers that specialize in industry-specific solutions. Consider the elements you’ll need in order to be successful—and competitive—in your industry. Food and beverage companies may need to automate traceability as part of their software acquisition, for example. Meanwhile, industrial manufacturers may want shop floor data collection.

For instance, Carlisle Interconnect Technologies sought to improve accuracy and efficiency to mitigate risk as an aerospace-defense contractor. They needed a very specific type of vendor with competencies in their industry that could handle stringent security requirements. As a result, the outcome was tremendously successful.

Watch the CarlisleIT story below:

Do Your Homework

Before you make a decision, read reviews, testimonials, and case studies related to your selected vendors. If there are common issues about poor customer experiences that happen across multiple clients, you may want to rethink your options.

Regardless of technology, a software provider that offers a collaborative buying and implementation experience is typically the best option to ensure a successful project.

One way to understand if a vendor can meet your needs is by requesting a demo or meeting with the sales team for a discovery call. Enterprise software doesn’t always offer a free trial, so use these opportunities to gather detailed information, such as capabilities and features.

If exploring a live demo of the software, request a personalized experience so you can see real-world applications of the system.

Consider Cost—and ROI

There is also the matter of cost. New inventory software can be a big investment for any organization and it’s normal to get some degree of sticker shock. However, factoring in the return on investment (ROI) can help you make the decision to purchase and implement.

More complex, expensive software solutions take longer and more resources to implement, so take longer to achieve payback. Meanwhile, you may be able to get the capabilities you need with a more cost-effective solution that deploys quickly and achieves ROI in a matter of months.

Beyond ROI, make sure you compare pricing plans, paying special attention to the types of payment options (one-time purchase versus SaaS subscription). Factor in additional costs that may arise, including support mitigation, upgrades, and customization of products or applications. Some vendors offer annual or pre-paid support plans to help you budget for the software.

How to Calculate ROI for Warehouse Automation Software

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Making the Final Decision

After a thorough review of your current situation, your overarching goals, and the potential vendor options, all that’s left is to make the final decision. Remember, no inventory management software solution will be a perfect fit. Instead, select the software that best aligns with your business needs and objectives.

The Cost of Waiting

Research has shown that accuracy has a significant impact on a company’s bottom line. Manual processes can cost upwards of $10,000 a day in ineffective tracking. Mispicks alone can exacerbate overhead headaches by $200,000 per year. A single error incurs $50-$150 in total costs.

Implementing mobile inventory software can fix multiple supply chain issues through automation. In addition to reducing material handling costs by 10% or more, advanced data collection functionality boosts accuracy to 99.9%, saving companies hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.

The reality is, doing nothing can cost you big in the long run. Waiting to implement a new inventory solution could be negatively impacting your profitability and potential for growth.

Why Doing Nothing Can Cost You Big in the Warehouse

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Preparing for Implementation

When it comes time to prepare for implementation ensure you have the right people to discuss data migration and integration setup. This may involve aligning internal and external resources.

In addition, don’t forget about your people. Employee acceptance of new technology is a necessity to its success. Look for ways to provide multiple training options, incentivize use of items like mobile barcoding, and talk in terms of benefits long term.

Find a solution that’s intuitive enough that staff can easily adopt the new technology and will actually commit to using it on a daily basis.

Having a proactive training program in place can help prevent worker resistance throughout the onboarding and implementation process.

Effective Tips for Finding and Training Top Warehouse Workers

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How to Choose the Right Inventory Management Software

Inventory management is a critical function of business success. With the right tool in place, your company can optimize processes and maximize efficiencies, resulting in significant cost savings.

But that’s only if you’ve done the work to choose the best option. Begin with an understanding of your company and where it’s headed. Look at inefficiencies and opportunities. Then do your research on products that match your company size, industry, and customer base. Choose an inventory management solution based on research and evaluation.

Ultimately, whatever inventory solution you choose to improve your operations, being well-informed is the best way to equip your team with the confidence to select the right software for your organization.

The post The Insider’s Guide to Choosing the Best Inventory Management Software for Your Business appeared first on RFgen.

Inventory management can feel like a constant game of cat and mouse—chasing after ever-changing demand while trying to balance stock levels. Meanwhile, you must squeeze every last drop of productivity out of understaffed teams to stay on budget.

Sound familiar?

As revealed in the RFgen Digital Inventory Report, a major challenge in inventory management is having too many challenges. Accuracy, procurement, staffing, quality, efficiency, costs—you name it.

But what if these challenges could be transformed into opportunities? If that sounds hard to believe, you may be delighted to learn that companies across the world have been leveraging the power of software automation to do exactly that.

How? Let’s find out.

Understanding the Top Inventory Management Challenges

It’s no secret that managing inventory is fraught with challenges. In this delicate balancing act, one wrong move means lost productivity and revenue. Every challenge impacts the bottom line. That’s why effective stock control remains a crucial aspect of supply chain management.

Before we talk about solutions and opportunities, let’s take a moment to outline the most common inventory challenges. Respondents of the RFgen Digital Inventory Report indicate that the top inventory challenges are:

1. Overstock and Understock: Maintaining optimal stock levels requires constant effort. Hold too much and it cuts into overhead. Hold too little and you risk disruptive stockouts.
2. Inventory Accuracy: Without accurate data, your teams waste time searching for nonexistent items. Meanwhile, other personnel must invest considerable time in compensating for errors.
3. Inventory Traceability: Tracking materials at a granular level requires sufficient technology support—which many operations lack. For manufacturing, this can be extra difficult as raw materials “disappear” into finished goods.
4. Inefficient Processes: Time is money, and inefficient inventory processes soak up valuable productivity. This can be due to a lack of proper organization, outdated processes, or inadequate technology.
5. Mispicks and Misships: Inadequate picking methodologies—especially manual processes—aggravate on-time deliveries, production schedules, and customer service. A common “slow zone” in the warehouse.

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Software to the Rescue: Innovative Solutions for Inventory Challenges

Instead of viewing these challenges as setbacks, innovative software solutions offer a new perspective: seeing them as opportunities for improvement and growth.

Modern inventory software solutions not only address the challenges above (and more), they can transform blockages into value creation. Here’s how:

• Automating manual processes
• Enhancing visibility and agility
• Improving ordering and replenishment
• Providing reliable demand forecasting
• Tracking inventory in real time
• Perfecting picking accuracy (99.9%+)

To name a few. Even though new warehouse software may require an initial investment, the efficiencies gained quickly pay off, providing a return on investment, better known as ROI. From there on, the new technology adds value to your business, enabling growth and scalability.

In-Depth Guide: How to Identify and Calculate ROI for Warehouse Software

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How to Transform Inventory Challenges into Opportunities

After exploring the challenges and benefits, we finally arrive at the big question: How can software turn inventory challenges into opportunities?

Returning to our list of challenges, let’s see how the right inventory management system or solution directly impacts our 5 problem areas:

Overstock and Understock

Mobile inventory management software can automate the process of tracking stock levels. Using complementary systems, like ERP software, AI, and other algorithmic tools, organizations can predict future demand based on historical data and current trends. Automation of replenishment thresholds and re-ordering tasks help ensure stock levels are always optimal.

Inventory Accuracy

Software solutions can provide real-time updates on inventory levels, reducing the likelihood of errors. Barcode scanning and RFID technologies can be used to track items accurately, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing the time spent searching for items. Automated data collection from multiple sources, including IoT, carousels, and scales, contribute to a holistic inventory snapshot at any given time.

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Inventory Traceability

Advanced mobile solutions can also automate track-and-trace. As workers scan barcodes, multiple dimensions of data are captured instantly and recorded in the ERP or system of record, including Country of Origin (COO), GTIN, lot, serial number, and batch. For manufacturers, raw materials and components don’t disappear as they are consumed during intermediate stages of production or once they become finished goods.

Inefficient Processes

Automation software offers a powerful means of breaking down operational chokepoints and eliminating unnecessary manual work. Automating even basic tasks like order receipts or work order completion quickly improves efficiency and productivity by 30% or more. When it comes to warehouse optimization, relying on smart, innovative software solutions is hard to beat.

Mispicks and Misships

Issues in picking and shipping often arise from human error. Implementing solutions like mobile barcoding automates data collection. This makes picking the wrong item for an order nearly impossible. Misshipments fall off the map due to built-in validation steps in the mobile software. Both company and customers benefit.

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: A Case Study

But enough about theory. Let’s dive into a real-life example of overcoming the challenges of inventory management with advanced software tools—in this case, mobile software.

Schwing America Achieves World-Class Picking Accuracy

Construction machine manufacturer Schwing America struggled with inefficient processes and aging barcode software. In a bid to support critical daily operations, the company implemented RFgen’s mobile barcoding solution, an advanced mobile platform built for flexibility and scalability.

This state-of-the-art software quickly generated big benefits, turning multiple challenges into business growth opportunities:

• 99.8% picking accuracy
• 42% increased picking efficiency
• Enhanced worker productivity
• Automatic cycle counts
• In-house mobile app development

Read the full story or watch the video below:

Embracing the Future of Inventory Management

At the end of the day, the challenges of inventory management are realities every organization must face. But challenges don’t have to hold you back from growth and profitability. Addressing the major challenges in inventory management with cutting-edge software solutions is a proven means to streamline supply chain operations.

You will want to carefully evaluate the best inventory management software for your organization. Regardless of what route you take, from mobile barcoding to WMS software, don’t let challenges keep you up at night. Adjust your perspective. Embrace challenges as opportunities to improve efficiency, increase profits, and keep customers coming back for more.

The post Warehouse Wins: Leveraging Software to Transform Inventory Challenges into Inventory Triumphs appeared first on RFgen.

To stay ahead in today’s highly competitive market, organizations must adopt smart strategies for avoiding inventory stockouts and overstocking. However, maintaining optimal stock levels is easier said than done—and yet, many companies have found ways to do it. But how?

In this article, we’ll dive into proven strategies to help you maintain the perfect inventory balance and keep your customers coming back for more.

Understanding Stockouts, Understocking, and Overstocking

Before we get into specific strategies, it’s important to first understand the difference between stockouts and overstocking, and why maintaining the right stock levels is essential.

Stockouts

Stockouts occur when the warehouse runs out of a particular item. For manufacturers, the quantity has reached zero and the company is unable to fulfill an order or production requirement.

For any business, retail or otherwise, the result is the same: lost sales opportunities, productivity, and continuity. Not only can stockouts interrupt efficient operations, they can also harm contractual obligations and damage your brand’s reputation.

Stockouts often happen due to understocking.

Understocking

Understocking, on the other hand, happens when a company keeps too little inventory on hand. This translates to insufficient inputs for production needs and customer orders.

Some companies maintain too few quantities of items as a way to control costs, but this is more of a shortcut than an effective stocking strategy.

Overstocking

Overstocking is the opposite of understocking. Overstocking occurs when a business has too much inventory on hand. Whether the company is stockpiling emergency supplies “just in case” or is over-ordering due to suboptimal inventory visibility, overstocking ties up valuable capital while increasing overhead costs.

Excess stock costs more to store and manage. Certain products, like food or sensitive electronics, risk expiration or obsolescence. Meanwhile, a sudden shift in demand can quickly turn all that extra inventory into an outright loss.

5 Ways to Reduce an Outsized Inventory

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The Art of Balancing Inventory: Stockouts vs. Overstocking

Maintaining optimal stock levels is a delicate balancing act. Avoiding stockouts and overstocking is crucial for efficient inventory management and maintaining customer satisfaction.

That said, most companies struggle with keeping the right amount of items available. According to findings in the RFgen Digital Inventory Report, 44% of inventory-handling companies struggle with overstocking and understocking.

This may have something to do with the fact that 40% of respondents also find inaccurate inventory data to be a significant challenge—that’s no coincidence.

Let’s look at proven strategies to accomplish both.

Got Inventory Problems? Get Solutions.

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Strategies for Avoiding Inventory Stockouts and Overstocking

1. Accurate Demand Forecasting

One of the most effective strategies for avoiding stockouts and overstocking is to accurately forecast customer demand. By analyzing historical sales data, market trends, and seasonal variations, you can better predict future demand and adjust inventory levels accordingly.

The trick, of course, is having a way to forecast demand effectively. Technology offers the ideal solution. Using enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is a big step in the right direction.

However, you can’t accurately forecast demand if your prediction models are based on bad data. So, to complete the picture, consider expanding your ERP’s capabilities with mobile software that enhances visibility and material handling with high-quality data collection.

2. Real-Time Inventory Tracking

Implementing a real-time inventory tracking system enables live monitoring of stock levels. In turn, this enables informed decision-making about when to reorder products. This can help avoid stockouts while also minimizing the risk of overstocking.

Mobile inventory solutions help ensure stock levels are always up-to-second accurate—and not days behind the reality on the shelves. Automation further assists with replenishment and ordering. Setting thresholds for automatic replenishment tasks and re-ordering are essential for the continuous flow of materials in a fast-paced environment.

3. Automate Manual Processes

If you haven’t caught on already, technology plays a big role in mitigating stockouts and stockpiling. Manual processes are no exception.

Manual inventory processes, such as using paper tickets, spreadsheets, or human memory (“tribal knowledge”) are opaque. You can’t always tell what you have, in what locations, and in what quantities.

Automating manual handling procedures wherever possible is a long-proven strategy for ensuring appropriate stock levels. In addition to monitoring item movements, automation can alleviate process bottlenecks.

For example, mobile barcoding automates receipts, put-away, cycle counts, and order picking, generating 40%-400% faster speeds.

The Manufacturer’s Guide to 24/7 Inventory Visibility

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4. Safety Stock and Reorder Points

Establishing safety stock levels and reorder points can help you avoid stockouts without overstocking. Safety stock acts as a buffer against demand fluctuations, while reorder points trigger new orders before stock levels become critically low (a task software can automate).

Unlike overstocking, which is often a side effect of inefficient inventory control practices, safety stock is a strategic decision to hold extra quantities as a buffer against fluctuations in supply and/or demand.

But like overstocking, safety stock is prone to many of the same issues. Therefore, oversight and analysis are needed to prevent being drawn into hoarding materials that will degrade, expire, or lose value while in storage.

Mobile inventory solutions can provide that oversight, as well as the underlying automation for warehouse efficiency.

5. Supplier Relationship Management

While technology offers a lot of solutions to the challenges of stocking, the human element can’t be ignored. Seek to build strong relationships with suppliers. By working closely with suppliers, businesses can ensure timely deliveries, negotiate better terms, and quickly address any supply chain disruptions before it’s too late.

6. Just-in-Time (JIT) Inventory Management

Just-in-Time inventory management is a methodology that involves ordering products only as they are needed. JIT allows warehouses to run lean and keep on-hand quantities to a minimum, making overstock an impossibility.

While a winning solution for cost optimization, JIT—like all lean methodologies—can be potentially fragile under duress, as we saw during COVID-19. Therefore, JIT inventory management may not be for everyone.

To get the benefits of JIT inventory control while mitigating risk, companies must closely monitor customer demand and lead times. Here again, automation and inventory transparency are key.

Mobile inventory in action: JIT distributor Myers Tire Supply gains real-time oversight

READ THE FULL STORY »

7. Data Analytics and Inventory Optimization

Leveraging data analytics is another way to stave off stockouts and overstocking. By analyzing data, businesses can gain valuable insights into their inventory management processes, both in the warehouse and on the shop floor—as well as in field services and maintenance.

Analytics offer actionable information on how much of each SKU to keep stocked and optimal reorder points.

Having reliable data to work from will be essential for informed decision-making. Ideally, automated data collection will take place from multiple sources, such as IoT devices, industrial computers (PLCs), scales, RFID scanners, and workers equipped with mobile barcoding handhelds.

Data Analytics: The Secret Ingredient to Efficient Inventory Management

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Implementing Inventory Management Best Practices

Businesses wishing to avoid stockouts and overstocking should consider implementing a combination of these strategies and inventory best practices:

1. Regularly review and update demand forecasts
2. Invest in inventory management software and real-time tracking systems
3. Leverage automation to circumvent human error
4. Set appropriate safety stock levels and reorder points
5. Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships
6. Consider adopting a JIT approach to inventory management
7. Leverage data analytics for continuous improvement

FAQs

Win the Competitive Race by Optimizing Stock Levels

For companies seeking to streamline inventory management and reduce costs, avoiding inventory stockouts and overstocking is an important step. Given their negative impact, businesses that rely on a steady stream of inventory must implement strategies to prevent them from happening. Technologies that enable live, up-to-the-second visibility and control remain a proven means of ensuring material availability throughout the supply chain. Organizations that invest in such inventory solutions can overcome inventory control challenges, trim excess spend, and position their operations for future success.

The post Winning the Inventory Game: Proven Strategies to Dodge Stockouts and Overstocking appeared first on RFgen.

Welcome to the era of the digital revolution. It’s no secret that business landscapes are evolving at the speed of light. Inventory management is no exception.

Long gone are the days when managing inventory was a paper-heavy process. Today, it’s all about digital inventory control. To do that, companies turn to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. But, as the saying goes, there’s always room for improvement.

So, how do we bridge the gap between what ERP systems offer and what your business needs for optimal materials management? Let’s dig in and find out.

Bridging the Gap Between ERP and Business Need

ERP systems do a lot. While powerful, they don’t always hit a bullseye for inventory handling, leaving gaps in operational capabilities.

And how can one platform hit a bullseye every time? Supply chain operations are highly complex with countless variables unique to every business. Expecting one software platform to account for every variable is unrealistic.

Therefore, we need to consider other ways to solve those gaps.

Understanding the Gap

Your ERP system only does what it does, much like a puzzle with missing pieces. For instance, it creates digital records but can’t necessarily capture data for those records. To get more out of the ERP, you have to add other technical solutions to your ERP environment—or continue living with inefficiency.

The Role of ERP Systems

ERP systems are like the backbone of an organization, integrating financial data from various departments into a centralized system of record. It’s a strategic necessity for digital transformation.

In supply chain management, the ERP’s role is invaluable in integrating core business functions, including procurement, production, warehousing, sales, and distribution. Meanwhile, the information stored in the ERP database allows for data-driven decision-making and greater operational efficiency.

Data Collection: The Need for Enhancement

Implementing an ERP system is a big step in the right direction. While the ERP helps by enabling digital inventory records, the data that populate those records must be entered manually in some way.

Often, data entry is a mixture of paper tickets, spreadsheets, and hand-keyed information at a fixed workstation. Your ERP’s effectiveness becomes limited to the accuracy of data entered and the timeliness of its entry—if that data gets entered at all.

Although functional in its own way, many warehouse managers may not be aware that there are more cost-effective ways to conduct daily operations. Later on, we’ll discuss technologies that can dramatically transform data collection

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Frontline Bottlenecks in Current ERP Systems

Data collection isn’t the only gap that leaves stock control wanting. By default, your ERP system is limited to its location. That means workers must continually scurry around the warehouse in search of items that may or may not exist.

Receiving, put-away, and picking procedures still rely on manual efforts to move inventory. In the meantime, production lines can be left waiting on inputs as pickers struggle to keep up with demand.

Operations outside the four walls become even more challenging. Maintenance techs in the field might not have access to parts or documentation, delaying critical repairs. Delivery trucks can’t update stock records until the end of the day. The list goes on.

And what if you run a successful enterprise business with locations spread across a broad geographic footprint? Reconciling data in your ERP—or multiple ERPs—is next to impossible.

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The Impact of Inefficient Inventory Management

Here the domino effect comes into full force. The operational shortcomings left by your ERPs limitations can lead to a whole host of issues, such as:

• Cost overruns
• Lost or expired materials
• Work stoppages from bottlenecks
• Subpar quality
• Delayed deliveries
• Unhappy customers

That’s a lot of issues. The question becomes: How do we solve them?

A Step in the Right Direction: Enhancing ERP for Inventory Management

Now that we’ve laid bare the issues, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and start talking about solutions. If you’ve taken the time to browse the dizzying number of technologies that enhance your ERP, then you may be wondering what to choose.

Finding the right inventory-enhancing solutions doesn’t have to be like finding a needle in a haystack. Start by focusing on technologies that address basic challenges, then move on to more advanced capabilities from there. Think walk-crawl-run.

Ideally, you’ll want to find a solution that solves multiple challenges, like data collection and productivity, with the ability to expand to other areas of operation in the future. This gives you the best of both worlds.

Below are a few strategic starting points for enhancing your ERP for the supply chain. Each of these solutions can contribute to unclogging pesky bottlenecks, enhancing visibility, and lowering costs.

Starting with—

Leveraging Automation

Automation isn’t just a technical buzzword. It’s a game-changing transformative strategy for unlocking the full potential of your ERP system.

For the supply chain, automation comes in many forms, from physical automation with robots and carousels to digital process automation achieved through mobile software. AI is quickly emerging as another potential area for automation as well.

However, not every operation needs or has the capability to implement big, expensive automation solutions. For example, an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) that places and retrieves items from storage racks, may be too expensive to implement for the benefits. The same could be said of a warehouse management system (WMS).

Regardless of your need or budget, virtually any inventory operation can benefit from barcode automation. Scanning barcodes eliminates the need for tedious counts and data entry.

A mobile barcoding solution that seamlessly integrates with your ERP is likely the best option. This way, you can leverage automated data collection in collaboration with easy-to-use mobile apps for frontline workers.

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Harnessing Data for Forecasting

Data, data, everywhere, but how much of it do we actually use? Leveraging data for accurate forecasting is crucial for any organization looking to optimize.

By analyzing data for future decision-making, you can:

• Understand inventory turns
• Identify chokepoints and slow zones
• Optimize warehouse layouts
• Reduce lead times
• Enhance customer service

However, in order to use data for forecasting, you first need reliable data collection. Otherwise, your data may not be trustworthy. Once again, automated data collection becomes central to achieving this.

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The Future of ERP Systems in Inventory Management

ERP systems continue to evolve. Next-gen ERP platforms like Oracle Fusion Cloud, SAP S/4HANA, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and Deltek Costpoint have become the status quo. Supply chain functionality for these platforms expands continuously.

But what does the future hold?

Expect the following advancements in the near future:

• Advancements in mobile capabilities, specifically around data collection at point-of-work.
• Rising prominence of AI integration and machine learning (ML) to improve demand forecasting.
• Enhanced IoT capabilities in increasing visibility and reducing lead times.
• Increasing use of augmented reality (AR) integration in industrial settings.

With these enhancements, ERP systems will empower organizations to unlock efficiencies that would be otherwise impossible. Greater visibility and profitability are sure to follow.

FAQs: Bridging the Gap in ERP for Inventory Management

What are the most common questions and answers about enhancing ERP inventory control capabilities? Here are your questions, answered—

Bridging the Gap for a Brighter Tomorrow: Your Next Steps

The bottom line is that enhancing your ERP system for optimal inventory management is not just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have in today’s fast-paced digital world. And while there are any number of solutions out there to help you achieve that, leveraging automation for data collection stands to deliver the most value for the cost. A mobile data collection solution can help you bridge gaps in ERP functionality, driving accuracy, efficiency, quality, and cost reduction across your operation.

Remember: You don’t have to live with inefficiency. Technologies exist that can transform your inventory practices and help your business soar.

If you have questions about what mobile data collection can do for you, don’t hesitate to reach out.

The post Bridging the Gap: Enhancing ERP Systems for Optimal Inventory Management – Your Ultimate Guide appeared first on RFgen.

The role of data analytics in optimizing inventory management processes has become increasingly important. Analytics help organizations make smarter decisions, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. This rising importance reinforces the need for high-quality data capture.

Let’s explore the power of data analytics in inventory management, where automated data collection comes into play, and how data can transform your business operations.

The Role of Data Analytics in Optimizing Inventory Management Processes

Data analytics is a game changer when it comes to optimizing inventory management processes. But your analytics is only as good as the underlying data. Enter automated data collection.

Automated data collection is the driving force behind effective data analytics. Automation comes in many forms, including barcode scanning, software automation, and IoT data collection.

By removing manual processes and data entry, automation minimizes errors while ensuring data is up-to-date. From there, organizations can leverage analytics to react nimbly and make informed, strategic decisions.

Understanding Customer Demand Patterns

One of the critical factors in inventory management is accurately predicting customer demand. Data analytics enables you to analyze historical sales data, identify trends, and forecast future demand more accurately.

These insights are critical to procurement and warehouse management. For example, forecasting data assists in maintaining optimal stock levels to reduce the risk of stockouts and undue depreciation from overstocking.

Enhancing Supplier Relationships

Data analytics can also help businesses evaluate and manage their supplier relationships. Tracking supplier performance is a must for any company with vendors or supply chain partners. When evaluating relationships, examine data carefully to ensure they are meeting their KPIs and SOW—but don’t rule out rewarding vendors that go above and beyond.

Streamlining Inventory Management Processes

Data analytics can help identify inefficiencies in inventory management processes, helping you pinpoint areas that require improvement. In this area, technology becomes key to data-driven solutions. In turn, operations can streamline workflows and enhance performance.

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Reducing Lead Time Variability

Lead time variability is a common challenge in inventory control. Data analytics can help organizations analyze and predict lead time variability. This added agility enables operations to quickly adjust inventory levels accordingly and prevent inventory shortfalls.

Improving Decision Making

Decision-making is where data analytics shines best. Analytics provides the means for data-driven decision-making in inventory management. There is no better alternative to high-quality data collected over time. Analyzing and acting on that data remains a proven way to refine operations and drive growth.

Benefits of Data Analytics in Inventory Management

The importance of data analytics in optimizing inventory management can’t be overstated. Here are some of the benefits companies can enjoy by leveraging data analytics in their inventory control procedures:

1. Cost Reduction by maintaining optimal inventory levels, reducing holding and carrying costs while also minimizing losses from obsolescence.
2. Enhanced Efficiency. Data-driven decision help businesses streamline operations and improve overall efficiency.
3. Increased Customer Satisfaction: Accurate demand forecasting ensures that products are available when customers need them, leading to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.
4. Competitive Advantage: Leaning on data analytics can give you a competitive edge over rivals by enabling greater agility in responding to market changes and customer needs.

Using Data Analytics in Warehouse KPI Tracking

Understanding and monitoring Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is a vital aspect of managing warehouse operations effectively. These measurable values demonstrate the efficiency, effectiveness, and overall performance of your warehouse workers and processes.

Tying KPIs into data analytics is a common method for evaluating inventory procedures. KPIs can be tracked by management or automated with mobile software and other enterprise warehouse solutions.

Critical warehouse KPIs to track include:

• Order Picking Accuracy
• Picking Productivity
• Cycle Time
• Order Fill Rate
• Rate of Return
• Inventory Turnover Rate
• Dock-to-Stock Cycle Time
• Safety Incident Rate
• Employee Turnover Rate
• Overtime Hours

By closely monitoring these KPIs, managers can identify areas for improvement, implement changes, and track the impact of those changes over time. Having a data analytics dashboard to track KPIs greatly simplifies the process.

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Data Analytics Techniques for Inventory Management

Several data analytics techniques can be employed to optimize inventory control. Depending on the needs of your operation, you may want to utilize one or more of these analytics techniques, if not all.

The most common analytics types are:

• Descriptive Analytics
• Predictive Analytics
• Prescriptive Analytics

Descriptive Analytics

Descriptive analytics involves analyzing historical data to identify patterns and trends. This can help warehouses and production plants gain insights into past performance to make more informed decisions about inventory flows going forward.

Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics uses historical data and machine learning algorithms to forecast future events. AI continues to make large strides in this area. In inventory management, predictive analytics can be used to predict customer demand, production timing, lead time variability, and other key variables.

Prescriptive Analytics

Prescriptive analytics goes a step further by offering data-driven recommendations for action. Again, this is home territory for AI and other intelligent software systems. This can help businesses optimize their inventory management processes and achieve better results.

Data Analytics Tools for Inventory Management

Once you have a reliable data collection system in place—whether it’s mobile barcoding, automated data collection, or robotics—you will want to get your hands on data analytics tools to bring that information to life.

Many data analytics tools are available. Popular options include:

• Microsoft Power BI
• Tableau
• QlikView
• IBM Cognos Analytics
• SAS Analytics

Each of these tools offers unique features and capabilities, so it’s essential to evaluate your specific needs and choose the tool that best fits your business requirements.

Whatever you select, the right data analytics tool makes analysis more straightforward and efficient. As a result, you can make your inventory management more efficient as well.

Overcoming Challenges in Implementing Data Analytics for Inventory Management

While data analytics offers significant potential for supply chain optimization, there may be some challenges to implementing analytics solutions.

Data Quality and Integration

Ensuring data quality and integrating data from various sources can be a significant challenge. A robust data governance framework is needed, as are proper investments in data integration tools to ensure accurate, consistent, and reliable data for analysis.

Insufficient Data Collection

Even the best data analytics solutions are of little use without effective data collection practices. Businesses can largely overcome the challenge of data quality and integration with an automated data collection solution.

Mobile software optimized for data capture is the optimal way to ensure best practices, especially in the warehouse. Automated systems can gather, validate, and integrate data from various sources, ensuring consistent and reliable data.

Organizational Resistance

Organizational resistance to change can hinder the implementation of data analytics initiatives. To overcome this, align with key stakeholders inside the organization and clearly communicate the benefits of data analytics clearly. If necessary, propose a data collection solution to go with it.

Skills Gap

A lack of skilled data analysts can also pose a challenge. Companies should invest in training and development programs to build in-house expertise or consider partnering with third-party providers to access the necessary skills.

Similarly, mobile software can help frontline employees in the warehouse with data collection. A simple, intuitive mobile app quickly turns even a new worker into a data collection expert with very little training.

Data Collection and Data Analytics in the Warehouse

Data analytics is proving to be an essential best practice for optimizing inventory management in the warehouse and in manufacturing spaces. Equipping management with actionable data becomes the first step in enhancing operations and reducing costs.

Trustworthy data analytics requires trustworthy data collection, which makes automation crucial. Only then can your organization gain truly valuable insights that drive continuous improvement and equip your operation with a competitive edge in the marketplace.

FAQs

The post Data Analytics: The Secret Ingredient to Efficient Inventory Management appeared first on RFgen.

Companies that lag in technology may not be aware that their profit margins are suffering. Obsolete software and unchecked processes are often to blame.

Regaining control over your inventory can make your warehouse and shop floor more efficient. Greater efficiency helps reduce costs and improve profit margins, giving you the edge over competitors.

But how do you reduce inventory costs and maximize profit margins?

Let’s explore some proven strategies to help you turn ballooning overhead costs into greater profit and ROI.

Cutting Costs: Strategies for Reducing Inventory Costs

1. Optimize Your Supply Chain

Optimizing your supply chain is the number one proven method of reducing inventory costs and staying competitive. Optimization requires taking a close look at your existing processes and technology. Often, you will find room for improvement.

Some of the ways you can further optimize your supply chain include:

• Employ new technology to streamline inventory control
• Leverage software to reduce lead times and labor challenges
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors
• Improve communication across the supply chain

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2. Regularly Monitor and Analyze Inventory Levels

Keeping a close eye on inventory levels and using data analytics can help you identify trends and optimize stock levels, reducing excess inventory and associated costs.

According to the Digital Inventory Report, 44% of companies consider overstocking and understocking a persistent challenge. Understocking leads to stockouts and a production line waiting for inputs—not to mention customers waiting on their orders. Meanwhile, excess overstocking becomes a cost sieve.

Carrying costs can account for up to 30% of total inventory value. Therefore, it’s vital to optimize on-hand inventory levels to minimize depreciation and old stock that will never be used or sold.

Software built for the purpose comes into play here. For instance, mobile inventory solutions enable businesses to track inventory data accurately and effortlessly, ultimately lowering costs.

3. Improve Demand Forecasting

Accurate demand forecasting allows you to anticipate sales and adjust inventory levels accordingly, preventing overstocking and reducing carrying costs. As with monitoring stock levels, forecasting demand requires reliable data to make informed projections.

Mobile data collection systems have consistently proved their necessity in this area, improving accuracy to 99.9% or higher.

By collecting and analyzing accurate historical sales data and other relevant factors, your business can plan more effectively and cut out unwanted overhead costs.

4. Implement Just-In-Time Inventory Management

Just-in-time inventory management is a “lean” approach that involves ordering and receiving stock in lockstep with demand, reducing the need for extensive storage and minimizing carrying costs.

Mobile inventory software can help businesses implement this strategy by providing real-time inventory visibility and enabling efficient order processing. With timely and accurate information at their fingertips, organizations can make better decisions about when to order and how much stock to maintain, leading to significant cost savings.

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5. Consider Crossdocking

Crossdocking is a logistics strategy in which products are transferred directly from the inbound dock to outbound transportation, bypassing the need for storage in a warehouse. It also adds a new level of efficiency by eliminating the extra time and effort required to process, store, and locate the materials for outgoing orders. The savings are self-evident.

The tricky part with crossdocking is having the technological means to implement it. Advanced mobile inventory solutions can help. Since crossdocking relies on the accurate tracking of materials in every stage of the supply chain, a mobile software platform that enables accurate real-time tracking is key to a crossdocking strategy.

6. Leverage Dropshipping

Dropshipping enables retailers to fulfill customer orders directly from suppliers, reducing the need to maintain inventory and associated costs. In certain cases, this can be ideal. But this operational “shortcut” may not be viable for every industry.

In dropshipping, the retailer does not keep inventory. Instead, they forward customer orders directly to the supplier or manufacturer. The supplier is then responsible for packaging and shipping the product directly to the end customer. This eliminates the need for the retailer to maintain stock or handle shipping, reducing storage and inventory management costs.

Boosting Profits: Strategies for Lifting Profit Margins

1. Streamline Warehouse Operations

Reducing operational inefficiencies is a surefire way to lower expenses, allowing you to allocate resources to more profitable activities.

Take the time to assess your current warehouse operations to identify possible bottlenecks. Even relatively simple changes can improve the efficiency of material flows.

Likewise, software that assists workers in doing their jobs can improve productivity. For example, a mobile app that lets employees locate an item saves them from having to spend time searching for it by hand.

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2. Invest in Automation

Automation can help improve efficiency and reduce labor costs. Mobile barcoding software plays a vital role in this process by automating manual processes, from putaway to picking.

Mobile apps facilitate advanced inventory control as well, such as multi-order picking, easy returns to inventory, elevated throughput, and real-time visibility—while acting as a force multiplier for your existing staff.

In short, equipping your teams with enterprise mobility enables your operation to do more with less. The ideal solution blends advanced barcode scanning, mobile apps, and automated data collection will deliver the best ROI.

Regardless of the solution you choose, automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks can free up valuable resources to focus on more strategic initiatives that drive growth and profitability.

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3. Optimize Pricing Strategies

Regularly reviewing and adjusting your pricing strategies is essential to maximizing profits and remaining competitive. Analyzing factors like market demand, competitor pricing, and cost structure can help businesses determine the optimal pricing for their products.

4. Enhance Product Offerings

Expanding and diversifying your product offerings is another standard strategy for increasing revenue. Examining market gaps and customer preferences can lead to opportunities to introduce new products or enhance existing ones to better cater to buyers.

Collecting accurate warehouse information may be necessary to make data-driven decisions when expanding product lines. This means ensuring that data collection practices are up to par.

5. Focus on Customer Retention

Fostering customer loyalty through excellent service and personalized experiences continues to be one of the best ways to drive repeat business. Repeat business requires significantly fewer resources than seeking out new business. Keeping customers therefore becomes an obvious path to generate profit.

Customer retention necessitates building strong relationships. Take the time to understand their needs and help them break down roadblocks.

Another crucial tactic to keep customers coming back is to deliver what you promise, when you promise to deliver it. Delays, subpar quality, and wrong orders erode customer trust. Failure to follow through enough times and the customer may go elsewhere—even to a competitor.

Investing in technology that can help you efficiently receive and fulfill orders becomes critical. Mobile inventory, for instance, fills that role as well, greatly accelerating inventory processes and ensuring perfect orders to help you keep your customers satisfied.

Position Your Company for Success

Reducing inventory costs and improving profit margins are essential for business success in a competitive landscape, especially as the economy tightens. By refining your supply chain and inventory processes, overall offering, and improving customer service, you can reduce overhead spend and keep customers coming back. All of these methods contribute to higher profit margins, setting your business on a path to prosperity.

Don’t let inventory costs weigh your business down or let profit margins slip through your fingers. By adopting one or more of these proven strategies, you can take control of your inventory costs and boost your profit margins, positioning your business for lasting success in a competitive market.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post Reducing Inventory Costs & Maximizing Profit Margins appeared first on RFgen.

• Using outdated inventory management software impacts operational efficiency in ways you may not realize.
• Hidden dangers include ineffective management, cyber vulnerabilities, compliance challenges, and insufficient functionality.
• Address aged-out software by upgrading to a modern inventory solution built on a configurable mobile platform.

Inventory management is the lifeblood of any business. It’s no wonder, then, that companies have relied on technology to help manage their stock and streamline operations.

However, as the world becomes more interconnected and technology evolves at a breakneck pace, companies must recognize the risks associated with clinging to outdated software systems. Inventory management software is no exception.

Aging inventory software weighs down operations, draining resources and output—and hindering warehouse efficiency in ways you might not realize. One such hidden area is security.

In this article, we’ll shed light on the key security risks of legacy inventory management systems and how to address them to ensure smooth sailing for your business.

89% of companies think data security is highly important, according to the Digital Inventory Report.

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The Hidden Dangers of Obsolete Inventory Systems

Inefficient Monitoring and Control

Older systems may not have the capabilities to track and monitor inventory effectively, leading to blind spots and inaccuracies in stock levels. Conducting routine inventory operations takes longer, requires more workers, and may not be altogether accurate. Additionally, older software often doesn’t let you expand the solution to unlock new capabilities.

While these issues stand out as areas of inefficiency, they can also compromise security as well. As cyber threats have continued to evolve, inflexible software past its prime can’t keep pace.

Vulnerability to Cyber Attacks

Outdated systems are often riddled with security loopholes, making them easy prey for hackers. Cybercriminals can exploit these weaknesses to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive data, or disrupt your operations.

For organizations that run on the data stored in their ERP environment, all possible measures must be taken to protect such crucial software systems.

Archaic inventory software connected to the ERP, such as a barcode system or mobile applications, ceases to become secure as it turns into a liability. Continuing to use software that is no longer supported or that has reached end-of-life puts the entire tech stack at risk.

When it comes to mobile software, security is especially important. Any mobile application connected to your ERP can leave openings for intrusion from outside threats. Legacy mobile software may not be up to the task.

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Integration Issues

Enterprise software platforms have come a long way in the last 10 years. Older inventory solutions may fall short when it comes to integrating newer technologies, like IoT and advanced robotics. Inability to integrate new software or hardware can result in data silos and undue security risks.

Inventory software that is certified or validated by an ERP provider can help ensure future viability in the long term, both in terms of security and capability. Software that hasn’t been properly vetted may leave your tech stack exposed through unknown vulnerabilities.

Lack of Compliance

As regulations evolve, legacy systems may no longer meet the requirements for data protection and privacy, leaving your business exposed to legal and financial repercussions.

Certain manufacturers also require additional data granularity to meet compliance. Government contractors often require some form of traceability to ensure genuine parts or DoD billing compliance.

Food and beverage manufacturers must comply with the FDA’s FSMA traceability rules for food ingredients and finished goods.

In either case, being caught off-guard or non-compliant can result in significant negative financial impact.

Recall readiness, audit responsiveness, and the agility to pivot quickly require software capable of facilitating nimble action. Older inventory software tends to fall short in this area. Lack of agility translates to slow responsiveness to security threats as well.

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High Maintenance Costs

Maintaining a legacy system can be costly, draining resources that could be better spent on more robust and secure solutions.

Often, software that has been in operation for many years may have numerous modifications. Custom code builds up over time, requiring additional time to maintain. Retrofitting security protocols on old inventory software only adds to the challenge.

At a certain point, old software may consume more resources than it’s worth.

Addressing the Risks: How to Secure Your Inventory Management System

Keep Your Software Up to Date

Regularly updating your software can help prevent security vulnerabilities and keep your system running smoothly.

If you’re running enterprise inventory software, check with your provider if you have the latest version. Download any security patches that are available. Some software providers offer annual maintenance plans which include free upgrades and patches installed for you by the vendor.

For complex environments, updates may hinge on compatibility with interconnected systems. It is advisable to reach out to your inventory software provider before making any major updates. Share your compatibility concerns.

Conduct Regular Security Audits

Regular security audits can help identify potential weaknesses and ensure that your system is compliant with industry standards and regulations.

If your workforce uses mobile software, review standard operational procedures for possible security risks.

Mobile devices that exit the four walls or use cellular data in the field may expose connected databases to the outside. This will necessitate close scrutiny.

Train Your Employees

Educating your employees on best practices and security protocols can help prevent accidental breaches and improve overall security. Mobile platforms like RFgen Mobile Edge come with an extra security layer and built-in best practices for data collection. But for other platforms, regular trainings are a must to minimize risk.

Embrace Next-Gen Mobile Platforms

The most effective way to secure your inventory software is to adopt a modern mobile solution. Unlike last-gen and older technologies, modern inventory systems are more efficient, more adaptable, and more secure.

For instance, RFgen Mobile Edge is hardened against external threats. Architected with security in mind, RFgen leverages the latest encryption and data protection technologies, making it one of the safest mobile inventory solutions on the market.

Beyond security, the RFgen platform itself can be molded to fit specific or unique processes. New mobile apps or backend automation can be created at any time. Organizations have the option to run RFgen Cloud or as on-premises software, depending on security needs.

This unparalleled flexibility classifies it as a future-proof software solution that can be upgraded, configured, modified, or scaled at will.

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Implement Additional Security Protocols

Inventory software can be protected by adding the latest security protocols into your stack, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to access your system.

For example, while a mobile platform can inherit certain security protocols from the ERP, frameworks like RFgen Mobile Edge add an additional secure layer to protect the ERP itself. Additional protocols like SSL and single sign-on (SSO) help create a web of protective components.

Don’t Leave Your Organization at Risk

The key security risks of legacy inventory management systems can have severe implications for your business. But there are practical solutions to address them.

By keeping your software up to date, conducting regular security audits, training your employees on security best practices, and embracing a next-gen mobile platform with the latest security protocols, you can mitigate these risks and ensure a secure and efficient inventory management system.

It’s time to let go of outdated inventory software and embrace modern, secure solutions to safeguard your business and drive growth. Investing in a robust inventory software system today can save you from potential disasters down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key security risks of legacy inventory management systems?

Inefficient monitoring and control, vulnerability to cyber attacks, integration issues, lack of compliance, and high maintenance costs are some of the key security risks.

2. How can I address the key security risks of legacy inventory management systems?

By keeping your software up to date, conducting regular security audits, training employees, embracing a next-gen mobile platform, and implementing additional security protocols you can address these risks.

3. Are cloud-based inventory management systems more secure than legacy systems?

Generally, yes. Newer inventory management platforms tend to be more secure than legacy systems. Cloud-based mobile inventory software can be beneficial if it fits your organizational needs. The key is to buy a modern mobile solution that can be deployed in a way that best fits your business.

Inventory software connected to a cloud-based ERP benefits from the latest encryption and data protection technologies of that ERP platform, making your environment more secure. At the enterprise level, software can be deployed in the cloud or on-premises. Certain companies, like DoD contractors in the aerospace and defense sector, are highly selective about what software systems deploy to the cloud.

4. How often should I update my inventory management software?

It’s crucial to update your software regularly, ideally as soon as updates are available, to help prevent security vulnerabilities. If you’re concerned about compatibility, contact your software provider before installing updates. Enterprise software providers may offer an annual maintenance plan that includes free assistance with complex upgrades.

5. Is employee training essential for securing my inventory management system?

Absolutely. Educating employees on best practices and security protocols can help prevent accidental breaches and improve overall security.

6. What is single sign-on (SSO), and how can it help secure my inventory management system?

SSO, or Single Sign-On, is an authentication process that allows users to access multiple applications or systems with a single set of login credentials. For example, using the same credentials for an ERP application and the mobile version of that application. SSO helps streamline access control with centralized authorization and management, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access to your ERP system.

The post Key Security Risks of Legacy Inventory Management Systems & How to Address Them appeared first on RFgen.

Effective oversight of resources requires reliable insights into asset locations, quantities, and statuses. Inaccurate data in any of these areas can leave field technicians scrambling while critical equipment is down or lagging in maintenance. Downtime and missing parts can directly impact the bottom line.

To avoid inefficient tracking of assets, companies are turning to mobile asset tracking software designed to optimize operations and cost with a fast return on investment (ROI).

In this article, we will explore how more efficient asset tracking can boost ROI and performance to improve business health and give you a competitive edge in the market.

The Basics of Asset Tracking

Asset tracking is the process of monitoring and managing the location, status, and condition of physical assets (aka “fixed assets”) in real time. Fixed assets can include machinery, equipment, vehicles, and high-value parts.

They may consist of anything from parts required for work orders in a factory to computers located in offices at remote locations.

Manual Asset Tracking

Traditionally, organizations keep tabs on assets with paper checklists or spreadsheets. Larger businesses may use an ERP platform as well. However, alone, each of these methods leaves large gaps in visibility.

Technicians can’t be confident that the parts they need to make crucial repairs will be available where they need them, or in the amount they require. Thousands or millions of dollars in lost, misplaced, or stolen fixed assets vanish every year.

Technologies Used in Asset Tracking

To improve asset management, companies implement technology solutions that enhance visibility. Common asset tracking technologies include:

• Barcode scanning
• Mobile software
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
• Global Positioning System (GPS)
• Internet of Things (IoT) sensors
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons

A blend of one or more of these technologies can be combined to create seamless, end-to-end visibility across multiple locations.

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Asset Tracking Software vs Asset Management Solutions

Large enterprises can afford to implement heavyweight asset management solutions like IBM Maximo. Powerful in its own right, for many operations such a solution is overkill—not to mention prohibitively costly.

For businesses that want the ability to monitor, store, and issue fixed assets, asset tracking software offers a more cost-friendly alternative. Asset tracking software equips you with the ability to manage fixed assets across the supply chain with the same level of visibility and control as traditional warehouse inventory.

A mobile asset tracking solution provides provide additional benefits, giving employees on-demand access to work order information at minimal cost, greatly accelerating ROI.

Benefits of Asset Tracking

The benefits of improved asset tracking are numerous. Benefits include:

• Enhanced visibility and control
• Better operational efficiency
• Reduced asset downtime
• Lower maintenance costs
• Improved regulatory compliance
• Optimized asset utilization
• Enhanced decision-making

In particular, leveraging an automated data collection platform provides even further benefits. By removing data errors, visibility increases, leading to fewer interruptions in productivity and better coordination, all of which result in higher efficiency and lower costs.

The Role of Asset Tracking in Streamlining Operations

Improved Inventory Management

Asset tracking enables real-time monitoring of inventory levels, minimizing stockouts and overstocking. This leads to enhanced demand forecasting and optimized inventory turnover.

As with managing other types of inventory, heightened control ensures downstream stages will operate smoothly.

For manufacturers, better management ensures the availability of inputs for production—and that machinery won’t break down.

Efficient Maintenance Management

Implementing asset tracking systems facilitates predictive and preventive maintenance, reducing downtime and lowering maintenance costs. Staying on top of maintenance is a critical component of enterprise asset management (EAM) best practices.

When an unexpected maintenance issue occurs, trustworthy data guides personnel to the right location for mission-critical parts.

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Enhanced Productivity

Real-time asset tracking reduces manual tracking efforts. Digital records help improve employee accountability, streamline workflows, and accelerate response times to operational issues.

Instant access to work orders and maintenance documentation enables staff to complete jobs faster and more efficiently. For instance, many RFgen users experience a 40% increase in technician productivity.

Optimized Asset Utilization

Effective asset allocation, minimized asset idle time, maximized asset lifespan, and reduction in asset redundancy are all common outcomes of utilizing asset tracking systems.

Improved Compliance and Risk Management

Asset tracking software makes monitoring regulatory compliance easier, enables faster incident reporting, enhances security, and lowers the risk of theft and loss.

The Role of Asset Tracking Software in Improving ROI

How does asset tracking software create ROI? Asset tracking solutions can deliver quick ROI starting immediately and in a number of areas:

• Cost Reduction: Reduces inventory carrying costs, maintenance expenses, minimizes asset loss and theft, and decreases labor expenditures.
• Revenue Enhancement: Improves customer satisfaction, brand reputation, equipment uptime, drives sales opportunities and growth.
• Investment Optimization: Enhance decision-making regarding fixed assets, improve asset disposal effectiveness, inform capital and work allocation, and enhances financial forecasting.

Case Studies

Companies across multiple industries have experienced significant benefits from asset tracking software.

Food and Beverage Industry: Blue Bell Creameries

Challenge: Faced with new challenges in tracing food ingredients and products, ice cream manufacturer Blue Bell needed a better way to track equipment and spare parts. Old-fashioned paper tracking wasn’t working.

Results: After implementing RFgen mobile barcoding, Blue Bell could seamlessly track inventory of all types, from raw ingredients to finished products and fixed assets. Over 800 truck drivers could help accurately manage assets with mobile devices as they visited thousands of branch and customer sites.

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Energy Sector: California Utility Company

Challenge: A large public utility company covering 50,000 square miles struggled to track inventory and assets with paper processes. The organization needed an effective tool to track materials movements for light-duty and heavy-duty drivers.

Results: Implementing a mobile solution to track inventory and assets—even while offline in the field—transformed the utility company’s operations. Benefits included monitoring of trucks and deliveries, reduced losses from missing inventory, and fewer scheduling mistakes on costly repairs.

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It’s Time for ROI with Asset Tracking Software

Asset tracking software plays a crucial role in streamlining operations and improving ROI across multiple industries. Not having effective asset tracking practices in place could be impacting your bottom line in ways you may not realize.

By utilizing mobile asset tracking solutions, companies can enhance inventory management, optimize maintenance processes, increase productivity, and improve compliance and risk management.

Blue Bell and the California Utility Company highlight the tangible benefits of asset tracking software with built-in offline capabilities.

If you’re one of the many businesses not already using mobile technology for asset tracking, then today is the day to transform your operational capabilities and drive ROI.

The post Maximizing Efficiency and Profits: How Asset Tracking Enhances Operations and Boosts ROI appeared first on RFgen.

• Trimming labor costs must begin with an overall look at your business strategy and operational goals.
• Ensure you have a deep understanding of how products and people move through your space, and back it up with data.
• When seeking to improve efficiency and optimize cost, solution-focused mobile technology can accomplish both.

Labor costs have been, and continue to remain, a consistent cost challenge for many organizations. In fact, U.S. labor costs have risen 5.1% on a year-to-year basis.

Coupled with increased operating costs, the drive for efficiency, and the impact of inflation, companies are grappling with how to shift their business models.

Warehouse operations can meet this challenge head-on with an emphasis on trimming labor costs and implementing warehouse efficiency measures across their operation.

In this article, we will look at how strategy and planning, warehouse layout optimization, process improvement, and labor management can all contribute to a revolutionized warehouse business model.

Strategy and Planning

Patching together interim solutions to labor cost challenges is not a long-term strategy. To truly revolutionize and automate warehouse operations, organizations should look to labor challenges as opportunities to deploy new technology advancements within their businesses that will help teams accomplish more in less time.

Warehouse Needs Analysis

Begin with a baseline understanding of your warehouse. By conducting a warehouse needs analysis, companies can review current functions and processes, the flow of materials along the production line and the interaction of employees in the process.

This analysis allows you to observe critical areas within your operation, including inventory, order management, material handling, and various components of warehouse management. A thorough analysis of current performance will allow you to identify improvement areas.

Efficiency and Cost-Reduction Goals

Once you have reviewed your current state and necessary improvement opportunities, it’s time to set strategic goals and quantify target outcomes:

• Cost reduction. Can you automate points along the supply chain to cut costs and streamline employee workloads?
• Efficiency improvement. What processes could be reinvigorated to reduce waste and increase speed of operation?
• Enhanced accuracy. Where is lack of information causing mission-critical issues to worker productivity?
• Increased staff utilization. How can time-consuming, repetitive tasks be streamlined to free up worker time for opportunities that add more value?

Your target outcomes should align with overall organizational objectives. After all, labor cost strategies are directly tied to business success.

At CarlisleIT, manual warehouse transactions equated to delays and inaccurate reporting. By implementing automated data collection capabilities in line with their overall business outcomes, CarlisleIT is now able to do work 40% faster, improving employee utilization.

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Warehouse Management Strategy

Key to labor cost strategies is the role of a warehouse management strategy. A warehouse strategy refers to the management of all parts of the production process within the warehouse, including organization and layout of inventory, storage, and shipping.

Good warehouse management strategies tie into overall business goals, like minimizing waste and cutting costs, as well as improving accuracy.

In any given operation, there are a variety of warehouse management technologies to aid in a warehouse management strategy, ranging from basic barcode scanning to advanced mobile inventory solutions.

Larger warehouses may even employ warehouse management software, such as a WMS solution or a more flexible WMS alternative.

The integration of warehouse technology allows organizations to collect data points across the warehouse and improve inventory and other processes.

Automating warehouse data collection allows data to move through connected devices, keeping processes moving and reducing errors. In fact, 70% of Digital Inventory Report participants use technology solutions to streamline efficiencies, resulting in labor and carrying cost savings over time.

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Warehouse Layout Optimization

A deep understanding of your warehouse is nothing without a review of the space itself. This includes examining your current space, planning the flow of your space, fixing logistical issues like inventory and then implementing technology to help streamline the process and provide benchmarks and key performance indicators (KPIs).

To begin, audit the available space for maximum utilization. A successful use of warehouse space is typically when it is 85% full of inventory. By assessing where products take up space in your floor plan, or what merchandise needs to be readily accessible, you can make more efficient use of the space.

Understanding what you currently have and comparing it with your past and future needs requires a solid use of accurate, up-to-date data. For instance, data allows inventory managers to identify the most needed product versus one that can remain in long-term storage.

In addition, automated technology can also highlight how products moved throughout the facility and where errors occur.

By maximizing warehouse space, you can begin to streamline material flow. Take, for instance, order picking. One of the most labor-intensive processes, order picking accounts for 55% of operational expenses in a warehouse. And while customers demand faster turnaround times, many warehouses struggle to get orders out the door in a timely, accurate manner.

Mobile automation technology can help solve this problem. Workers can scan and locate an item quickly while simultaneously updating the ERP to current inventory levels. Over time, this data can provide valuable insight into warehouse layout. Software can suggest prime put-away locations and inform the ERP and mobile devices where those items are when it comes to order picking.

This allows workers to find optimal paths for faster fulfillment without doubling back. For one distributor, implementing automated warehouse technology allowed them to not only gain efficiency with direct travel and multiple order picking, but resulted in enhanced speed and the ability to ship the same day.

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Another area to consider in warehouse space utilization is the use of AI and robotics. A recent study showed that over 90% of companies believe AI will be essential to driving innovation in a manufacturing space. Its ability to automate repetitive tasks and digest large amounts of data can be utilized to help maximize warehouse efficiencies and streamline task management.

Process Improvement

In addition to optimizing the warehouse, improving business processes is crucial to elevating efficiency.

Here are a few ways to adopt process improvements in warehouse operations:

Standardizing Processes

It’s important to not only define your goals, but to also create and establish best practices among your team to ensure those goals are met. From the why behind what your company does to how you run an efficient warehouse operation, establishing best practices is critical for overall success.

Then, communicate those best practices to your employees. Even in a labor shortage environment, taking the time to train your employees is critical to overall success. A typical training program can take four to eight weeks or more. But by harnessing technology, you can save on employee time and onboarding—by as much as 95%.

Having warehouse automation technology is a must-have for standardization. Mobile software can enforce best practices, keep data clean, and ensure critical steps in material handling don’t get missed.

Ultimately, a quality and comprehensive training plan and continual knowledge sharing of new technologies will ensure your employees are not only ready for their roles but find value in their work.

Adopting Innovative Technologies

The warehouses of the future are embracing the role of technology in creating a more effective operation. After all, warehouse automation has a direct impact on labor efficiency and production issues. When looking to automate your warehouse, try adopting innovative technologies like:

• Use of IoT devices and sensors which collect data and transmit it to relevant enterprise business systems.
• Artificial intelligence to help automate repetitive tasks and optimize processes.
• Advanced warehouse software that gives your company a full view of operations from inventory to shipping.

By onboarding these types of devices in an industrial environment, you can quickly adopt digital innovation and empower employees with effective tools to increase productivity.

Lean Principles

Companies that utilize lean manufacturing methods have seen inventory reduction, quality improvement, and a more productive workforce. In fact, one company saw a 50% reduction in labor costs by using lean principles to improve processes.

Under the lean methodology, products are produced as they are ordered, eliminating high levels of inventory in the warehouse. In addition, companies are constantly seeking ways to streamline processes with the goal of a satisfied customer. The result is a better use of employee time and a centralized goal of making the customer’s life better at each step in the process.

Labor Management and Performance

In an ever-changing business environment, it’s hard to prioritize employee performance and development, yet this critical step is essential to cutting labor costs and building a better operation.

To ensure team growth, consider:

• Conducting skill inventories on a regular basis. This allows you to track current performance, analyze daily routines and find ways to improve processes based on skill sets.
• Reviewing division of labor to ensure the right people are in the right positions to streamline processes.
• Updating technology for maximum efficiency. Over 50% of Digital Inventory Report respondents are planning to increase supply chain technology spend in the coming years.

Taking a human-first approach to your warehouse environment helps you to view technology purchases through the lens of your employee’s well-being and what they need to do their jobs well.

For instance, an understanding of employee movement on the warehouse floor can allow you to better implement staffing models that prioritize quality use of time and talent rather than being over-staffed.

When new technologies are onboarded, ensure you have a guided training plan in place for functional and technical training. Research has shown that crafting tailored training tracks can help speed up new user onboarding by 80%.

A Focus on Labor Management Can Increase Efficiencies

Labor costs remain a constant struggle for warehouse operations. But by assessing your current state, aligning your business goals, reviewing processes, and enabling mobility in your warehouse, you can be better prepared to mitigate labor costs and increase efficiency throughout your operation.

This big-picture approach includes a review of historical data and a forward-thinking mindset. However, while technology is an essential component, it is nothing without your employees. Think of a fully digitally automated warehouse as an employee investment strategy. The tools you invest in should equip your employees to do their jobs faster, safer, and more successfully.

Ultimately, this emphasis on workforce optimization through labor-saving technology gives your warehouse the ability to be more productive and effective in reaching your goals.

The post Revolutionizing Warehouse Operations: Unleashing Efficiency and Trimming Labor Costs appeared first on RFgen.

1. Overview of Mobile Inventory Solutions
2. What Problems Does Mobile Inventory Solve?
3. Benefits of Mobile Inventory for Oracle Cloud SCM
4. The Role of Mobile Apps in Mobile Inventory
5. Offline Inventory Control for Oracle Cloud SCM
6. How to Preserve Legacy ERP Functionality
7. Industry-Specific Mobile Solutions
8. Finding the Right Mobile Inventory Solution
9. Future Trends and Innovations
10. Mobile Inventory as a Best Practice

In today’s fast-paced supply chain, effective inventory management is crucial to success. With the growing reliance on digital technologies and reliable data, Oracle Fusion Cloud SCM has emerged as a powerful platform, enabling organizations to optimize their inventory control practices.

However, having the ERP in place doesn’t automatically equip your workers with critical inventory data. High-performing operations require instant, on-demand access when and where employees need it. The ability to update Oracle Cloud as work occurs is an essential best practice for accurate tracking and reporting.

That’s why companies running Oracle are increasingly turning to mobile solutions to maximize accuracy, efficiency, and the benefits of their ERP investment.

In this guide, we will explore mobile inventory solutions for Oracle Fusion Cloud SCM & Manufacturing, its uses, benefits, and best practices for evaluating possible solutions and vendors.

Overview of Mobile Inventory Solutions for Oracle Cloud SCM

While Oracle Cloud SCM is an innovative, next-gen ERP platform, getting maximum value from it requires mobile inventory management.

Mobile inventory solutions use a combination of mobile devices, barcode scanning, and software to automate manual processes.

One such solution is mobile barcoding, which extends the power of Oracle Fusion Cloud SCM to point-of-scan. Equipping frontline staff with mobile software gives them the ability to update Oracle Cloud in real time, wherever they work.

With the right mobile tools in place, you can create a truly mobile supply chain while driving critical KPIs like accuracy, efficiency, quality, and more. The end result is an agile, resilient supply chain operating at optimal performance.

Implementing mobile barcode software for Oracle Cloud SCM can enhance multiple areas of supply chain management, such as:

• Demand planning and forecasting
• Sales and operations planning
• Inventory management and optimization
• Supplier collaboration and performance management
• Manufacturing planning and execution
• Quality management

A variety of other advanced mobile solutions exist as well. Such solutions use mobile apps and backend process automation to further streamline operations. For instance, RFgen Mobile Edge uses both to enable quick and easy-to-configure automation for unique and complex business needs.

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What Problems Does Mobile Inventory Solve?

Companies looking into mobile solutions for inventory management are often seeking to solve a problem or set of problems. While mobile is not a cure-all, it can help alleviate bottlenecks, free up manpower, and automate otherwise laborious tasks with cost-effective solutions and fast ROI.

If any of these problems sound familiar, then mobile inventory could be a good fit for your operation:

• Inefficient inventory/warehouse processes
• Lack of visibility or reliable data
• Labor and cost challenges
• Lost or expired materials
• No offline inventory control

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Benefits of Mobile Inventory for Oracle Cloud SCM

For operations to be nimble and efficient, a mobile supply chain is needed. By using widespread familiarity with mobile devices, you can put much-needed information in the hands of your workforce. Material handling becomes easier, faster, and more efficient.

Some of the immediate benefits of mobile inventory for Oracle Cloud SCM include:

• 24/7 visibility
• 99.9%+ accuracy
• +30% efficiency
• +30% productivity
• +80% faster training

An effective mobile inventory system also generates larger operational benefits, such as:

• Reduced operational costs
• Enhanced business alignment
• Elevated customer service
• Better demand planning and forecasting
• Streamlined order management and procurement
• High-quality data for reporting and decision-making
• Scalability of operations

The Role of Mobile Apps in Mobile Inventory

While mobile inventory solutions do most of their automation work in the background, warehouse workers will use mobile apps to interact with the software and your ERP.

Mobile apps give end-users a simple, intuitive interface that only shows them the forms and fields they need to do their job, increasing productivity. Combined with instant transactions with Oracle Cloud, inventory control accelerates into real-time with pinpoint accuracy.

Mobile Apps for Oracle SCM Cloud

For Oracle Cloud mobile apps, many options exist. However, not all are equal. Some solutions are general-purpose while others are sold off-the-shelf. General purpose apps often fail to sufficiently satisfy the nuances or complexities of the supply chain. As-is applications are similarly broad and difficult to mold to unique business processes.

Efficient inventory management requires mobile software architected specifically for the task.

RFgen Mobile Edge provides purpose-built mobile supply chain functionality on a flexible mobile framework that makes modifications and maintenance easy.

Pre-built mobile applications built on a mobile platform provide a template to facilitate fast, low-effort configuration. Instead of conforming your business practices to your software, you can mold your software to match your exact processes. Meanwhile, the pre-built component saves the cost and effort of coding each mobile application from scratch.

RFgen Mobile Edge for Oracle Cloud provides ready-made mobile apps for:

• Inventory Management: cycle counting, inquiries, issues, subinventories, physical inventories, and transfers.
• Order Management: picking, wave packing, sales orders, work orders, and ship confirm.
• Purchase Orders: receiving, line inquiries, inspections, put-away, returns, and RMA returns.
• Manufacturing: completes, OPM completes, issues, and OPM issues.

Additional apps for security, fixed assets, maintenance, and time tracking are also available.

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Native or Web-Based Mobile Apps?

Oracle Cloud can be extended with native mobile applications or web-based applications. Both have advantages.

Web-based mobile apps are simpler to deploy since the only compatibility requirement for mobile devices is the ability to use a web browser. Unfortunately, web apps can be slow to interact with Oracle Cloud (up to 50 seconds per transaction) and lack offline capabilities. Overall functionality is limited.

Native mobile apps enable maximum use of each device’s capabilities, including processing power, camera, GPS, and more. Transactions with your ERP are much faster. But native apps can be challenging since compatibility across different devices requires tweaking.

Solutions like RFgen give you the best of both worlds. The built-in Mobile Development Studio enables you to leverage the full potential of native apps without the compatibility headaches. Not only do you get transactions that update Oracle in just milliseconds, but automated scaling capabilities allow for cross-device compatibility, regardless of screen size or device type.

You also have several options for offline inventory control.

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Offline Inventory Control for Oracle Cloud SCM

A common gap in inventory management is offline control. When your mobile device doesn’t have access to Wi-Fi or Oracle is offline for maintenance, data collection stops. Materials stop moving.

Having an offline component becomes essential to ensure the continuous flow of goods without loss of productivity.

Offline inventory control solutions for Oracle Cloud can be part of your mobile environment. Equipping workers in the field or in specialized areas like freezers with offline data collection ensures 24/7 continuity. Data doesn’t get lost—and doesn’t need to be reworked—when connectivity drops.

Depending on the needs of your operation, one or more offline inventory solutions may be helpful:

• Batch Offline Solutions: Enables the device to store data until Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity is restored. Ideal for freezers and offsite tasks.
• Continuous Availability: A highly reliable offline solution that maintains data collection capabilities while connectivity with Oracle Cloud is unavailable. Very effective for mission-critical operations and at remote sites.
• Field Mobility: Similar to batch mode, field mobility also leverages additional capabilities for signature confirmation, GPS integration, and periodic connectivity with Oracle Cloud.

How to Preserve Legacy ERP Functionality

If you’re one of the many organizations that use multiple ERP platforms, then you may be worried about losing functionality when one of your legacy ERPs is retired. The same holds true for companies seeking to migrate to Oracle Fusion Cloud.

Unlike last-gen ERPs that were primarily on-premises, Oracle Cloud’s core code cannot be customized. Although beneficial in the long run, this could mean reconfiguring your business processes to match the way Oracle Cloud operates.

You may lose custom code or essential features for unique and complex business processes when leaving that old software behind.

Mobile inventory solutions like RFgen cater to this exact need. Highly adaptable and customizable, your Oracle Cloud mobile solution can be designed to preserve legacy functionality or augment current Oracle capabilities. Having the solution in place before pulling the plug will help prevent disruption.

With a decades-long history of mobile integrations, RFgen senior consultants are able to integrate multiple enterprise systems for two-way data exchange. Enterprise organizations running other major ERP platforms like Oracle E-Business Suite, Oracle’s JD Edwards, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics 365, and even Deltek Costpoint, can tie these disparate systems into a single holistic data ecosystem.

This approach empowers you to harness the full power of Oracle Cloud SCM without sacrificing existing capabilities.

Industry-Specific Mobile Inventory Solutions

Mobile inventory covers material handling of all types. Therefore, any industry that handles large amounts of inventory or fixed assets can benefit from mobility. Wherever your operation needs to track or transact inventory, Oracle-connected mobile apps can make it happen.

Mobile Solutions for Manufacturing

In particular, manufacturers have much to gain from mobile inventory solutions. Real-time tracking of raw materials, WIP products, finished goods, fixed assets, spare parts and consumables, and other types of materials helps reduce shrinkage and increase efficiency.

Fewer stoppages on the production line due to insufficient inputs translate to lower overhead and greater profits.

With mobile, you can enhance production for discrete, process, and mixed-mode manufacturing. Track materials across production flows using lot, batch, and serial numbering, as well as license plating (advanced pallet labels).

Other industries that make or process goods stand to benefit as well:

• Aerospace & Defense
• Automotive
• Chemicals
• Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)
• Electronics
• Food & Beverage
• Industrial Manufacturing
• Medical Devices
• Oil & Gas (and companies supporting the industry)

To name a few.

Mobile Solutions for Distributors

Distributors and wholesalers need speed and accuracy to ensure orders go out the door on time—and they don’t come back. For distribution centers using Oracle Cloud SCM, mobile inventory is an essential component of efficient operations, from retail to wholesale.

Mobile apps greatly accelerate pick/pack/ship as well as their accuracy. RMAs become simple, fast, and efficient.

Mobile Solutions for Other Industries

If your business handles large quantities of equipment at multiple locations or campuses, mobile inventory can help you track fixed assets more effectively.

RFgen mobile barcoding solutions for Oracle have delivered proven benefits to companies in:

• Hospitals
• Mining
• Municipal governments
• University and corporate campuses
• Utilities

Finding the Right Mobile Inventory Solution

Once you have gained a firm understanding of your internal business needs, the next step is to find the right mobile solution for Oracle Cloud SCM.

Consider some of the following criteria:

• Integration: Does the mobile solution have certified integration with Oracle Cloud?
• Functionality: Will the solution expand operational capabilities?
• Flexibility: Can the software be configured to your specific business processes?
• Usability: Is the mobile UI/UX simple and intuitive for end-users?
• Offline: Does the potential solution include seamless offline inventory control?
• Self-Ownership: Is there an option to manage or configure the solution in-house with low-code?
• Implementation: How long will it take to reach go-live and will you have support along the way?

Look for Experienced Experts

Beyond the software itself, you will want to look for a vendor that can provide nuanced, expert guidance during the buying, implementation, and post-implementation processes. Some providers may use junior consultants that lack adequate experience to help you solve your problems satisfactorily. Opt for a company that can offer experience and best practices to get the best possible outcome.

Consider Managed Services

Some companies may wish to offload as much technical maintenance burden as possible, especially when IT bandwidth is limited. In this case, ask potential vendors if they offer managed services. Although there is an additional expense, managed mobile services remove the worry and resources that would otherwise be required to manage the solution with in-house personnel.

Future Trends and Innovations in Oracle Cloud SCM

As mobile technology continues to advance and Oracle Cloud SCM gains more functionality, we can expect continuing value from both. Investing in mobile solutions for Oracle Cloud will be one way to future-proof your ERP ecosystem. This is especially true for mobile platforms that can be easily expanded or modified with built-in low-code tools.

Expect new innovations in emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and robotics as well. Integrating these high-potential technologies into automatic data collection software will further enhance supply chain operations.

Regardless of which solutions you bring into your warehouse or production plant, barcoding remains a mainstay for inventory management. Without perfect data collection, accurate reporting is impossible, leading your organization to less-than-optimal decision-making. The future of your business could be at stake.

Mobile Inventory is a Best Practice for Oracle Cloud SCM

Companies using Oracle Cloud SCM already enjoy digital operations. Mobile inventory solutions allow businesses to leverage mobile barcode scanning and real-time inventory tracking to make informed decisions, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency.

Equipping frontline workers with mobile devices and barcode scanners isn’t optional in the modern supply chain. It’s a necessary but beneficial value-add proven to provide upticks in key performance metrics.

Making Oracle Cloud SCM mobile provides a powerful, flexible means for optimizing supply chain processes and addressing unique challenges faced by each industry. Without it, Oracle Cloud users are bound to struggle with inefficiency and unreliable data.

Stop wasting time and resources when mobile inventory can help you elevate agility and profitability, while ensuring scalability for long-term growth.

The post Mastering Mobile Inventory Management for Oracle SCM Cloud: The Ultimate Guide appeared first on RFgen.

In a perfect world, every shipment would be perfect. Instead, most companies must deal with the reality of misshipments.

Misships, or incorrectly shipped items, can lead to customer dissatisfaction, increased costs, and damage to your brand.

To minimize misships, businesses must implement best practices that focus on optimization, technology, and employee training, ensuring accurate shipments every time.

The Importance of Accurate Shipping

Accurate shipping is crucial if you want to keep doing business. Since order accuracy directly impacts customer satisfaction, too many misshipments can lead to complaints, returns, and lost sales—all of which are costly. Not only does the bottom line suffer, but your warehouse teams must devote considerable time to processing returns and fixing wrong orders.

On the other hand, when customers receive the correct items on time, they are more likely to have a positive experience and become repeat customers.

The cost implications of misships are many. Overhead swells in direct proportion to misships, adding greater expense for return shipping fees, overnight and same-day ordering, wasted inventory, chargebacks, wages, and loss of customers.

A company’s brand reputation is bound to suffer when misships occur frequently. Ensuring accurate shipments helps maintain a positive brand image, promoting customer trust and loyalty.

Therefore, investing in a strategy to prevent misships pays for itself—and more.

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Best Practices for Misship Prevention

Misships may seem inevitable. While mistakes are understandable, there are best practices you can implement to help your operation “outsmart” misshipments. Prevention can be a powerful tool in your supply chain toolbelt.

Use Technology Solutions to Ensure Accuracy

Technology to boost order accuracy is a common first line of defense against misships.

Barcode scanning systems equip warehouse teams with the ability to pick the correct items and validate order accuracy during pick-pack-ship. Mobile inventory solutions add greater efficiency and functionality, leveraging mobile apps and real-time data exchange with ERP platforms and other critical software systems.

Larger enterprise organizations may elect to implement a warehouse management system (WMS). A WMS is a software solution that helps manage and optimize warehouse operations, including inventory tracking, order fulfillment, and shipping processes.

Unlike barcoding, which any warehouse can integrate, WMS platforms can be burdensome to get live and functional.

Another helpful technology comes as a pair: shipping software and label printers. Both help assure that packages are correctly labeled and addressed. This type of solution can prevent misships by lowering the risk of lost or misdelivered packages.

Advanced mobile solutions like those provided by RFgen can combine the most-needed functionality of all these technologies into one robust but flexible package.

Train Employees on Best Practices

Technology can only do so much to prevent misships. Workers also need training or the occasional refresher to keep misships to a minimum.

Consider the following training tips:

• Provide comprehensive training on shipping processes and technology tools used during outbound processes.
• Train workers on proper picking, packing, and labeling procedures to ensure that they can accurately fulfill orders.
• Schedule regular refresher courses or workshops to reinforce best practices and keep staff up to date.
• Give new team members intuitive mobile apps to shorten training time by as much as 80%.

Even in a warehouse full of veteran staff, ongoing training and development will be essential to maintaining a knowledgeable, competent workforce focused on preventing misships.

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Optimize Warehouse Layout

It may seem obvious, but your warehouse’s organization may be indirectly contributing to misships. An efficient layout for materials reduces opportunities for misships by assisting fast-moving workers.

When analyzing your warehouse floor plan, examine the following:

• Separating or grouping similar items
• Arranging location by item popularity or replenishment rules
• Labeling of products and shelves
• Accuracy of digital records

Although each of these points is important, warehouse technology adds considerable value over and above these tweaks. For instance, mobile picking software further alleviates picking and shipping pains by directing workers to the exact location of each item.

Refining Shipping Processes with Quality Checks

As part of unlocking the perfect shipment, the shipping process itself shouldn’t be exempt from scrutiny.

Standardization is the best first step. If you haven’t standardized your shipping procedures, then your misship problem is unlikely to improve. A standard process ensures all team members follow the same steps and best practices, reducing the likelihood of error. It’s a good idea to have all processes documented and communicated to warehouse staff. Assign a supervisor to monitor compliance and KPI metrics.

Another warehouse best practice is implementing quality control checks at various stages of the shipping process. QC checkpoints catch mistakes before the package leaves the warehouse.

At minimum, quality checks should include:

• Verifying picked items
• Inspecting packed boxes for accuracy
• Confirming shipping labels and addresses

Implementing mobile software that contains built-in validation steps and best practices for workers is a surefire way to ensure maximum quality for pick/pack/ship. Software can maintain standardization while automating tedious time-consuming tasks.

Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

Once you have implemented changes to your shipping processes, establish a system for performance monitoring and improvement. Track metrics like inventory accuracy, order accuracy, mispicks, and misship rates. Look for trends. Strive for continuous improvement.

Armed with information, you can make well-informed, data-driven decisions on the most effective corrective actions for your misships.

Since warehouse workflows can be very complex, it’s easy to overlook areas where adjustments can be made. Tap into your frontline team’s hands-on experience with order shipping. Open communication and an honest willingness to listen and accept feedback do wonders to engage your workforce and get the best results—not just out of people, but the process as well.

Combined, metrics and employee feedback will help you adapt and refine your strategy to stay ahead of misships and boost accuracy.

Outsmarting Misshipments Once and For All

Misshipments can have a significant impact on your business and customers. Implementing best practices to prevent misships is essential. Look to improve processes through standardization, technology, and regular analysis. Proactively addressing accuracy issues at their root cause is the best way to reduce errors and elevate customer service in the pursuit of long-term success.

Supplied with this knowledge, we’re confident you can outsmart the troublesome misship and win customer loyalty with shipping perfection.

The post Shipping Perfection Unlocked: The Insider’s Playbook to Outsmarting Misships and Winning Customer Loyalty appeared first on RFgen.

Mispicks, a common issue in warehouses and distribution centers, occur when an incorrect item is picked from inventory during the order fulfillment process. Often, this is attributed to human error.

These simple mistakes can lead to financial losses and dissatisfaction among customers.

Understanding the underlying causes of mispicks is important in order to implement effective strategies that prevent them from happening in the first place.

In this article, we will look at the common causes of mispicks and provide practical solutions to help you reduce errors, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction.

Common Causes of Mispicks

Human Error

Simple mistakes are a leading cause of mispicks. These errors usually arise from:

Misreading product labels. Warehouse employees may inadvertently pick the wrong item if the labels are confusing, poorly printed, or too similar to other labels. Additionally, employees may struggle with illegible handwriting or mistakes on handwritten labels.

Miscommunication. Miscommunication between warehouse employees can lead to mispicks. For instance, employees may receive incorrect or unclear instructions from their supervisors or colleagues, leading them to select the wrong items from the inventory.

Manual processes. As long as human beings are involved, there’s always a risk of a mispick—especially if workers are rushing to get the job done. The risk is significantly greater if workers rely on tribal knowledge and paper printouts. Employees can easily misread a SKU or skip a critical item on an outgoing order.

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Inadequate Training

Insufficient training is another common source of mispicks, especially among new or seasonal employees. Newer employees tend to lack full understanding of the inventory management system and are more likely to make mistakes. Manual processes present a drastically longer and more difficult learning curve than mobile automation.

Workers may also have subpar knowledge of the technology tools they use, such as barcode scanners and other mobile devices.

Poor familiarity with the facility layout and product locations also impacts accuracy, necessitating training in this area as well. A rushed employee is apt to pick a similar-looking item from nearby shelves instead of the correct item stored elsewhere.

Poor Warehouse Organization

Warehouse floor plans are very important for efficient inventory control, leading to mispicks. Two major areas are to blame:

Inefficient Product Layout

An inefficient product layout can contribute to mispicks, as it may make it challenging for staff to locate and identify the correct items. For example, placing similar items close together may lead to confusion, while an unorganized layout may cause employees to waste time searching for products and increase the likelihood of picking errors.

Inaccurate or Outdated Inventory Records

Inaccurate or outdated inventory records can cause mispicks because workers rely on these records to locate and pick items. If the inventory records do not accurately reflect the actual stock levels and locations, team members may pick the wrong items or be unable to find the correct items in the warehouse.

Suboptimal Picking Processes

The Holy Grail of mispicks is the picking process itself.

Any inefficient picking method leads to mispicks, especially when employees struggle to keep track of multiple orders and items at once. Manual picking processes inevitably lead to wrongly picked items, especially in large warehouses with diverse product ranges.

A lack of standardized picking procedures also contributes to mispicks, as staff may develop their own methods and shortcuts, leading to inconsistencies and errors, not to mention siloed knowledge. Standardization is central to ensuring all team members follow the same process and pick the right items.

Strategies to Prevent Mispicks

There are a number of proven strategies to reduce mispicks, such as:

Implementing Technology Solutions

Barcode Scanning Systems

Implementing barcode scanning systems is the best way to minimize the risk of mispicks. Barcoding automates the identification and verification of items during the order picking process. Employees can use handheld barcode scanners or mobile devices equipped with scanning capabilities to scan the barcodes on products and confirm that they have picked the correct items.

Mobile barcoding solutions can also be integrated with ERP systems and other enterprise software platforms to update inventory records in real time, ensuring that employees have access to accurate and up-to-date information when picking items.

RFID Technology

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is another solution that can help prevent mispicks. RFID tags attached to products store more information than traditional barcodes and can be read without direct line-of-sight, making the picking process faster and more efficient. Like barcode software, RFID can be integrated into other warehouse management systems to provide real-time updates on inventory levels and locations.

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Warehouse Management System (WMS)

A WMS is a heavyweight software solution that helps manage and optimize warehouse operations with high degrees of control. By implementing a WMS, businesses can improve inventory tracking, streamline picking processes, and automate warehouse tasks, reducing the likelihood of mispicks.

While WMS solutions provide valuable insights and analytics, they are also the most expensive and resource-intensive option for improving accuracy.

Some warehouses opt for a more flexible advanced warehouse alternative with some WMS capabilities.

Enhancing Employee Training and Development

As mentioned above, poorly trained workers tend to pick wrong items more often. To change this, consider investing in comprehensive training programs for warehouse employees. Training should cover the use of technology tools, such as handheld barcode scanners and mobile devices, as well as procedures and best practices.

Shadowing more tenured team members can help newer employees familiarize themselves with the warehouse floor plan and product locations.

Providing regular refresher courses and workshops can help reinforce best practices and keep employees up to date with operational changes. This way, workers will have the necessary skills and knowledge to accurately pick items in the most efficient means possible.

Improving Warehouse Organization

Since picking takes place in the warehouse, making adjustments to organization and layout is another foolproof way to reduce mispicks.

Optimizing product layouts can significantly reduce the risk of mispicks by making it easier for employees to locate and identify items. Items that are frequently picked for orders should be placed in areas that are accessible. Meanwhile, rarely picked items can be placed farther away.

Other product layout strategies may include grouping similar items together, kitting commonly associated items together, organizing items by popularity, or implementing a zone or wave picking system.

Regardless of which method you use, keep the end goal in mind—a more efficient, intuitive warehouse environment.

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Streamlining Picking Processes

And don’t forget about the picking processes. If your current process is generating an unacceptable number of mispicks, then it’s time for a change.

First, consider adopting a standardized picking procedure. This will help ensure that all team members follow the same process. Standardized procedures should be clearly documented and communicated to all employees. Supervisors should monitor compliance to ensure consistency across the workforce.

Next, look into advanced picking strategies tailored to your business needs. Choosing a more appropriate methodology can be instrumental to squashing picking errors.

While advanced picking procedures reduce errors and improve efficiency, not every picking strategy will be equally effective for your specific environment. Evaluate multiple options, like batch picking, zone picking, wave picking, and directed picking, then select the one (or several) that best suits your operation’s requirements.

Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

Regularly Review Mispick Rates

Monitoring mispick rates can help you identify trends and patterns so you can address issues in the picking process. Even relatively small tweaks may affect mispick KPIs. By tracking the impact of new strategies, your operation can make data-driven decisions to determine which solutions are most effective at eliminating mispicks.

Encourage Employee Feedback

Employee feedback is a valuable resource for identifying areas for improvement and addressing the root causes of mispicks. Create open communication channels, such as suggestion boxes or regular team meetings, to encourage staff to share their ideas and concerns. Involving employees in the improvement process can also increase their engagement and commitment to preventing mispicks.

Adapt and Refine Strategies

As a business, continuous refinement and improvement is always a goal. When it comes to picking strategies, be prepared to analyze mispick data and weigh employee feedback before making process adjustments.

And just because you’ve improved mispicks with a new strategy doesn’t mean there isn’t further room for improvement. Continue to seek out opportunities for improvement.

Ensure your operation stays ahead of potential issues while also maintaining the highest level of picking accuracy.

Replacing Mispicks with Perfect Orders

The process of preventing mispicks is an ongoing struggle. Eliminating mispicks is essential to improving cost control and warehouse operations, not to mention that perfect orders keep customers happy.

By staying up to date with industry best practices, technological advancements, and evolving customer needs, businesses can proactively address potential issues and ensure that their picking processes remain accurate and efficient in the long term.

Remember: the key to creating a perfect order is a perfect pick, and a perfect pick requires flawless mobile tech to make it happen.

The post Navigating the Warehouse Labyrinth: Unraveling the Mystery of Mispicks and Crafting Foolproof Solutions appeared first on RFgen.

Chief among these improvements is accuracy. Accuracy determines planning and decision-making, as well as ensuring the steady flow of goods throughout the warehouse and the shop floor. Inaccuracy means lost inventory and efficiency.

In this article, we will explore the numerous benefits of accurate inventory management and how barcode software can play a significant role in helping businesses avoid missing inventory and improve their overall operations.

Advantages of Accurate Inventory Management

If you’ve tried managing inventory manually, you likely already know that your accuracy is less than optimal. Supply chain experts estimate the highest accuracy achievable with paper processes to be about 60%—woefully inadequate compared to 99.8%, which is considered world-class.

Many warehouses operate with some level of digitization but rarely exceed 99.6% accuracy. Increasing accuracy by even 0.1% can have a big positive impact on the bottom line.

The benefits of accurate inventory management include:

• Cost savings: Fewer errors to correct and returns, reduced storage costs, and minimized spoilage and obsolescence
• Improved operational efficiency: Less time spent looking for missing items, streamlined order fulfillment processes, optimized warehouse space utilization, fewer bottlenecks and backlogs.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction: Fewer wrong orders, better customer relationships, accurate product availability information, more on-time deliveries.
• Better decision-making: Accurate data informs purchasing, production and inventory planning, data-driven financial reporting, and projections.

Maintaining accurate inventory data not only provides benefits throughout your supply chain, but data health is also indicative of operational health as well since it informs overall efficiency.

Learn how to achieve 99.99% accuracy with mobile barcoding in this brief guide.

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The Role of Technology in Inventory Management

Barcode Software in Inventory Management

Barcode software is an essential tool in achieving accurate inventory management. This technology enables businesses to track and manage their products using scannable barcodes, which provide real-time updates on stock levels, locations, and other relevant data.

The information captured by barcode software is invaluable for validating stock levels and keeping data up to date during every stage of material handling.

Ensuring accuracy with barcoding ensures supply chain visibility.

Your Go-To Guide for Mobile Inventory Solutions

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Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology

Another technological advancement driving inventory accuracy is RFID technology. RFID tags can store more information than barcodes and do not require line-of-sight scanning. This way, businesses can automatically track materials and assets with pinpoint accuracy.

While highly effective, RFID is more expensive than barcode scanning and may not be the right fit for every business.

WATCH NOW: Toyota creates E2E visibility with RFID solutions for yard management –

Integrating Technology for Seamless Inventory Management

Integrating barcode software and other technologies, such as RFID and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, with existing business systems like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Warehouse Management System (WMS) ensures seamless data exchange and efficient workflow across different aspects of the business.

Depending on your operational needs, adopting one or more of these solutions in combination may be ideal. When evaluating new technologies to enhance inventory accuracy, consider software that integrates multiple enterprise systems already in place.

Best Practices for Implementing Accurate Inventory Management

Anyone in the supply chain understands that accurate inventory management is a best practice. While ideal in theory, implementing that practice presents more challenges.

To get maximum accuracy, you will need to:

1. Choose the Right Technology

The key to perfect accuracy is automated data collection. Barcode software solutions, mobile apps for ERP systems, and RFID technologies fit the needs of most supply chain operations. But not every system is the same.

When evaluating new warehouse tech, consider the following:

• Integration capabilities (ERPs, industrial computers, etc.)
• Ease of training and use
• Extensibility
• Scalability

Solving Inventory Challenges with Mobile Barcoding

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2. Provide Employee Training and Support

Technology alone isn’t enough to get optimal inventory accuracy. Companies must invest in employee training and support to ensure barcode software and other inventory management technologies are being used correctly.

Be sure to conduct regular training sessions with new and experienced employees on all technologies. Mobile solutions have the benefit of being very intuitive, and so are easy to learn and use.

Warehouse teams should also be given access to operational and technical support resources. Encourage workers to communicate openly regarding challenges with technologies or processes. That way, management can address those challenges to improve productivity and morale.

3. Perform Regular Inventory Audits and Reconciliation

Maintaining inventory accuracy requires periodic checks to identify and address discrepancies, such as through physical inventory counts and cycle counting.

This process should include:

• Scheduled inventory audits
• Reconciliation of physical inventory with system data
• Adjustments to inventory records as needed
• Refining of warehouse processes (if applicable)

Mobile cycle counting applications help automate inventory audits, reducing the time required to resolve stock issues.

4. Consider Adopting Lean Inventory Management Principles

Businesses can further enhance their inventory management by adopting lean principles, such as:

• Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory management
• Demand forecasting
• Continuous improvement

However, it’s best to consider the needs of your organization before making significant changes to your material handling practices.

The Long-term Impact of Accurate Inventory Management

Increasing inventory accuracy produces immediate short-term improvements. In the long term, higher accuracy generates compounding benefits, unlocking new tiers of performance and growth.

Other long-term benefits include:

• Increased profitability
• Greater supply chain resilience
• Improved competitiveness in the market
• Scalability of operations
• Enhanced brand reputation
• Higher employee satisfaction and retention

Supply Chain Success Starts with Accuracy

Mastering the art of inventory management is crucial for companies striving to enhance their operations, reduce costs, and ultimately achieve greater success. Barcode software and other advanced technologies, such as RFID and IoT devices, play a pivotal role in enabling businesses to maintain accurate inventory records and streamline their processes.

As the supply chain landscape continues to evolve and become more competitive, the importance of accurate inventory management cannot be overstated. By investing in the right technology and adopting a data-driven approach to managing inventory, businesses can position themselves for growth and success in today’s dynamic market.

The time and resources spent on perfecting inventory management will undoubtedly pay dividends, not only in the short term but also in the long run, as companies unlock their full potential and thrive in an ever-changing world.

The post Mastering the Art of Inventory: Unlocking Business Success with Accurate Management and Barcode Technology appeared first on RFgen.

• 89% of Digital Inventory Report respondents say data security is important to extremely important to their inventory operations.
• Supply chain risk management begins with an understanding of the risks to your organization and a strong proactive plan to mitigate risk.
• Cybersecurity is a vital component of a supply chain risk management plan.

Supply chain issues remain a real and present challenge in 2023. Businesses looking to gain a competitive advantage must put a focus on improving supply chain processes and operations, including an emphasis on technology and automation.

Critical to these improved operations is the role of security in today’s global economy. In fact, 89% of Digital Inventory Report respondents say data security is important or extremely important to their inventory operations.

The reality is the supply chain is an area rife with vulnerabilities. With numerous vendors along the pipeline, the risk of an attack increases without proper prevention and mitigation procedures in place.

In 2022, supply chain attacks surpassed malware-based attacks by 40%. This means more than 10 million people were impacted by supply chain attacks last year.

Forward-thinking organizations will prioritize supply chain risk management and cybersecurity in their operations. After all, security is critical to overall business success.

Let’s break down supply chain risk management best practices, cybersecurity guidelines, and the integration of the two to create lasting change.

Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) Best Practices

According to Gartner, 89% of companies have experienced a supplier risk event within the past five years. Despite these overwhelming numbers, many lack proactive plans to prepare let alone abate a risk.

And in a world of near-constant market disruptions (shipping delays, natural disasters, inflation, fluctuating customer demand), a proactive supply chain risk management strategy is critical.

Supply chain risk management involves the identification, evaluation, and mitigation of risks to an organization’s supply chain. Putting a focus on SCRM allows organizations to embrace resiliency and prepare for the inevitable before it occurs.

SCRM Process

The best way to adopt SCRM is through a basic understanding of the inherent risks to your organization. To do this, organizations should:

1. Identify known risks by mapping out each point along the supply chain for all major products.
2. Document the level of impact on the organization should the risk occur and how ready the organization is to mitigate the risk in a timely fashion.
3. Consistently monitor all known risks and integrate regular reviews of the full process with key stakeholders.

But what about unknown risks to the organization? After all, external market factors and changes in demand are hard to track.

Building strong, proactive risk management processes into your overall supply chain structure will help you better respond when these types of challenges arise.

Read about 4 more tips to mitigate supply chain risks.

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Best Practices for Supply Chain Risk Management

The best and most cost-effective way to mitigate risk is by being proactive. Proactive supply chain risk management results in 50% less spend when it comes to supplier disruptions according to Deloitte.

Proactive SCRM takes a beginning-to-end approach, coupled with data-driven information. It allows organizations to:

• Determine key risk areas to monitor due to their critical impact to your organization or their likelihood to be exposed to risk.
• Compile data about specific suppliers more prone to risk and convert this data into usable insights to help track potential risk.
• Share the information with key identified stakeholders who can make decisions in real-time before, during and after risk occurs.

This begins with identifying the right cross-functional team to deal with risk situations as they arise. These individuals must be empowered with the right data in order to make strategic decisions and understand the impact of potential or impending risk.

They also must understand value across the supply chain. By having a clear lens into the whole process, a team can easily identify potential areas of impact from sourcing to production.

While this may seem like a lot, the implementation of technology can help streamline many of these areas. In fact, utilizing technology in SCRM has been found to double the effectiveness of supplier risk tactics.

Digitizing manual processes is the first step in data security. By implementing technology solutions that optimize your supply chain, you enable a more reliable flow of data, leading to enhanced decision-making.

In addition, automation can help process data and identify potential issues early, before problems arise.

How to Mitigate Supply Chain Disruptions with Mobile Barcoding

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Cybersecurity Approach

The reality is, it’s not a matter of if, but when a business will be subject to a cybersecurity breach. Research has shown that cybercrime will cost the world $10.5 trillion by 2025.

Threats to the supply chain continue to rise as more and more supply chains turn digital. Without the necessary infrastructure, automation and staff training, supply chains can become increasingly vulnerable to a cyber-attack. More than 60% of organizations audited or reported on supplier security in 2022.

Cybersecurity Processes for Supply Chain

In order to best protect your supply chain, it’s important to prioritize the following:

• Prevention methods, including assessing cybersecurity risk areas before they happen and running practice exercises to expose future vulnerabilities.
• Budget allocation to properly address areas early on, before an attack occurs.
• Compliance across vendor relationships, ensuring they boost an organization’s data security measures rather than putting them more at risk.
• Continuous auditing, monitoring, and reporting throughout the supply chain, including unauthorized access.
• Securing data collection and transmission, especially with remote access.
• Employee engagement and adherence to robust security policies, regardless of position.

The Use of Technology in Cybersecurity Processes

Technology can help organizations be proactive in their cybersecurity processes. It’s important, however, to properly research solutions and their security protocols. Otherwise, you’ll ultimately put the organization at more risk.

Mobile data collection software, for instance, allows organizations to transmit sensitive data throughout their enterprise, but safely and securely. Look for software that secures data at rest, enables single sign-on and traffic encryption, and serves as a proxy.

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Further, automating data flow can help address shifting market demands and lead to significant time and cost savings. By having a reliable view of inventory, supply chain flow, and more, organizations can quickly adjust and better forecast to reduce operational risk.

Ultimately, cybersecurity threats are ever-evolving. Organizations need to stay current on cybersecurity issues while also choosing technology that will be up-to-date as risks change.

Integrating SCRM and Cybersecurity

SCRM and cybersecurity must work together to keep an organization secure. As many organizations utilize third-party vendors, the potential for increased cybersecurity risk also grows. Having a supply chain risk management strategy that includes cybersecurity risks is vital.

To integrate cybersecurity and SCRM, ensure that common cyber risks are included in the overall supply chain risk management plan. These include:

• Data breaches
• Cyber breaches
• Ransomware attacks
• Malware attacks

Next, ensure the CIO and supply chain professionals are working together toward a common set of goals. Together these two groups can create compliance standards for all vendors along the product pipeline, define user roles and define who has access to what data.

In addition, providing regular security training for all employees, both on cyber and general risk best practices is critical. Informed employees are better able to spot a potential risk and allow organizations to resolve it quickly.

Finally, ensure the risk management plan includes cybersecurity risk areas and identifies how those areas will impact the supply chain. Ultimately the goal of this plan is to identify the areas most prone to risk and establish a protocol to mitigate that risk quickly and efficiently.

Best Practices for Integrating Cybersecurity into SCRM

Here are three tips when it comes to integrating cybersecurity and SCRM:

1. Understand the risk in your business-critical systems. Knowing what information is available and how software systems grant access to it (such as ERPs, data collection software, etc.) will help you see areas of risk across the supply chain. Further, have a comprehensive understanding of where each of these is used along the supply chain in order to secure it in the event of a breach.
2. Make supply chain risk management a company-wide issue. Protecting the supply chain, and the organization as a whole should be everyone’s job. Train employees to spot common issues and help them understand the impact a breach could have at every point in the process.
3. Choose your stakeholder group carefully. The supply chain is the lifeblood of the organization and impacts more than just IT. Ensure your risk management plan involves more than just your IT or security teams and clearly defines roles and responsibilities when a breach occurs. Partner with external vendors as necessary.

Cybersecurity Case Studies

Cybersecurity and the need for integrated risk management techniques are becoming more necessary, and more challenging than ever. Global scale attacks like Solar Winds demonstrate the startling reality that hackers are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

That’s why forward-thinking organizations need to plan and prepare to assess, mitigate and respond swiftly to risk. And this begins with a clear and accurate picture of your data.

When it comes to mobile inventory solutions, look for those that not only have existing security protocols but also the ability to add in additional capabilities.

For instance, Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua implemented RFgen Mobile Foundations for SAP, which included SAP-certified mobile inventory apps. Not only did the solution help the company gain real-time inventory tracking and visibility, but it also helped secure data access from cyber threats.

The Importance of Security in Your Supply Chain

Ultimately, the supply chain is only as strong as its weakest part. An understanding of risk areas can help strengthen the supply chain and ultimately grow business.

This begins with a proactive, strategic approach, an understanding of known risks and a detailed plan to prevent, detect and mitigate unknown risks to the organization.

Companies should also utilize technology, data, third-party risk management, and security awareness and training to create a culture of risk prevention and trust.

The post Securing the Supply Chain: Best Practices in Cybersecurity and Risk Management for Competitive Advantage appeared first on RFgen.

And although the world has made strides to recover from the tumultuous events of 2020, many companies still grapple with the long-lasting effects of that pivotal year.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 supply chain management challenges for 2023 and beyond, providing insights and strategies for overcoming these obstacles. We will also highlight key areas where businesses must focus their efforts to ensure supply chain success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Global Economic Uncertainty & Supply Chain Disruptions

In 2023, supply chain companies must navigate the challenges presented by global economic uncertainty, leading to periodic supply chain disruptions. At present, these challenges arise from these ongoing factors:

• Geopolitical tensions
• Economic fluctuations
• Climate change
• Evolving regulations

While China seems to have moved away from its Zero COVID Policy, freeing up production and shipping streams, unpredictability is still present. Meanwhile, turmoil in Ukraine is here to stay for the time being. Businesses must adapt to keep goods flowing.

Unstable global markets, trade wars, and fluctuating exchange rates can impact the cost of raw materials, transportation, and production. The recent spate of bank failures may spook investors and supply chain leaders.

At the same time, climate change is causing more frequent and severe weather events, disrupting supply chains due to damaged infrastructure, transportation delays, and resource scarcity.

Lastly, changing trade policies, import/export restrictions, and environmental regulations can create additional complexities for international supply chains.

These challenges are already significantly impacting supply chains in 2023. To stay ahead, be proactive in addressing these challenges. Monitor economic trends and develop strategies to mitigate the potential negative effects on your operations. Develop contingency plans, diversify your supplier base, and stay informed on global developments to minimize the risks and maintain a positive reputation.

And if you haven’t already, make sure you have mobile barcoding integrated into your inventory handling processes to ensure resilience and agility when it comes time to pivot.

How to Mitigate Supply Chain Disruptions with Mobile Barcoding

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Cost Control

Operating costs will only continue to rise in the coming years, and managers have to continuously watch how growing technology, fuel, and energy prices affect how and when they ship products. If you’re a manufacturer, you also know that rising input costs add even more pressure onto already razor-thin margins.

Labor remains a consistent cost challenge. Wage increases impact the company’s bottom line. In response, businesses must release employees in an already short-staffed supply chain, raises prices and risk losing customers, or dramatically shift how they do business.

Outsourcing with 3PL

Third-party logistics (3PL) companies have emerged as a popular solution for companies seeking to address supply chain management challenges. 3PL specialized in storing and shipping products. They often have the economies of scale and the right combination of technologies to provide cost-effective solutions to customers. This way, companies can reduce operational expenses and storage space requirements while focusing on their core competencies.

However, adopting a 3PL removes some control and agility from your operation. Hiring a 3PL company is also neither simple nor inexpensive. To avoid a contracting disaster, you must do your due diligence when researching 3PL options.

Many companies elect to use a more cost-efficient mobile inventory solution in-house to improve spend management while also retaining full ownership of their warehouse processes.

Reducing Overhead Costs with Barcode Software

Alternatively, companies can turn to enterprise technologies that pay for themselves while reducing overhead costs. For instance, mobile barcoding solutions act as a force multiplier for your frontline teams, enabling them to do more work in less time and at maximum accuracy. Fewer errors and increased throughput translate directly to lower costs and higher profit margins.

Mobile barcoding can also prevent inventory management mistakes, reducing the rate of returns and lost stock, both of which cost the company money.

In 2023, if you haven’t adopted a mobile inventory solution with built-in barcode scanning, your operation is already lagging behind. Do you know how much time and money is being wasted on outdated material handling procedures? The time to re-evaluate your warehouse processes is now.

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Increased Competition

The year 2023 sees an intensification of competition in the supply chain industry, driven by factors such as globalization, technological advancements, and rapidly evolving customer expectations. As a result, companies must adapt and evolve to stay ahead in this competitive environment.

Here are a few strategies you can employ to address the challenges posed by increased competition:

• Embrace innovation. Companies that actively integrate new solutions into their operations can gain a significant competitive edge. But don’t think that cutting-edge AI, IoT, and blockchain are your only options. Look to proven mobile solutions that enhance digital inventory transformation.
• Focus on customer experience. To stand out in a competitive market, companies must prioritize the customer experience. That means delivering perfect orders on time and leveraging appropriate software for communication and barcode labeling
• Strengthen supplier relationships. Developing strong relationships with suppliers can improve supply chain resilience and mitigate risks associated with disruptions or quality issues. Foster relationships of collaboration, transparency, and trust.
• Invest in workforce development. Attracting and retaining a skilled workforce is essential for maintaining a competitive advantage. Companies should invest in training and intuitive mobile tech to cultivate the desired performance of their employees.
• Pursue sustainability and social responsibility. One way to make your brand stand out is to emphasize sustainability and corporate social responsibility, both of which are becoming increasingly important to consumers. Sustainable practices, such as reducing waste and utilizing eco-friendly packaging, appeals to customers and leads to long-term cost savings and operational efficiency.

Shortage of Skilled Workers

With 2020 behind us, it may seem like labor challenges should be behind us as well. Unfortunately, the trend has continued and is unlikely to dissipate in 2023. The shortage of hands hinders a company’s ability to efficiently manage inventory, so adjustments must be made to compensate.

Some of the factors perpetuating the shortage of skilled workers include:

• Aging Workforce: Younger workers have different expectations compared to older generations. Companies that fail to recognize this and adjust accordingly risk a further diminishing labor pool.
• Competition for Talent: Beyond wages and compensation, supply chain companies must consider using mobile technology as a way to lure potential talent. When faced with the option to handle materials by hand or do so with point-and-scan barcode software, most will elect for tech.
• Perception of the Job: For many potential employees, working in the supply chain isn’t considered an attractive option—or an option at all. Companies looking to expand hiring must go the extra mile to make these jobs desirable.

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Building a Great Team

How do you construct a supply chain team that can adapt quickly to an always-changing business environment? The answer: It’s not easy, but also not impossible. Companies need to think about a number of items when building their teams. These include:

• Division of labor.
• Experience in supply chain management.
• A strong understanding of how events in the supply chain affect other departments within the company.
• Cultural expertise, especially since most supply chains are now global.

In addition, seek out advice from other supply chain professionals for finding and training top warehouse workers in 2023 and beyond.

Building a team takes time, and managers shouldn’t rush the process. By hiring the correct employees on the first try, managers can reduce HR costs and decrease mistakes that may hinder talent retention and smooth day-to-day operations.

Lagging Technology

In an age of limitless information at our fingertips, it’s a sad fact that many warehouses and production plants still use archaic methods for inventory control. From handwritten paper tickets to manual data entry, any operation still relying on such outdated processes is bound to face numerous challenges.

Because of this, technology remains hugely important to supply chain management. According to the RFgen Digital Inventory Report, 59% of companies plan to increase supply chain technology spend in the coming years.

And while there are many technologies on the market today, from control towers to autonomous co-bots, for most companies, a more reasonable, cost-effective technology buying strategy will be most helpful.

Any company that handles inventory or fixed assets can use barcode software, for example. Mobile data collection solutions help streamline supply chain management. Real-time communication with your ERP and other enterprise systems ensures perfect order accuracy and true material visibility at all times.

Unlike manual methods, which are inefficient and prone to costly errors, mobile solutions eliminate errors and bottlenecks with instant automation.

Old barcode solutions that have “aged out” often provide little more efficiency than manual handling. But with modern mobile barcoding solutions, supply chain operations enjoy greater productivity, speed of shipping, and throughput right after being brought online.

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Transparency and Traceability

In 2023, the growing demand for supply chain transparency and traceability presents significant challenges for companies. Already on the rise for many years, consumers and regulators alike are increasingly concerned about the origins of products, ethical sourcing, and environmental impact. To meet these expectations and maintain a competitive edge, businesses must invest in technology solutions that enable end-to-end visibility and traceability in their supply chains.

Both require accurate data on stock levels and material movements. Automating that data capture with barcode software and other advanced data collection methodologies provides the simplest path to achieve visibility and traceability.

• Look for barcode solutions that offer the following capabilities:
• Standard integration for your ERP(s)
• Real-time data access
• Mobile apps for frontline workforce
• Scalability and adaptability of solution
• Low maintenance burden

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Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory compliance remains a crucial challenge for supply chain companies in 2023 and beyond. As governments impose stricter regulations to ensure product safety, environmental protection, and ethical sourcing, businesses must adapt their operations to remain compliant and maintain their market position.

For industries with specific regulatory challenges, such as food and beverage or aerospace and defense, additional measures must be taken to ensure compliance. In the event of a government or industry audit, data must be accessible and retrievable with a high degree of accuracy to avoid penalties and litigation.

A surefire way to enhance regulatory compliance is to use software that automates traceability.

Mobile barcoding solutions achieve this by automatically capturing multiple dimensions of data with very high levels of granularity each time an item or pallet as it is scanned. This effectively creates a track-and-trace path with rapid, reliable reporting, accessible at any time.

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Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is becoming an ever-more important aspect of supply chain management. It’s also more challenging than ever.

No matter what kind of technology you use to improve your overall operations, you’re saving money in the long run if you invest in the best cybersecurity measures available. Many cloud ERP platforms have built-in security layers you can leverage to safeguard your data.

For mobile inventory operations, select solutions that inherit existing security protocols and have the option to add additional capabilities like SSO or geofencing as well. Mobile barcoding, for instance, can help secure data access, both in transit and while at rest.

Take the time to continuously assess your suppliers as well. Gauge how strong or vulnerable your supply chain is at every point possible, even through outside vendors. If one of your suppliers is in the news because hackers constantly infiltrate its IT infrastructure, it might be time to partner with another company.

Sustainability

Sustainability has become a central concern for businesses and consumers, with companies under increasing pressure to minimize their environmental impact and implement eco-friendly practices throughout their supply chain operations.

Embracing sustainability offers more opportunity in 2023 and beyond, but also presents challenges of its own.

Important areas of supply chain sustainability to examine include:

• Waste reduction: Supply chain managers should focus on minimizing waste, optimizing energy usage, and reducing water consumption in their operations. Utilizing digital inventory solutions helps reduce packaging waste, paper usage, and energy consumption for storage.
• Sustainable sourcing: Prioritize working with suppliers who share a commitment to sustainability, ensuring the ethical and environmentally friendly sourcing of raw materials. This approach helps reduce your environmental footprint while mitigating the risk of reputational damage.
• Green transportation: Adopting eco-friendly transportation methods, such as electric vehicles, and optimizing delivery routes to reduce fuel consumption can significantly decrease a company’s carbon emissions. Additionally, businesses can explore options for intermodal transportation to further improve their sustainability profile.
• Circular economy: Companies can embrace the principles of the circular economy by designing products for longevity, facilitating repair and reuse, and recycling materials at the end of a product’s life cycle. This approach helps minimize waste and conserve valuable resources.

By integrating sustainability into their supply chain management strategies, companies can not only meet the growing expectations of customers, regulators, and stakeholders but also drive long-term success in an increasingly competitive market.

Climate Change

Climate change poses increasingly significant challenges for supply chain management. 2023 may be a difficult year, but the years to come will likely prove more difficult yet. Businesses will have to grapple with the consequences of extreme weather events, resource scarcity, and shifting regulations.

To overcome these challenges and build resilience in their supply chains, companies must adopt proactive strategies and innovative solutions:

• Risk assessment and mitigation: Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential climate-related vulnerabilities in their supply chains, such as supplier locations prone to natural disasters. By developing comprehensive mitigation plans, businesses can better prepare for and respond to disruptions caused by climate change.
• Diversifying suppliers and transportation routes: Doing this will minimize the impact of climate-related disruptions. By maintaining a flexible supply chain network, businesses can quickly adapt to unforeseen events and maintain continuity.
• Carbon footprint reduction: Reducing carbon footprint and optimizing energy consumption will become more important as time goes on. Adopting renewable energy sources and implementing eco-friendly transportation methods not only contribute to climate change mitigation but can also result in cost savings and improved brand reputation.
• Collaborative action: Supply chain stakeholders can work together to develop industry-wide initiatives and best practices for addressing climate change challenges. Collaborative action, such as sharing resources and knowledge, can help companies build more resilient and sustainable supply chains.

The Future of Supply Chain Management Challenges

While the top ten challenges facing supply chain management may not be entirely new, they remain salient and persistent in 2023 and beyond. The lingering impact of 2020 has significantly contributed to these challenges, and they require immediate attention.

Addressing these challenges with effective supply chain strategies will be vital to continuing success amid tense competition. Don’t overlook cost-efficient technologies like mobile barcoding and data collection as a means to alleviate cost pressures and unlock new tiers of performance and growth.

With a robust combination of strategy and technology in your supply chain toolbelt, your operations can deliver optimal customer service and leave the competition behind.

The post The Top 10 Supply Chain Management Challenges for 2023 & Beyond: An In-Depth Look appeared first on RFgen.

• Inventory control involves the management of products and services across the supply chain, ensuring the right amount of product at the right time.
• Integrating purchasing and inventory control is critical for forward planning and forecasting in today’s economic climate.
• Automated technologies and mobile inventory management systems can help align teams around a single source of truth when making inventory decisions.

The reality is quality inventory data drives sound supply chain strategy. That’s why inventory control is so imperative for growth and success.

Inventory control involves managing company inventory levels across all parts of the supply chain, from raw goods to the final destination. Without a proper handle on your inventory, your supply chain will be inefficient and break down.

When proper inventory control is in place, companies have the right amount of product at the right time to keep the supply chain moving forward. Real-time inventory data has been linked to numerous positive supply chain outcomes including increased visibility, streamlined processes, and tracking of perishable inventory types.

Essential to this process is purchasing. Sound purchasing management allows companies to buy goods in an efficient manner, limiting costs and increasing profits. By harnessing the power of purchasing, manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors can achieve better inventory control and optimal stock levels in their organization.

Purchasing’s role in inventory management

For many companies, significant resources are invested in inventory. But when purchasing is not monitored alongside inventory, issues occur. In fact, 44% of Digital Inventory Report respondents cite over or understocking of inventory as a critical business challenge.

Purchasing is about far more than the purchase of goods or services, however. A strategic approach to purchasing involves product research, supplier vetting, and monitoring of the product’s delivery, condition, and quantity.

Planning and forecasting

To begin, purchasing should play an active role in planning and forecasting within the supply chain. Forecasting allows manufacturers to predict demand and supply, as well as research suppliers to gameplan future strategies based on market fluctuations.

This practice is critical because it allows companies to make better inventory purchasing decisions, track demand, and decrease unnecessary costs.

When forecasting inventory opportunities, it’s important to plan for seasonal variations, fluctuating customer demand, and account for shifts in product availability and pricing. While you can’t predict the future, forecasting can help organizations make informed decisions based on real-time data.

Gain real-time oversight and control with mobile inventory

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Supplier selection

Creating a long-lasting relationship with suppliers helps drive down inventory costs and provides better access to products. That’s why purchasing professionals should prioritize the supplier relationship. This enables increased trust and the ability to build reliable schedules for shipment of product, as well as heightened competitive advantage.

When choosing a supplier, look for experience, shared commitment, transparency, and the ability to grow long-term. This model of trust and longevity with both partners and suppliers is critical to the success of several high-profile companies, including Coca-Cola.

Collaborative partner relationships will result in a consistently quality product with timely delivery to the consumer.

Negotiations and contracting

Even the best supplier relationships will need to be reviewed from time to time. After all, inflation, changing market factors, supply chain issues, and more will all contribute to a need to revisit agreed-upon contracts.

In fact, many of the top new challenges impacting inventory management professionals are due to the new economic environment we live in. More than 80% cited rising input and procurement costs, 78% cited change in demand, and 77% were impacted by shipping and receiving issues.

While these challenges can’t be prevented entirely, proper negotiations and contracting with suppliers can help ease the burden they cause.

Successful negotiations begin with information. A data-driven approach can help inform conversations and review of existing contracts. Purchasing professionals can help pull forecasted volumes, current inventory patterns, market data, future projections, and historic knowledge on spend and supplier product.

Companies should also be prepared to hear multiple alternatives and ideas to reach a solution. This is why forecasting is so important from the beginning. Knowing what your future projected outcomes and needs are will help you see multiple ways to achieve your goal with your contracts.

An inventory management system can further help with contract management and negotiations. Choose a system that streamlines warehouse operations, gives visibility into inventory control, and delivers accurate, live data. A centralized location that acts as a trusted data source will be vital to conversations.

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Order placement and monitoring

Order placement is also a critical component of inventory management and order management. Order placement involves the formal agreement of goods and services to be ordered from the supplier.

This process involves research into need identification, potential suppliers, price negotiation, and official purchase orders.

By involving purchasing in the order placement phase, inventory management professionals can ensure the required goods arrive in a timely and cost-efficient manner.

Purchasing’s visibility into inventory levels allows companies to reduce their risk of supply chain disruption by knowing what they need and when. In addition, the placement of orders in a timely, proactive fashion enhances inventory operations across the operation. And more frequent ordering can help drive better negotiations with long-term suppliers, resulting in cost savings.

Ultimately, purchasing understands the role of a good or service from beginning to end. By identifying the product need, understanding the current and future demand, and facilitating timely delivery, purchasing can help streamline and optimize inventory and supply chain operations.

Inventory control techniques

Once you’ve aligned purchasing with overall inventory management, it’s time to look at inventory control, also known as stock control. After all, if inventory isn’t properly monitored, it can impact numerous parts of your operation, from the warehouse floor to the bottom line.

Stock control methods

There are numerous stock control methods to consider based on the types of products you carry, when you want to order products, forecasting, and your ability to store goods.

For instance, first-in-first-out (FIFO) and last-in-first-out (LIFO) place the value on the product. LIFO inventory control focuses on inventory added in last and how it gets out the door first. FIFO emphasizes goods added first to inventory will be the first to sell.

For manufacturers, another option is just-in-time manufacturing, which aligns the order of products with the production schedule. The goal in JIT inventory control is to decrease waste by only keeping necessary goods on site.

Reorder point

Having real-time inventory data will help you optimize inventory ordering and inform purchasing. This information allows you to set par levels and signal the need to reorder when minimum product levels are met.

These levels will vary based on the type of product and ultimately change over time based on supply and demand. Your reorder point is ultimately calculated by the sum of your lead time for products and your safety stock.

Safety stock is used in case of emergencies. For instance, if there is a shipping delay for a needed product, your company would use the safety stock to not disrupt the distribution of your goods or service. Safety stock exists alongside your minimum inventory levels and is essential for determining reorder points.

Cycle counts

Keeping your data up to date requires regular cycle counting. Cycle counting allows you to conduct regular audits of actual inventory to ensure accuracy in your reporting. Unlike spot checking, cycle counting is an ongoing inventory audit.

Ultimately, cycle counting benefits companies through accurate accounting and operational efficiency. As an essential component of inventory control, it verifies stock levels are correct, identifies areas for cost savings, and points out wasted resources.

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While companies can implement manual cycle counting, the true power lies in automated cycle counting. For Schwing America, automating cycle counting led to a huge benefit. The company quickly experienced 42% increased picking efficiency and world-class 99.8% picking accuracy.

Integration of purchasing and inventory control

Inventory management continues to be top of mind. 58% of Digital Inventory Report respondents intend to invest in projects focused on implementing better inventory control.

One way to accomplish this goal is through the integration of purchasing and inventory control operations. Using data and forecasting to inform purchasing leads to improved accuracy, increased efficiency, and a reduction in costs.

To properly integrate your company’s purchasing and inventory control processes, start with an inventory control plan. This plan should look at the full life of your product, from purchasing to sale. Utilize purchasing forecasting to help drive strategy for your plan and update it often based on shifting market demands.

This plan should also identify metrics to track in order to determine success. These joint performance metrics will ensure all teams have the same view of success and the necessary data to make strategic decisions.

Another crucial conversation to have between purchasing and inventory control is the balance and benefit of stock on hand. By outlining your key performance metrics and overall goals, these teams can find the right balance between storing stock in the warehouse versus avoiding not having the needed supplies on hand.

Once you have your plan in place, it’s time to invest in an inventory management system. A mobile inventory management system will allow all parties to access data anytime, anywhere.

Look for an automated system that includes:

• Auto replenishment features
• Safety stock calculations
• Integration into business-critical systems
• Wireless barcode integration
• Data metrics
• Multiple user support
• Tracking and forecasting options

The goal of an inventory management system is to align to a single source of truth that both inventory control and purchasing can use to make strategic decisions. By streamlining your data, you can see total inventory costs, product performance, budget, and more.

The Importance of Efficient Inventory Control

Inventory is the lifeblood of an organization. It also can cause numerous headaches and be a drain on resources and staff. By aligning purchasing with inventory management operations, companies can achieve a holistic look at their supply chain and its future opportunities.

Purchasing gives awareness into inventory operations from the beginning of the product life cycle and can inform upcoming decisions based on forecasting and planning.

Successful companies should look to integrate their purchasing and inventory control operations through solid planning and the implementation of a mobile inventory management system to streamline efforts across the organization. Businesses that fail to automate inventory processes risk falling behind competitors that have already embraced fully digital strategies.

The post Maximizing Inventory Efficiency Through Strategic Purchasing appeared first on RFgen.

One key aspect of SCM is order management, which plays a crucial role in facilitating the smooth flow of products and services throughout the supply chain.

In this guide, we will delve into the importance of order management in SCM, discuss its benefits and challenges, and outline best practices to optimize order management processes.

What is Order Management in Supply Chain Management?

Order management in SCM refers to the process of efficiently managing and tracking customer orders from initial placement to final delivery. It encompasses various activities, including order processing, inventory management, shipment, and customer service.

By effectively managing orders, your company can ensure timely and accurate deliveries. On-time orders that are error-free lead to higher customer satisfaction and improved supply chain performance.

Key components of order management include:

• Order capture: Receiving and recording customer orders through various channels, such as phone, email, e-commerce platforms, or contractually agreed-upon terms.
• Order processing: Verifying order details, checking inventory availability, and coordinating with suppliers and manufacturers to fulfill the order.
• Order fulfillment: Picking, packing, and shipping the products to the customer.
• Order tracking: Monitoring the progress of orders and providing customers with real-time updates.
• Customer service: Handling inquiries, complaints, and returns related to orders, such as RMAs.

The importance of order management in SCM cannot be overstated. It directly impacts your ability to satisfy customer demands and maintain a seamless flow of goods and services.

Benefits of Effective Order Management

Implementing efficient order management processes can yield numerous benefits. The top five include:

1. Improved customer satisfaction: Timely and accurate deliveries lead to higher customer satisfaction, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
2. Increased efficiency and productivity: Streamlining order management processes can eliminate bottlenecks and redundancies, leading to greater efficiency and productivity in the supply chain.
3. Enhanced inventory management: Effective order management allows for better visibility into inventory levels, enabling businesses to optimize stock levels and reduce holding costs.
4. Better supplier relationships: Efficient communication and collaboration with suppliers can improve order accuracy and lead times, fostering stronger and more reliable supplier partnerships.
5. Improved financial performance: By minimizing order errors and delays, businesses can reduce costs associated with returns, stockouts, and excess inventory, ultimately boosting their bottom line.

Best Practices for Improving Order Picking Speed & Accuracy

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Common Challenges in Order Management

Despite its importance, effectively managing orders is a common challenge. Common issues include:

• Disjointed systems and processes: A lack of integration between different departments and systems can result in inefficiencies and errors in order management.
• Inaccurate data: Poor data quality can lead to order errors, stock discrepancies, and delayed deliveries.
• Poor communication: Inadequate communication between different stakeholders, such as suppliers, manufacturers, and customers, can result in misunderstandings and delays.
• Unforeseen disruptions: External factors, such as natural disasters, economic downturns, or global pandemics, can disrupt supply chain operations and impact order management processes.

To overcome these challenges and optimize order management processes, businesses should consider implementing the following best practices:

Best Practices for Order Management in SCM

• Streamlining order processing: Simplify and standardize order processing procedures to reduce errors and inefficiencies.
• Utilizing technology for automation: Implement mobile order management software that includes order management automation to eliminate repetitive tasks and enhance visibility into order status.
• Ensuring data accuracy: Regularly audit and update order and inventory data to maintain accuracy and reduce the likelihood of errors. Barcode software helps perfect data capture and validate inventory levels at every stage.
• Establishing effective communication channels: Facilitate open communication between all stakeholders in the supply chain, including suppliers, manufacturers, and customers, to ensure smooth order management and prompt resolution of issues.
• Building robust supplier relationships: Develop strong partnerships with suppliers through transparent communication, collaboration, and mutually beneficial agreements to improve order accuracy and lead times.

Future of Order Management in SCM

As technology continues to evolve, the future of order management in SCM will likely be shaped by the following trends:

• Advancements in technology and automation: Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and robotic process automation (RPA), will further automate order management processes and enhance supply chain efficiency.
• Smarter mobile apps: Mobile solutions for automating order management will continue to expand in sophistication and ease of use, amplifying efficiency and workforce productivity.
• Emphasis on data analytics and predictive modeling: Leveraging advanced analytics and predictive models can help businesses better anticipate customer demand, optimize inventory levels, and reduce lead times.
• Implementation of blockchain technology: Blockchain technology can improve traceability and transparency in the supply chain, enabling more secure and accurate order management.
• Growing need for sustainability in supply chain operations: Companies will increasingly prioritize sustainable practices in their supply chain, such as reducing waste and emissions, which can also enhance order management efficiency. Automation software is inherently more eco-friendly than paper processes.

Learn more about order management software and automation.

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Mastering Order Management in the Supply Chain

Effective order management is an essential aspect of supply chain management with far-reaching implications for customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and financial performance. By understanding the key components and challenges of order management, businesses can implement best practices and leverage automation technologies to optimize their order management processes. As the SCM landscape continues to evolve, companies that prioritize order management will be better equipped to adapt to changing market conditions and maintain a competitive edge in the future.

The post Mastering Order Management in Supply Chain Management: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on RFgen.

1. A Brief History of Barcode Software for JD Edwards
2. Advantages of JD Edwards Barcode Software
3. Barcoding 101 for JD Edwards
4. Industry-Specific Applications
5. JD Edwards Barcoding Best Practices
6. Integration with Other Software
7. Real-World Case Studies
8. Future of JD Edwards Barcoding

Barcode technology has revolutionized the way businesses manage their inventory, streamline their supply chains, and improve operational efficiencies. In today’s fast-paced business environment, the need for accurate, reliable, and efficient inventory management has never been more critical.

JD Edwards barcode software drives operational performance through mobile automation. Leveraging barcoding technology and mobile inventory software drives operational excellence while maximizing the bottom line.

With JD Edwards barcode software, organizations can automate supply chain processes, including inventory management, order processing, and shipping. Data captured from scanning barcodes and other automated data collection methods updates JD Edwards in real time. This greatly simplifies accuracy and visibility across the supply chain.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore JD Edwards barcode software, its history, advantages, best practices, industry-specific applications, and real-life case studies.

A Brief History of Barcode Software for JD Edwards

The first barcode was invented in 1948 by Normal Woodland and Bernard Silver. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that barcode technology became widely used in retail, thanks to the introduction of the Universal Product Code (UPC).

That takes us to 1977, when enterprise resource planning (ERP) software company JD Edwards was founded by Jack Thompson, Dan Gregory, and Ed McVaney. The company was named after McVaney’s middle name, Josephat, and his wife’s maiden name, Edwards.

In its early days, the software company focused on developing accounting software for IBM’s mid-range computers, which were popular in the manufacturing industry. In the 1980s, the company expanded its product offerings to include manufacturing and distribution software. This helped JD Edwards become one of the leading ERP software providers in the market.

During the 1990s, JD Edwards continued to expand its product offerings with the release of its flagship product, JD Edwards World. It was during this time that barcode software began to be integrated into ERP platforms like JD Edwards.

In 1997, the company went public and was later acquired by PeopleSoft in 2003. Oracle acquired the platform in 2005, making JD Edwards a part of Oracle’s suite of enterprise software solutions. Later, JD Edwards released its latest product, JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, which can be deployed both on-premises or in the cloud.

Today, JD Edwards is still widely used in manufacturing and distribution, along with an essential tool: barcode software.

Advantages of JD Edwards Barcode Software

JD Edwards barcode software offers numerous benefits to businesses in all industries. Barcode scanning automates data collection to ensure perfect capture instantly, eliminating the need for paper or manual processes. Mobile barcoding takes automation one step further with point-and-scan mobile apps. The benefits of this automation are numerous.

Some of the top advantages of barcode software include:

• Increased Accuracy. Automating the data collection process eliminates the possibility of human errors, such as incorrect data entry or mislabeling of products.
• Improved Efficiency. Automation streamlines inventory control processes, reducing the amount of time and resources required for handling.
• Increased Productivity. Barcode scanning is much faster than manual data entry. A 30-minute task can be reduced to a couple of seconds, allowing employees to spend more time on higher-value activities.
• Improved Customer Service. Gains in accuracy and efficiency help businesses provide faster and more accurate service to customers, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Cost Savings. Accuracy and efficiency boosts translate directly to reduced waste, and lower overhead, carrying, and labor costs—not to mention fewer mistakes.

How to Bridge Gaps in JDE Functionality with Mobile Barcoding

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Barcoding 101 for JD Edwards

Barcodes are machine-readable codes that use a series of bars and spaces of varying widths to represent data. Barcodes are typically printed on labels or tags and can be scanned using a barcode scanner. There are different types of barcodes, including UPC (Universal Product Code), EAN (European Article Number), Code 128, Code 39, and others.

1-D barcodes, also known as linear barcodes, are the most common type. They can be found on virtually any product on the market, most commonly in the form of a UPC in retail and the Code 39 used in logistics and inventory management.

2-D barcodes, also known as matrix or stacked barcodes, are more complex and hold more data. They contain a pattern of squares, dots, or hexagons that represent data or information. Examples of 2-D barcodes include the Data Matrix and PDF417 used in manufacturing and logistics, and the QR code (“Quick Response”) for smartphone cameras.

JD Edwards barcode software supports a wide range of barcode types and can be customized to meet the specific needs of different industries. Solutions like RFgen include on-demand barcode generators and printers for mobile devices to help ensure maximum productivity and labeling compliance.

A key advantage of mobile barcoding is its ability to seamlessly integrate with JD Edwards, as well as other enterprise software systems and ERP platforms. Data captured via barcode scans, RFID, or other automated data collection methods keep JD Edwards accurate at all times, even while operating offline.

Industry-Specific Applications

JD Edwards barcode software can be used in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, distribution, food and beverage, aerospace and defense, oil and gas, and more. Other sectors, like healthcare, retail, and logistics also benefit.

The flexibility of mobile barcoding solutions allows for customization to suit any industry-specific supply chain requirements.

Here are some examples of how the software can be applied in different sectors:

Manufacturing

JD Edwards barcode software can streamline manufacturing processes by automating data collection, reducing manual errors, and enhancing inventory control. For instance, a manufacturer can use barcodes to track the movement of raw materials, monitor production progress, and manage finished goods inventory.

JD Edwards barcoding success stories

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Retail

JD Edwards barcode software can also help retailers streamline their operations, reduce costs, and improve customer experience. For example, retailers can use barcode scanning to speed up the checkout process, improve inventory accuracy, and manage their supply chain more effectively.

Healthcare

Barcode scanning software helps JD Edwards users in the healthcare sector improve patient safety, enhance medication management, and automate data collection. For instance, hospitals can use barcode scanning to track patient care, reduce medication errors, cycle count stock levels, and manage medical supply inventory and consignment stock.

Logistics

For logistics, JD Edwards barcode software optimizes inbound and outbound warehouse operations. Order fulfillment benefits from reduced errors and fewer chargebacks or returns. Many logistics companies use barcodes to track shipments and manage inventory, improving supply chain visibility.

JD Edwards Barcoding Best Practices

To get the most out of JD Edwards barcode software, it’s essential to follow best practices. Here are some tips to help you implement and use barcoding effectively:

Barcode Design

A well-designed barcode is critical for accurate scanning and data capture. It should be easy to read and accurately represent the product or item being tracked. To ensure optimal readability, barcodes should be printed at an appropriate size and resolution, and the barcode symbology used should match the scanner being used.

Barcode Scanning Techniques

Proper scanning technique is essential for accurate data capture. Scanners should be held perpendicular to the barcode, with the scan line centered horizontally across the barcode. The scanner should be moved smoothly across the barcode at a moderate speed. Multiple scans may be necessary to capture data accurately.

Industrial-grade devices are more likely to scan correctly the first time, even from distances of up to several dozen feet away.

Barcode Hardware Maintenance

Barcode scanners and printers require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. This includes cleaning the scanner lens and printer head, regularly calibrating the scanner, and replacing worn or damaged parts as needed. Proper maintenance can keep industrial barcode scanners functioning for 5 years or more.

Training and Education

Proper training on new barcode software is a must. Employees should be trained on how to use scanners and interpret barcode data, as well as the importance of accurate data entry. Fortunately, mobile apps are easy to learn and simple to use and often come with built-in data validations to prevent errors.

Integration with Other Software

Integration with other enterprise business systems is a critical consideration when evaluating barcoding solutions for JD Edwards. It’s important to connect barcode data with the organization’s larger software ecosystem to ensure data is always up to date.

Reliable data is the basis for effective decision-making and crystal-clear visibility across the supply chain. Both areas factor into optimizations in procurement, production planning, distribution, and profit margins.

Barcode systems purpose-built for JD Edwards, like the solutions offered by RFgen Software, can be integrated with a wide range of other technologies. Essentially, any system that collects or communicates data can be automated and integrated into mobile software that shuttles information to and from JD Edwards in real time.

Mobile barcoding seamlessly integrates with:

• Multiple ERP platforms: Oracle’s JD Edwards, E-Business Suite, Oracle SCM Cloud, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics 365 SCM, Deltek Costpoint
• Warehouse and production systems: IMS, WMS, legacy databases, QMS, TMS, and more
• Physical automation devices: IoT/IIoT, carousels, scales, autonomous vehicles, cobots, etc.

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Advanced JD Edwards Solutions

RFgen mobile software can also be used to augment JD Edwards with unique or complex functionality, filling capability gaps and preserving legacy workflows when migrating between ERPs. Built on a robust mobile platform with prebuilt applications, even advanced solutions can be quickly tailored to meet unique processes and deployed to end-users.

Most often, JD Edwards customers are seeking some of the functionality provided by other systems or ERP modules, but either do not need a full version of that system or do not have the internal resources to implement it. In either case, RFgen adopters can gain the desired functionality with advanced solutions such as:

License Plating

The RFgen License Plating solution greatly accelerates inventory flows and traceability. A license plate is a master barcode assigned to a group of items to enable single-scan bulk movements while retaining granular data points of each individual item in the license plate number (LPN).

Everything You Need to Know About License Plating

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Advanced Warehousing: WMS Alternative

For businesses that can’t spare the expense or heavy lift required to implement a full WMS solution, RFgen Warehouse Director provides a more flexible, cost-effective alternative that helps build a more intelligent, automated warehouse. The RFgen Warehouse Director equips facilities with directed-movement capabilities that automatically “direct” workers to the optimal locations for put-away, replenishment, picking, and cross-docking.

Gain Essential WMS Functionality at a Fraction of the Cost

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Low-Code Mobile App Development

RFgen Mobile Development Studio empowers internal technical teams with the ability to build, configure, and maintain mobile apps in-house. Simple drag-and-drop functionality and repeatable components that automatically scale to different screen sizes help reduce development lifecycles by up to 95%.

Real-World Case Studies

Next, let’s look at several examples of how JD Edwards mobile barcoding has been successfully implemented in multiple industries and operational types.

Here are just a few examples:

Success in Manufacturing: Clif Bar & Company

Clif Bar & Company, a maker of organic and natural energy bars, implemented RFgen’s mobile data collection software to automate their inventory management and streamline production within their JD Edwards system. The new mobile software allowed Clif Bar to scan barcodes, track inventory in real time, and perform inventory counts more efficiently, resulting in significant cost savings and increased productivity.

Eliminating manual data entry errors improved accuracy, enabling real-time visibility into inventory levels. Trustworthy information could then be used to make data-driven decisions and respond quickly to changing market demands. The end results included lower overhead, efficiency gains, digital transformation, and enhanced sustainability.

Watch the video:

Success in Food & Beverage: Caito Foods

Fresh food distributor Caito Foods implemented RFgen’s JD Edwards barcode software to achieve fast, flawless traceability, from farm to fork. In addition to achieving full compliance with government regulatory requirements, the company also enhanced operations at distribution centers with optimized pick, pack, and ship processes.

Making the leap from paper processes to digital inventory enabled Caito Foods to generate accurate, up-to-the-minute reports. Intuitive, easy-to-use mobile apps for advanced inventory control also meant 77% shorter training times for new hires and seasonal workers.

Watch the video: 

Success in Distribution: Life Extension

Finding their manual processes and paper notes untenable for inventory management, Life Extension mobilized inventory and lot control in the warehouse with RFgen mobile barcoding for JD Edwards. The new system optimized warehouse operations, increased productivity, and dramatically improved inventory accuracy.

Inventory could now be controlled from item-level to lot-level in real time. This meant full visibility into material movements and accelerated throughput. The ability to conduct bulk picking and directed picking added additional layers of efficiency, unlocking company growth.

Watch the video: 

Other Success Stories

RFgen’s mobile barcoding solutions have helped thousands of companies streamline their operations and achieve 99.9% accuracy and gains of 30% efficiency and worker productivity, or more.

Explore these case studies below:

• Myers Tire Supply, a just-in-time tire redistributor, saw a significant transformation in its fast-paced operations reducing inventory adjustments by 80%.
• National Food Products Company (NFPC), a food and beverage company in the United Arab Emirates, greatly reduced inventory handling time to generate significant cost savings.
• Capstone Nutrition, a manufacturer of nutritional supplements, improved quality control while boosting productivity by 50%.
• Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery, a premium winemaker in Washington state, enhanced lot traceability with RFgen License Plating solutions.
• Trident Seafoods, a seafood processing and distribution company, added 24/7 Continuous Availability to their solution for round-the-clock offline inventory control.

In each of these cases, RFgen’s mobile barcoding solution for JD Edwards helped the company improve performance, cut costs, and stay competitive in their respective industries.

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The Future of JD Edwards Barcoding

JD Edwards barcode software is a crucial tool for businesses looking to increase efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings. Mobile devices are increasingly being used as barcode scanners to simplify workflows and reduce costs.

Looking ahead, enterprise users will continue to integrate newer technologies into their JDE stack. Mobile apps have already proved instrumental in helping to connect these diverse technologies into a single, holistic environment, from IoT/IIoT data collection to industrial computers and robotic scales.

While many JD Edwards users are worried about the future of software as time goes on, rest assured that the right mobile barcoding solution can help you extend the value and life of your technology investment.

Regardless of your needs, RFgen software is easy to use and quickly configurable to unique processes, no matter how complex. To stay competitive in today’s world, companies running on JD Edwards need real-time data and perfect accuracy to remain profitable. By staying up-to-date with the latest mobile barcoding solutions, these businesses can ensure they are well-positioned to take advantage of all the benefits that mobile barcoding has to offer, now and in the future.

The post Unlocking the Power of JD Edwards Barcode Software: A Comprehensive Guide to Boosting Accuracy, Efficiency, and Cost Savings Across Industries appeared first on RFgen.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of order picking in warehouse management and how speed and accuracy impact warehouse efficiency. We will also explore the best practices for improving order picking speed and accuracy, as well as strategies for integrating these improvements. Finally, we will discuss the future of order picking in warehouse management and the advancements that are shaping the industry.

Analyzing Current Order Picking Process

If your warehouse picks inventory for orders, then you are probably familiar with your order picking process. Even so, before implementing any improvements, it’s essential to analyze your current order picking process to identify areas of improvement.

Be sure to measure current order picking metrics, such as:

• Picking accuracy
• Picking rate
• Fill rate
• On-time rate
• Travel time

You may also need to evaluate other relevant inventory KPIs. For example:

• Inventory accuracy / error rate
• Order turnaround / cycle time
• Cost per order

And any other metrics valuable to your operation.

Once these core KPIs have been baselined, then you can identify areas where improvements can be made. Additionally, observing the process and collecting feedback from employees can provide valuable insights into areas of inefficiency and potential improvements.

Tools and techniques for analyzing the current process include:

• Time-motion studies. This involves analyzing the time required for each step of the order picking process.
• Process mapping. Visually map out the entire order picking process to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
• Value stream mapping. Similar to process mapping, value stream mapping analyzes the entire value stream, from receiving raw materials to delivering finished products to customers.

Best Practices for Improving Order Picking Speed

Optimize Warehouse Layout to Reduce Wait & Walk Time

Minimizing travel time and distance is one of the most effective ways to improve order picking speed. Strategies for minimizing travel time and distance include optimizing warehouse layout, reducing the number of aisles, and grouping frequently picked items together.

Optimizing warehouse layout can reduce travel time by minimizing the distance between locations and reducing the number of aisles that pickers need to navigate.

Focus on Productivity to Accelerate Speed

Improving order picking productivity is another way to increase order picking speed. Common strategies to achieve this involve implementing smarter picking methods.

For instance, optimizing pick routes or implementing batch picking are two highly effective ways to elevate picking speed. Arranging pick locations in a logical sequence to minimize the time and distance required to complete the order is a low-cost first step. Batch picking may require assistance from inventory software to enable picking multiple orders simultaneously.

Intelligent mobile software capable of streamlining pick paths with advanced picking methods like batch picking, wave picking, or multi-order picking, can be especially transformative in this area.

Other solutions, like pick-to-light or voice picking technology, are more expensive but worthwhile in certain high-volume operations.

Best Practices for Improving Order Picking Accuracy

Order picking accuracy is critical to maintaining customer satisfaction and reducing returns and rework. To improve order picking accuracy, consider making changes to these areas of your operation:

• Utilize new technologies
• Procedure standardization
• New quality control measure
• Employee training and engagement

Implementing new barcode software that includes mobile picking apps is by far the best way to maximize picking accuracy to 99.9% and above. Although it may require budget to invest in a new picking solution, most mobile technologies include built-in best practices. Software automatically ensures procedure standardization, quality control, and validated data. Training can be up to 80% shorter for new hires than learning to pick orders manually.

That said, standardizing procedures, such as using standard operating procedures (SOPs), can also help improve order picking accuracy by providing clear guidelines for picking and reducing the risk of errors. Standardization enables scalability and simplifies training.

Implementing quality control measures, such as double-checking items and verifying quantities, can also improve order picking accuracy. Here, automated data collection for scales, conveyors, and RFID can be useful.

Employee training and engagement are critical to improving order picking accuracy. Providing employees with proper training and engaging them in the improvement process can increase their motivation and sense of ownership, resulting in fewer errors. Confirming that they know how to use new mobile solutions will help workers reach full productivity as soon as possible.

Integration of Speed and Accuracy Strategies

When implementing improvements to the order picking process, be sure to balance speed and accuracy. While improving speed can increase efficiency, it can also increase the risk of errors. Therefore, it is essential to integrate strategies for improving both speed and accuracy.

Strategies for integrating speed and accuracy improvements include analyzing data to identify areas for improvement, prioritizing improvements based on their impact on speed and accuracy, and monitoring performance metrics to ensure improvements are sustainable.

Again, mobile software is an effective means of optimization, since it can increase speed and accuracy by 30% or more.

Order Picking Case Studies

Case studies of successful implementations can provide valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of integrating speed and accuracy strategies.

For example, vitamin supplement company Life Extension implemented a mobile solution that enabled automated cycle counting and advanced picking. Directed picking and bulk picking functionality accelerated order efficiency and speed while also improving quality, visibility, and more.

Watch the Life Extension success story below:

In another use case, UAE food and beverage company National Food Products (NFPC) leveraged mobile barcoding to gain outbound visibility and speed in picking and shipping operations. The software also ensured these processes would confirm to FEFO (first expiry, first out) rules to prevent spoilage of finished goods.

Future of Order Picking in Warehouse Management

Advancements in automation and robotics are shaping the future of order picking in warehouse management. Technology can improve both speed and accuracy by reducing the need for human labor and increasing the efficiency of the order picking process.

For example, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) can be used to transport items between pick locations, while robotic arms can be used to pick items.

For most operations though, advanced robotics are more science fiction than reality. Mobile warehouse software is a more reasonable alternative for most companies. Not only is mobile software cost-effective, solutions like RFgen are exceptionally fast to implement and can be expanded indefinitely with new capabilities.

The importance of data analytics and predictive modeling is also growing in warehouse management. Data analytics can help identify areas of inefficiency and potential improvements, while predictive modeling can forecast demand and optimize inventory management.

Implementing blockchain technology can also provide greater visibility and transparency in the supply chain. However, at present, blockchain remains out of reach for many since it requires buy-in from all members of the blockchain ledger to be valid. For now, this remains a barrier to wider adoption.

Finally, there is a growing need for sustainability in warehouse operations. Implementing sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources and reducing waste, can help reduce costs and improve efficiency while also contributing to long-term environmental sustainability.

Don’t Overlook Order Picking Practices

Order picking is a critical process in warehouse management that has a significant impact on warehouse efficiency, customer satisfaction, and business profitability. Improving order picking speed and accuracy can result in increased productivity, reduced errors, and greater customer satisfaction. Best practices are essential to streamlining overhead costs and quality. Equally essential is finding a balance between speed and accuracy.

The future of order picking in warehouse management is shaped by advancements in automation and robotics, data analytics and predictive modeling, and the growing need for sustainability. Implementing best practices and embracing advancements can help warehouse managers improve the order picking process and stay competitive in the industry.

The post Efficiently Picking Your Way to Success: Best Practices for Improving Order Picking Speed and Accuracy in Warehouse Management appeared first on RFgen.

In recent years, many companies have become more aware of the benefits of changing packaging, from reducing costs to improving sustainability.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of changing packaging for businesses, using the MECE framework to break down the benefits into four key categories: cost savings, enhanced product protection, improved sustainability, and enhanced customer experience.

Benefits of Changing Packaging

1. Cost Savings

One of the most significant benefits of changing packaging is the potential for cost savings. There are several ways to achieve this, such as reducing costs associated with materials and shipping.

Reduction in Material Costs

One way in which businesses can reduce material costs is by using recyclable or biodegradable materials for their packaging. This can reduce the cost of purchasing new materials, as well as the cost of disposing of old materials.

In addition, using sustainable materials can improve a company’s reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Reduced Shipping Costs

Another way changes in packaging can lead to savings is by reducing shipping costs. For instance, lowering the weight and size of packaging can result in lower shipping fees and reduced fuel consumption.

Warehouse barcode software that can generate multiple types of barcode labels on-demand can help improve labeling compliance and minimize lost products in the supply chain as well.

These changes help free up space in warehouses and storage facilities as well, further reducing overhead costs.

2. Enhanced Product Protection

Changing packaging also offers the potential for enhanced product protection. Better protection helps improve product quality and reduce damage, in turn leading to cost savings and improved customer satisfaction.

Reduced Product Damage

By using protective packaging and improving package design, businesses can reduce the likelihood of product damage during shipping, handling, and storage. This can be achieved through shock-absorbing materials and improved package design, such as by adding more padding or cushioning.

Improved Product Quality

Less damaged product improves quality because there are fewer customer complaints and product returns. Fewer returns save money in handling, storage, processing, and shipping.

Having software that can track products and ensure order quality and timely return processing can help save additional costs as well.

3. Improved Sustainability

Changing packaging can also improve sustainability, reducing environmental impact and increasing appeal to “green” conscious consumers.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

By using sustainable materials and reducing package waste, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and appeal to consumers who prioritize environmental responsibility. This can lead to improved brand perception and increased customer loyalty.

Improved Environmental Impact

In addition to reducing their carbon footprint, businesses can also improve their environmental impact by using biodegradable materials and reducing package waste. This can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and improve overall environmental health.

4. Enhanced Customer Experience

Finally, changing packaging can improve the overall customer experience based on improved perceptions of the brand.

Improved Brand Perception

Using sustainable materials and attractive package designs helps improve their brand perception and appeal to consumers. Benefits include increased brand awareness and more a favorable public disposition to the company as a whole.

Increased Brand Loyalty

In addition to improving brand perception, businesses can also increase customer loyalty by using unique or personalized packaging. This can create a more memorable and enjoyable customer experience, leading to increased repeat business and customer referrals.

Case Studies

To better understand the benefits of changing packaging, let’s look at some real-world examples of businesses that have successfully implemented changes to their packaging:

Case Study 1: Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is one of the world’s largest beverage companies, with a significant global presence. In recent years, the company has implemented several changes to its packaging, including a shift towards more sustainable materials and smaller package sizes.

By using more sustainable materials, such as plant-based plastics and recycled materials, Coca-Cola has been able to reduce its environmental impact and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. The company has also reduced the size of its packages, which has led to cost savings in shipping and storage, as well as reduced waste.

These changes have not only improved Coca-Cola’s sustainability and cost efficiency, but also its brand perception. By appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and creating more efficient packaging, Coca-Cola has been able to maintain a strong brand image and increase customer loyalty.

Case Study 2: Apple

Apple is one of the world’s most recognizable technology companies, known for its innovative products and sleek design. In recent years, the company has made changes to its packaging in order to improve its sustainability and customer experience.

One notable change has been the use of more sustainable materials in its packaging, such as recycled paper and soy-based ink. Apple has also reduced the size of its packaging, which has led to cost savings in shipping and storage, as well as reduced waste.

In addition to improving its sustainability, Apple has used changes in packaging to enhance its customer experience. Apple fans are familiar with the company’s unique and memorable packaging designs for its products, such as the iconic white box for its iPhones.

These designs not only improve the overall customer experience, but also serve as a marketing tool for the company by creating instant brand recognition.

Case Study 3: Procter & Gamble

Procter & Gamble is a consumer goods company that produces a wide range of household and personal care products. In recent years, the company has made changes to its packaging in order to reduce waste and improve its environmental impact.

One notable change has been the use of concentrated formulas for its laundry detergents, which has allowed the company to reduce the size of its packaging by up to 50%. This has not only led to cost savings in shipping and storage, but also reduced waste and improved the company’s sustainable practices.

In addition to reducing the size of its packaging, Procter & Gamble has also used sustainable materials in its packaging, such as recycled plastic and paper. Many of its newly developed packaging designs, such as its “Fiber-Friendly” packaging for Pampers diapers, are now easy to recycle.

These changes have not only improved Procter & Gamble’s sustainability and cost efficiency, but also its brand perception. By appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and creating more efficient packaging, Procter & Gamble has been able to maintain a strong brand image and increase customer loyalty.

Case Study 4: Patagonia

Sustainability is a core component of Patagonia’s brand identity. In recent years, the clothing and outdoor gear company has made changes to its packaging with the aim of reducing waste and its environmental impact.

One notable change has been the use of recycled and biodegradable materials in its packaging through its “Common Threads” program, which encourages customers to return their old Patagonia clothing for recycling or repair.

Patagonia also reduced the size of its packaging and eliminated excess packaging materials, like plastic bags and hang tags.

In addition, changes to product packaging have enhanced Patagonia’s customer experience by creating noteworthy packaging designs. For example, its “Footprint Chronicles” tags provide information about the environmental impact of each product.

These changes contribute to improvements in Patagonia’s sustainability initiatives, customer experience, and brand identity. By prioritizing sustainability and creating unique packaging designs, Patagonia has been able to differentiate itself from competitors and increase market appeal.

Final Thoughts

Changing packaging can have a range of benefits for businesses, from cost savings to improved sustainability and customer experience. By using sustainable materials, reducing package size and weight, and creating attractive and unique packaging designs, businesses can reduce their environmental impact, improve their brand perception, and increase customer loyalty. These changes not only benefit the bottom line, but also contribute to a more sustainable and responsible global economy.

The post Packaging for the Planet: The Benefits of Sustainable & Innovative Packaging for Businesses appeared first on RFgen.

This is where traceability comes in. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to supply chain traceability, including its importance, benefits, challenges, and how it works.

Part 1: Understanding Supply Chain Traceability

To begin with, we will define what supply chain traceability is and explain why it is important to businesses and consumers.

Definition and Explanation of Supply Chain Traceability

Supply chain traceability is the ability to track and trace the movement of goods and materials throughout the supply chain, from raw materials to its final destination. It involves collecting and analyzing data at every stage of the supply chain to ensure that products are made safely, ethically, and sustainably.

The primary goal of supply chain traceability is to enhance transparency and accountability, making it easier for companies to manage risk, reduce waste, and ensure that their products are safe for consumers.

Why Supply Chain Traceability is Important

Supply chain traceability is important for several reasons. For one, it helps businesses manage risk by providing greater visibility. It also helps companies ensure that their products are made safely, ethically, and sustainably, which can enhance customer trust and brand reputation. It can also help companies reduce waste, increase efficiency, and enhance their sustainability efforts.

Benefits of Implementing Supply Chain Traceability

The benefits of implementing supply chain traceability include:

• Greater visibility into the supply chain
• Improved risk management
• Enhanced sustainability efforts
• Reduced waste
• Increased efficiency
• Enhanced customer trust and brand reputation

Challenges of Implementing Supply Chain Traceability

While supply chain traceability offers many benefits, implementing it can be challenging. Some of the biggest challenges include:

• Limited visibility into supplier networks
• Difficulty collecting and analyzing data
• Lack of standardized data formats
• High costs of implementing new technologies and tools

Part 2: Elements of Supply Chain Traceability

The key to implementing traceability is to understand its main components. Here we will discuss the four main components of supply chain traceability: raw material tracking, production tracking, distribution tracking, and consumer tracking.

Raw Material Tracking

Raw material tracking is the process of tracing the origins of the materials used in a product. This involves collecting data on the source of each material, including the country of origin, the supplier, and the conditions under which it was produced.

Production Tracking

Production tracking involves tracing the movement of a product throughout the manufacturing process. This involves collecting data on the materials used, the processes involved, and the people involved in the production process. This data is used to identify any potential issues or inefficiencies in the manufacturing process.

Distribution Tracking

Distribution tracking involves tracing the movement of a product from the manufacturing plant to its final destination. This includes tracking the transportation of the product, the conditions under which it was transported, and any potential issues that may have arisen during the transportation process.

Consumer Tracking

Consumer tracking involves tracking the movement of a product after it has been purchased by a customer. This includes tracking how the product is used, how long it lasts, and any issues that may have arisen with the product.

How to Implement These Components in a Supply Chain

Implementing these components requires collecting and analyzing data at each stage of the supply chain. This can be done manually or through the use of various technologies and tools, such as barcodes, RFID tags, and blockchain.

Technologies and Tools for Supply Chain Traceability

There are several technologies and tools that can create means of track-and trace. These include:

• Barcodes: Barcodes can be used to track products and materials throughout the supply chain and validate inventory levels.
• RFID: RFID tags can be used to track products and materials in real time, providing greater visibility for expensive materials.
• Blockchain: Blockchain technology can be used to create a transparent and secure ledger of supply chain data.
• GPS: GPS can be used to track the movement of products and materials throughout the supply chain, particularly while in-transit or out for delivery.

Part 3: The Impact of Supply Chain Traceability

In this section, we will discuss the impact of supply chain traceability on sustainability, product quality and safety, consumer trust, and brand reputation.

Impact on Sustainability and the Environment

Supply chain traceability can help companies reduce waste, improve efficiency, and enhance their sustainability efforts. By identifying inefficiencies and potential waste in the supply chain, companies can take steps to reduce their environmental impact and improve their sustainability practices.

Impact on Product Quality and Safety

Supply chain traceability can help companies ensure that their products are made safely and meet regulatory requirements. By identifying potential issues in the supply chain, companies can take steps to address them before they become a problem.

Impact on Consumer Trust and Brand Reputation

Supply chain traceability can help enhance customer trust and brand reputation by providing greater transparency and accountability in the supply chain. By providing customers with information about the products they buy, companies can build stronger relationships with their customers and enhance their brand reputation.

Part 4: Case Studies

In this section, we will provide real-world examples of supply chain traceability in action. We will discuss how companies have successfully created traceability in their supply chains and the impact it has had on their business and their customers.

1. Patagonia

Patagonia, an outdoor clothing company, has been a leader in implementing sustainable business practices. As part of its commitment to traceability, Patagonia launched its Footprint Chronicles project in 2007, which provides customers with detailed information about the environmental and social impact of each of its products. The project includes information about the materials used in each product, the manufacturing process, and the conditions under which it was produced. By providing greater transparency into its supply chain, Patagonia has enhanced its brand reputation and built a loyal customer base that values sustainability.

2. Walmart

Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, has implemented several initiatives to improve supply chain traceability. In 2017, Walmart launched its Project Gigaton initiative, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1 billion tons by 2030. As part of this initiative, Walmart is working with suppliers to implement sustainable business practices, such as reducing waste and improving energy efficiency. Walmart is also using blockchain technology to track the movement of food products, which can help improve food safety and reduce waste.

3. Nestle

Nestle, the world’s largest food and beverage company, has implemented several traceability initiatives in the supply chain. In 2019, Nestle announced that it would use satellite imagery to monitor its palm oil supply chain, which is a major driver of deforestation. This initiative is part of Nestle’s commitment to sourcing sustainable palm oil and ensuring that its products are produced ethically and sustainably. By implementing these initiatives, Nestle has enhanced its brand reputation and built stronger relationships with customers who value sustainability.

4. Bumble Bee Seafoods

Bumble Bee Seafoods, a major seafood company, has implemented a traceability program called Trace My Catch. This program allows customers to trace the journey of their seafood from the ocean to their plate. By providing greater supply chain transparency, Bumble Bee Seafoods has built stronger relationships with customers who value sustainability and ethical sourcing.

5. Unilever

Unilever, one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, has implemented several initiatives to improve supply chain traceability. In 2019, Unilever launched its Sustainable Living Plan, which includes a commitment to sourcing 100% of its agricultural raw materials sustainably. To achieve this goal, Unilever is working with suppliers to implement sustainable practices and is using blockchain technology to track the movement of raw materials throughout its supply chain.

6. Adidas

Adidas, a major sportswear company, has implemented a supply chain traceability program called Parley for the Oceans. This program involves collecting plastic waste from oceans and turning it into yarn, which is used to make Adidas products. By implementing this program, Adidas improved its brand reputation by implementing a more sustainable business model.

These companies demonstrate the benefits of implementing supply chain traceability, including enhanced transparency, improved customer trust, and a more sustainable business model. By collecting and analyzing data at every stage of the supply chain, companies can identify potential issues and inefficiencies, reduce waste, and create greater value for their customers.

Final Thoughts

Supply chain traceability is an essential part of modern business. By providing greater visibility, companies can manage risk, reduce waste, and enhance their sustainability efforts. It can also help companies ensure that their products are made safely, ethically, and sustainably, which can enhance customer trust and brand reputation. By understanding its key components and the technologies and tools that can be used to implement it, companies can enhance their business operations and create greater value for their customers.

The post Unpacking Supply Chain Traceability: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on RFgen.

• Just in Time Manufacturing is a business-centric approach focused on efficiency.
• Lean manufacturing emphasizes customer desires.
• Each type prioritizes the elimination of waste, improved efficiencies, and a focus on customer value.

When it comes to producing products, manufacturers have many options for the methodologies they adopt. Just-in-Time (JIT) Manufacturing and Lean Manufacturing are two of the most popular business processes. Although often used as synonyms, they differ significantly.

Just-in-Time Manufacturing focuses on the business side of improving the manufacturing process by lowering costs and reducing lag times.

Lean manufacturing places a focus on customer value across all departments including manufacturing, production, marketing, and distribution.

The main difference between the two comes down to approach. JIT is a business-centric approach focused on efficiency. Lean manufacturing is a customer-centric approach that focuses on using efficiency to add value to the customer.

How do you choose the right manufacturing method for your business? Let’s take a closer look at each to gain a better understanding of their differences.

The 7 Wasteful Manufacturing Practices

The first step in deciding which method to use is understanding the issues they address. There are seven identified wasteful manufacturing practices, more commonly known as the seven wastes:

1. Overproduction
2. Waiting
3. Transportation
4. Inappropriate Processing
5. Excessive Inventory
6. Unnecessary Motion
7. Defects

Understanding how your processes will work to alleviate the seven wastes is critical when deciding what philosophy to use.

Lean Manufacturing

Companies that implement lean manufacturing are looking to provide value to customers. Rather than concentrating solely on lowering a supplier’s costs, the emphasis shifts to what the consumer wants, so every step in the process is evaluated in terms of improving the customer experience.

The history of lean manufacturing has roots in the automotive industry. Henry Ford originally set up the auto dealer’s production around the flow of raw materials from beginning to end when the customer drove away in their new car. The process included standardization, reduction of waste, and just-in-time operations. These principles make up much of what lean manufacturing is today.

For instance, the first principle of lean manufacturing is to ensure every step of the process adds value to the customer. This respect for the customer has been found to increase input about items (like production design), leading to a more mutually beneficial outcome.

Eliminating wasteful materials and processes is another essential component. In lean manufacturing, the elimination of waste often means a serious look at inventory management. For lean manufacturers, products are produced as they are ordered, rather than kept in stock.

Streamlining production is another principle for lean manufacturers. After all, the ultimate goal for lean manufacturing is to improve the production process, resulting in a happier, more satisfied customer.

Benefits of Lean Manufacturing

Benefits of lean manufacturing methodology include inventory reduction, quality improvement and a more productive labor force. For Hewlett-Packard, the implementation of lean principles resulted in:

• 75% reduction in inventory
• 100% increase in production
• 50% reduction in labor costs

These numbers show how valuable lean manufacturing can be. But it only works with proper implementation. Effective inventory tracking software for production processes is also a must.

Common Implementation Mistakes

Manufacturers must watch for common implementation mistakes, including:

• Lack of strategy. Define objectives, define solvable problems, and set a detailed road map.
• Lack of employee participation. Lean manufacturing only works when employees at all levels are involved in the process.
• Not focusing on the right KPIs. Lean manufacturing focuses on things that drive value to the customer. Manufacturers must ensure they are focusing on these types of metrics and not becoming distracted by the vast amounts of data that exist.

Just-in-Time Manufacturing

The Just-in-Time Manufacturing methodology evaluates every step in the production process with the goal of lowering costs and reducing lag times.

Toyota is generally credited with introducing the JIT concept about 50 years ago in response to an initiative to reduce its inventory and lower operating costs.

JIT reduced Toyota’s lead time on orders by one-third and its production costs by 50%. But JIT’s success didn’t end there. Since its inception, the system proved so successful in other operations that it became a manufacturing staple.

WATCH VIDEO BELOW: A Toyota tracking tech success story –

Benefits of Just-in-Time Manufacturing

When manufacturers embrace JIT methodology, they are hoping to accomplish three things:

• Eliminate waste
• Remove variability
• Improve output

Rather than keep large amounts of components on hand to have when needed, companies place orders more frequently, in smaller quantities.

Ideally, the process flows so that parts arrive “Just In Time” for use (instead of stockpiling), dramatically lowering the volume of inventory in the pipeline. The result? Reduced overall carrying costs.

Common Implementation Mistakes of Just-in-Time Manufacturing

The main issue with JIT methodology is fairly straightforward. The success of this approach relies on precise ordering and stocking between the business and the supplier. If this coordination is off, there is no inventory buffer and production can be delayed.

Similarities Between Just-in-Time and Lean Manufacturing

Cornerstone to JIT and lean manufacturing methodologies is the need to eliminate waste and improve efficiency. In both philosophies, waste equates to anything that doesn’t add value to the customer.

By removing unnecessary items like excess inventory or the need for production storage, throughput is optimized for faster delivery throughout the production process.

Another similarity between JIT and lean manufacturing involves the priority on customer demand. This begins by understanding what the customer actually wants.

A major challenge faced by manufacturers is creating an accurate, real-time picture of where components are in the manufacturing cycle. With product variety expanding, delivery times shortening, mounting financial pressures and increasing customer demand and expectations, manufacturers must innovate or risk falling out of the competitive race altogether.

JIT and lean both fit in today’s emphasis on agility as well as the notion that supply chains and manufacturing processes must be responsive, flexible, and dynamic. This is critical to providing customer value throughout the manufacturing and inventory process.

This type of agility and visibility can be achieved with the right solution. Mobile data collection and manufacturing enablement solutions can help automate outdated paper processes and workflows. In addition, they can integrate existing business applications, create end-to-end material visibility, and empower real-time access via mobile devices.

Differences Between Just-in-Time and Lean Manufacturing

People Involved

JIT is mainly geared toward employees and partners involved in the manufacturing process—those on the floor as well as moving items through the supply chain.

Unlike JIT, lean manufacturing involves individuals that operate outside of the manufacturing process, such as marketing and customer service groups.

Production Process

Another difference between just-in-time and lean manufacturing processes is how they view the production process.

JIT was designed for processes that delivered one specific item with few variations. Therefore, the manufacturing processes and employee skill sets tend to be more rigid.

Lean offers more flexibility, emphasizing the production of larger or smaller amounts depending on fluctuating market needs. Consequently, manufacturing equipment needs to be flexible enough, so companies do not have to invest in specialized devices every time they want to launch a new product.

Also, employees must have a comprehensive view of the organization. Whereas shop floor workers only interact with factory equipment and workers, lean employees collaborate with individuals, marketing managers, and other positions inside and outside the plant walls.

Approach

Just-in-time manufacturing is more focused on specific aspects of production, namely inventory.

Lean manufacturing is much more comprehensive and holistic. With lean manufacturing, a supplier examines its manufacturing processes in search of ways to lengthen the product lifetime. For instance, they select a higher cost, longer-lasting element to make the product and meet those customer expectations.

Can lean and JIT be used together in manufacturing?

While JIT and lean manufacturing are different, manufacturers do not need to choose one over the other. JIT, while it can be used on its own, is often a part of lean methodology in manufacturing processes.

How to move forward with manufacturing methods

JIT and lean are two management approaches that help organizations evaluate and improve their operations.

Regardless of whether JIT or lean manufacturing works best for a business, embracing automation from the shop floor to the warehouse is important to move forward.

Exploring which manufacturing methodology is right for your company, allows you to review your full supply chain model, outline key success factors, and look to new strategies to help distinguish your business from the competition.

The post Lean vs JIT: Understanding the Differences and Choosing the Right Manufacturing Method for Your Business appeared first on RFgen.

• Consignment inventory is distributed inventory to a retailer from a supplier, without the supplier transferring ownership of the inventory.
• There are significant benefits and complications when it comes to consignment inventory, most of which can be addressed with a strong up-front agreement and automated software.
• Accessibility, strong data capture, and ease of use are all critical components when determining what consignment inventory software to use.

Inventory is essential to supply chain strategy and optimized business operations. However, purchasing inventory also comes with a certain amount of risk. After all, companies must purchase the right amount of inventory at the right time, or they’ll be left with a surplus of stock thus losing revenue.

That’s why distributors may use consignment inventory.

Consignment inventory is inventory stocked and managed in a retailer’s warehouse, but the retailer doesn’t pay the supplier for the inventory until it is sold. This enables the retailer to keep product on-site and readily available in a cost-effective way.

The risk in consignment inventory is that it can become overly complicated and difficult to track, especially without the right inventory management software.

Understanding the role of consignment inventory and how to apply best practices can help distributors take a strategic approach and build a competitive advantage.

What is Consignment Inventory?

Consignment inventory happens when the supplier, also known as the consigner, distributes inventory but doesn’t transfer the ownership to the retailer. Consigned inventory is organized and kept at the supplier’s warehouse. The retailer pays the supplier once the inventory is used or sold.

This is different from traditional inventory models. Typically, the retailer will pay for a product upfront, even before they’re able to sell it in store. This means the supplier makes a profit right away. The retailer then must sell the product to customers to make money from the inventory.

The primary advantage of consignment inventory for a retailer is the ability to have inventory on-hand without a large up-front cost. This allows the retailer to be seen as a reliable source for the product in a cost-effective manner.

There’s also an advantage to the supplier. Consignment inventory builds a partnership between the supplier and the retailer, making them an integral part of the inventory supply chain. Further, suppliers gain exposure to their product without having to display or market it.

However, there are also disadvantages to using consignment inventory. For suppliers, there is no immediate influx of cash since profit is dependent on sale to the customer. If the product doesn’t sell, the supplier is still the owner and has to take back the inventory and redistribute it elsewhere.

For the retailer, consignment inventory comes with higher holding costs. You must find floor space to stock and display inventory items. This means retailers must work to optimize their warehouses and floor plans.

In addition, consignment inventory can lead to complicated inventory management.

Issues include:

• Tracking consignment stock separately.
• Making appropriate payments when sales occur.
• Managing consignment relationships.
• Tracking margins and profits given there are no upfront supply costs.
• That’s why it’s vital to have the right technology for tracking usage.

Tracking Consignment Inventory: Methods and Tools

Establishing consignment inventory management capabilities can empower organizations to put products in closer proximity to their customers, alleviate order fulfillment burdens and improve efficiency across the supply chain.

Nevertheless, organizations working to establish consignment inventory management models create added management overhead as companies try to gain visibility into inventory levels and asset dispositions.

Businesses run into challenges trying to manage consignment inventories largely because their existing ERP systems and data workflows are not up to the task of covering the diverse locations and processes involved in the strategy.

In response, many companies establish manual processes to gather data and transmit it between locations. These manual processes don’t just introduce complexity, they also create gaps between systems that can lead to data accuracy and quality problems.

All told, companies end up in a situation in which data in the ERP ends up segregated from other systems, leading to contradictory and potentially damaging data management problems. Reexamining data management procedures and ERP capabilities is vital to keep up.

While these potential problems are substantial, consignment inventory strategies can offload some warehousing and storage costs suppliers typically need to deal with.

The key is to develop strategies that maximize the potential of consignment inventories by simplifying data management procedures and leveraging technology to break down geographical barriers.

Three tactics that are particularly beneficial and are consignment inventory management best practices are:

1. Establish an ERP Integration Framework

Ensuring inventory levels in a consignment stock location and within the ERP are accurate is essential. Issues with data synchronization and compatibility between disparate systems can quickly derail any consignment inventory program.

ERP integration tools can:

• Compile data from multiple source types into the ERP system automatically.
• Alleviate the user data entry burden by automatically updating the ERP when data changes in other systems.
• Reduce the likelihood of error by eliminating unnecessary manual processes.
• Free employees to spend more time on value-focused tasks and less on data entry.

These benefits make ERP integration essential as organizations diversify their asset storage strategies through a consignment inventory management strategy.

2. Leverage Mobile Data Collection Tools

ERP integration is a necessary step in a consignment inventory strategy, and mobile data collection capabilities can take the value offered by an ERP to another level.

Mobile barcode scanners can be used anywhere to perform cycle checks or update asset dispositions in real time as users access inventories. This can simplify documentation for customers housing goods in their own facilities.

Furthermore, the ability to automatically catalog processes digitally makes it easier to automatically move data into the ERP, further reducing the need for redundant data entry.

Asking users to update checklists and files manually only to then go and add that data to a computer system creates room for error and makes it more difficult to gain proper visibility into assets.

Mobile data collection tools, on the other hand, initiate automated data synchronization processes and ensure near-constant transparency.

3. Apply Remote Management Functionality

Offline inventory solutions for remote site management allow information generated by mobile data collection tools to reside in local software when connectivity is not available, either to Wi-Fi, cellular, or the ERP system itself.

Once a connection is available, the system will automatically synchronize with an ERP.

There is also an opportunity to integrate field services into main operations. This extends mobile inventory management into the field, allowing employees to re-stock and evaluate inventory levels at any time.

Essentially, remote management tools allow for greater coordination between facilities even when typical processes go wrong.

When combined, ERP integration, mobile data collection, and remote management come together to transform consignment inventory management. Instead of a process that is tedious and filled with slow, manual processes, organizations get a simple, streamlined data ecosystem.

With data from consignment inventory locations integrating into a central ERP accurately, organizations can:

• Simplify any management tasks performed by their customers.
• Automatically identify when inventories get low and ship out new products accordingly.
• Create a built-in audit trail for all parties involved.
• Limit asset damage and loss through greater transparency into inventories.

These types of benefits can come together to transform operations for organizations relying on consignment inventories.

Setting up a Consignment Inventory System

Consignment inventory software is a necessity for both suppliers and retailers. Manual systems are error-prone and lack visibility into critical business information.

An inventory management software, coupled with mobile barcoding solutions, will allow streamlined tracking and reporting, so both supplier and retailer can have the information they need to make business decisions.

When setting up a consignment inventory system, ensure:

• Software is accessible anywhere, from any device.
• Data is easily shareable across both parties and across departments.
• Barcode capabilities are supported to easily track product storage.
• The software integrates with business-critical systems like your ERP.

The more you can automate processes, the more likely you are to eliminate mistakes and costly errors.

Inventory tracking software will help create transparency and efficiency, allowing you to know the exact amount of inventory on hand. And while there are numerous options for inventory software, mobile inventory management systems give you the most benefit, with real-time access to data and up-to-date inventory tracking.

Another solution is to invest in automatic replenishment tools that integrate with your inventory solution. Automatic replenishment apps offer the ability to set minimum/maximum triggers to automate reordering when retailers need more product.

Managing Consignment Inventory

Consignment inventory can be tricky. There are several benefits but also several obstacles to consider. Here are a few best practices when it comes to managing consignment inventory:

Have a contract in place.

A significant mistake is to not have a contract in place between the supplier and the retailer. A contract holds both parties accountable and sets up mutually agreeable terms to make the contract successful. This will also allow you to outline what to do in the case of returns or disputes. Better yet, have an expert help you draw up the contract so you can address any issues that arise head on.

Verify the information you’re using.

Building a trustworthy partnership between supplier and retailer is key to making this agreement work. However, the use of easily accessible inventory management software will ensure the accurate flow of information.

Balance consigned inventory and other inventory.

As a supplier, ensure you know what items are profitable to consign. These include items that move quickly, have strong margins, and are able to be replenished with ease.

One of the best things you can do when it comes to consignment inventory is to pay attention to your inventory. How quickly does it turn? How can you track your inventory and reorder it when necessary?

Watch for excess overstock.

A large issue to watch for is the overstocking of goods. An oversupply of product creates issues down the road. Rather, look to provide consignment items with high value and high turn.

Ask yourself: what is the typical shelf life for the retailer? Then adjust your inventory levels accordingly and implement auto replenishment tools to create continual supply.

Consignment Inventory Management Case Study: CryoLife

CryoLife, a global biomedical company, came to RFgen looking for a solution that would help it move past paper-based processes and help it update its data management procedures.

The company serves more than 550 hospitals and surgical centers and needed to establish a system that would allow them to manage consignment inventories across those locations with greater precision.

With RFgen mobile barcoding and ERP integration capabilities in hand, CryoLife was able to go paperless, conduct cycle counts while representatives were offline in hospitals, and automatically synchronize when those workers reconnect with the network.

Users could even submit inventory photos, trace any lot-controlled or serialized product and handle cycle counts in multiple languages with localized date formats.

The Impact of Technology on Consignment Inventory Management

Consignment inventory allows retailers to embrace new markets and opportunities, as well as test different types of products in front of new audiences. Future thinking suppliers should look to a variety of sales channels for increased exposure.

Additionally, harnessing the role of digital technologies will enable a beneficial inventory relationship for both suppliers and retailers. Modern data management technologies can empower businesses to take full advantage of what consignment inventory strategies offer.

All told, keeping supplies closer to customers can improve client satisfaction and reduce warehousing inefficiencies. With robust software systems in hand, companies can glean even more value from such strategies and mitigate any potential risks, setting up the organization for long-term success.

The post Tracking Consignment Inventory: A Comprehensive Guide to Best Practices appeared first on RFgen.

But when your supply chain isn’t meeting the company’s goals, what do you do? It’s time to step back and re-evaluate.

Creating a new supply chain strategy can be complicated, if not daunting. Don’t worry. Below, this guide will outline 10 proven steps any business can take to make significant improvements to its supply chain strategy:

Step 1: Define your supply chain objectives

Before diving into making your strategy, take a deep breath and consider your objectives. A strategy is bound to fail if you can’t define success.

Defining your supply chain objectives sets the foundation for subsequent steps, helping you to understand requirements for alignment, resources, and outcomes. Concrete goals also allow you to prioritize initiatives by effort and impact.

Here are some common supply chain objectives to consider:

• Cost reduction: Minimizing spend associated with acquiring and delivering goods and services to customers.
• Improved efficiency: Streamlining processes and reducing waste to improve speed and accuracy of supply chain operations.
• Increased customer satisfaction: Delivering products and services to customers in a timely, reliable, and compliant manner—or exceeding their expectations.
• Enhanced sustainability: Incorporating environmental, social, and economic considerations into supply chain operations.
• Risk management: Identifying and mitigating risks in the continuous flow of goods and services.
• Improved supplier relations: Building and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers, vendors, and technology partners.

Ideally, you will want to improve in all these areas. Realistically, you may have to prioritize due to logistical or budget limitations.

Consider the following tips to help you prioritize your objectives:

1. Align supply chain objectives with business goals to support the company’s vision or mission.
2. Consider the needs and expectations of customers and other supply chain partners to prevent any gaps.
3. Take into account the trends and challenges facing your industry.
4. Conduct a SWOT analysis of your supply chain to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
5. Engage key stakeholders to gather their perspectives and insights, including suppliers, employees, and customers.

Step 2: Conduct a supply chain assessment

With your objectives in mind, the next step is to conduct a thorough analysis of your supply chain and supply chain strategy. You can’t make adjustments without first knowing what needs to be adjusted.

Your assessment will enable you to baseline current performance, identify areas for improvement and potential risk, and highlight weaknesses that need extra help.

To get the best outcome, don’t work in a silo. Instead, develop a planning team consisting of experienced supply chain experts.

When beginning your analysis, be sure to:

1. Map out your present supply chain. Create a visual representation of the flow of goods and services from the point of origin to the point of consumption.
2. Identify bottlenecks and roadblocks. Look for areas where processes are slow, prone to errors, or not keeping up with customer expectations.
3. Understand how strategy and business plans connect. Take the time to assess the company’s current supply chain strategy and supply chain management plan, which may differ.
4. Analyze data. Gather and analyze supply chain data to help you recognize trends and patterns that indicate both strengths and areas for improvement.

Consider bringing in outside help

But conducting this type of assessment is very difficult to do internally. It can be hard to step away and observe current strategies with an objective eye. This is where hiring an outside consultant can help.

A consulting firm can help you better understand your supply chain’s strengths and deficiencies and assist in setting goals, which will be an important part of your supply chain management strategy. They can also assist in formalizing a comprehensive report for the C-suite.

If you’re considering a third-party assessment, here are a few things to expect:

• You may be asked to assist in the in-depth discovery process.
• They may tell you your processes are out of date.
• They will likely uncover old technologies in need of upgrades.
• They will recommend solutions, but it’s up to you whether you implement them or not.

The consultant may review individual facilities and suggest ways to reduce operational overhead and smooth out supply chain potholes. As a part of this process, many companies discover their warehouses still rely on manual or obsolete data processing systems to record and exchange data. Not only does this generate incorrect information, this “dirty” data then leads to sluggish, inefficient operations. Budget for new data collection solutions may be needed to solve the problem.

In any case, to get the most value out of the evaluation process, work closely with the consulting firm to identify objectives and carry out possible avenues to achieve them.

WATCH BELOW: Life Extension revitalizes its supply chain with mobile barcoding –

Benefits of a supply chain assessment

Even if you think you understand your supply chain, it’s still worth conducting an assessment to gain insight into the reality of current operations. Look closely enough and you will likely unearth potential areas that need work.

The benefits of performing a supply chain assessment may include:

• Improved understanding of your supply chain, including how goods and services are acquired, moved, and delivered—and how data is collected along the way.
• Identification of problem areas, namely bottlenecks and inefficiencies resulting from outdated processes and technologies.
• Increased efficiency from solving problem areas and breaking down hidden roadblocks.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction through greater speed, accuracy, and reliability.
• Improved risk management to mitigate potential disruptions before they halt the flow the goods and services.

Step 3: Identify key stakeholders

Before formalizing your supply chain strategy in written form, identify the key stakeholders that can help inform the plan, and who in the organization will be impacted by its implementation.

A “key stakeholder” is any individual, group, or vendor involved in the company’s supply chain. Not everyone in the supply chain will be crucial to this process, so narrow stakeholders down to only the most important personnel that need to be involved.

Key stakeholders may include:

• Suppliers
• Manufacturers
• Distributors
• Retailers
• Customers
• Logistics service providers
• Government agencies
• Financial institutions

Work Closely with Your Team and Third-Party Vendors

One of the reasons supply chains falter is because of disruptions in the flow of communication or information exchange between strategy planners and stakeholders.

To build a well-flushed-out supply chain management strategy, communication is essential. Internal and external teams must work together as a cohesive unit. Without continuous alignment, even the best plan will fall apart before it can be carried out.

When communicating with stakeholders, consistent communication and transparency are vital to success. Companies that succeed in these two areas have a much greater chance of creating a supply chain strategy that supports their business objectives.

Step 4: Evaluate your current technology and infrastructure

Technology and infrastructure play an important role in supply chain operations. Infrastructure is the highway that allows the supply chain to keep moving. Meanwhile, technology makes up the tools that enable your supply chain to harvest data, automate processes, increase efficiency, and track performance.

But having technology and infrastructure already in place doesn’t mean either is necessarily sufficient for the company’s needs.

Fast-moving supply chains demand continuous investment and improvement to remain competitive. Transportation networks, distribution centers, and production plants require constant attention for the efficient movement of goods. Technology ages out and so must be replaced, improved, or developed to keep up with the needs of the business.

When evaluating technology and infrastructure, consider the following components:

• Transportation and logistics infrastructure: Assess transportation and logistics infrastructure thoroughly, including vehicle fleets, warehouses, and manufacturing plants.
• Software systems: Evaluate supply chain software regularly, including enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, mobile barcoding and inventory systems (IMS), warehouse management systems (WMS), and transportation management systems (TMS).
• Data management and analytics tools: Don’t overlook data management and analytics tools, including storage, business intelligence, big data, machine learning, and data collection practices.

Evaluate these areas of the business with end goals in mind. Upgrades shouldn’t take place for their own sake, but to improve efficiency, transparency, decision-making, and overhead spend.

Step 5: Develop a risk management plan

As complex, dynamic systems that can be geographically far-reaching, supply chains are subject to many types of risks. Therefore, managing risk is always top-of-mind. Failing to account for risk often results in unnecessary costs and loss of sales.

Even if your organization has a risk management plan in place, now is the time to re-evaluate its effectiveness to minimize the impact of disruptions. Otherwise, sustainable long-term success becomes impossible.

These are some of the most common supply chain risks to consider:

• Disruptions from plant shutdowns, labor strikes, production failures, supplier bankruptcies, unpredictable supply and demand, ransomware, and geopolitical uncertainty.
• Delays due to transportation problems, wait times in customs, insufficient raw materials, and worker shortages.
• Natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, and flooding that can cause damage to equipment and infrastructure.

To manage these risks, your plan should:

• Identify potential risks, including both internal and external factors.
• Account for contingency plans, such as by including backup suppliers or alternative transportation methods.
• Be subject to regular monitoring and updating. Risks change over time, so what worked previously may no longer be valid at some point in the future.

Step 6: Optimize your supply chain network

Improving established supply chain networks should be an ongoing process. There are always new opportunities to optimize the delicate equation of cost, service, level, and risk.

Ideally, refinements will help with cost savings and customer service through gains in efficiency and responsiveness. Once again, technology often plays a vital role.

When considering new optimization initiatives, pay close attention to these three principal areas:

• Demand Forecasting: Analyzing data to predict future demand provides valuable insights for production, inventory, and staffing. The right technology will be needed to collect data quickly and accurately to achieve “true” visibility.
• Inventory Management: Often overlooked as a bottleneck, technology can help eliminate manual work, data entry, and superfluous steps in the material handling process.
• Transportation Planning: In addition to adjusting modes of transportation, seek to leverage software and GPS to gain efficiency in routing and delivery scheduling.

For technology, software solutions provide a cost-effective means of optimization. Requiring minimal or no infrastructure, mobile inventory solutions and warehouse automation software drive improvements and bridge operational gaps in all principal areas of the supply chain.

Step 7: Improve supplier relationships

The supply chain only functions if every member of the “chain” has a good working relationship. Therefore, improving supplier relationships to build reliability and trust should be a continuous goal. Without either, companies will struggle to meet demands and make a profit.

Suppliers can impact your supply chain in many ways, including:

• Quality of goods
• Delivery
• Cost
• Innovation
• Competitiveness

When revising your strategy, consider the many ways your company can strengthen relationships with suppliers and manage those relationships more effectively.

Effective supplier relationships may require:

• Clear Communication: Establish open and transparent communication channels with suppliers to ensure expectations and requirements are clearly defined and understood by both parties.
• Contract Management: Develop clear and concise contracts that outline the terms and conditions of the relationship, including delivery schedules, quality standards, and pricing. Periodically update supplier contracts and agreements to ensure they reflect current business needs.
• Performance Management: Regularly assess the performance of suppliers and provide feedback to help them improve. Use metrics to measure performance and track progress over time.
• Joint Problem Solving: Collaborate with suppliers to identify and resolve any issues that may arise, such as delivery delays or quality concerns.
• Mutual Benefits: Foster mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers by sharing information, knowledge, and resources. This can lead to increased innovation and collaboration, as well as a stronger relationship overall.

Step 8: Develop a sustainability plan

Sustainability helps supply chains ensure the long-term viability of operations. The environmental, social, and economic impact of each component of the total network should be considered.

Ultimately, the goal is to meet the evolving needs and expectations of customers, stakeholders, and society while reducing environmental footprint.

Making an organizational commitment to sustainability comes with numerous benefits, such as:

• Cost savings from reduced waste and efficiency gains
• Improved reputation and brand image
• Enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty
• Greater compliance with environmental and industry regulations

The risk of not committing to sustainability cannot be understated. Once the company’s brand becomes associated with practices that harm the planet and human health, that reputation can be very difficult to shed.

Step 9: Implement the plan

Your supply chain management strategy should include a serious discussion about how your team will implement the plan into the company’s operations. This process can be difficult to accomplish, especially if employees are set in their ways. But it shouldn’t be cast aside.

With the plan drafted, now it’s time to:

• Gather Employee Feedback: Poll employees about what bothers them most about the current supply chain management strategy, and what they’d like to see improved. Then try to incorporate their feedback into your plan.
• Create an Eye-Pleasing Report: A well-designed and organized report will go a long way in helping you present your ideas in the most impactful way possible.
• Present to Upper Management: You need to know your audience, and make sure you’ve addressed all their concerns in your report. Even if you don’t have a solution for all the issues, showing that you’ve extensively researched the problem will demonstrate to leadership that your team is taking the initiative and can be trusted. This is crucial to convincing the C-suite to support and fund the new strategy.
• Roll out the Plan: Your strategy should include how you plan to implement the strategy into your employees’ day-to-day jobs. It should also address the role your team members will play. This may include educating managers and departments, for example, so they can then pass the knowledge down to their employees.
• Evaluate the Results: No plan is complete without a section that addresses how success will be measured. Companies need to evaluate the strategy by collecting both quantitative and qualitative data over the course of days, weeks, months, and even years.

As always, communication will play a major role during this phase of the strategy. Maintaining alignment among all stakeholders is pivotal for success.

Step 10: Monitor and measure performance

As an extension of Step 5 above, once the plan is implemented, tracking its performance will assist with making informed decisions about current adjustments and future improvements.

Regular monitoring and measuring can help organizations to:

1. Identify areas for improvement
2. Ensure compliance with goals and objectives
3. Enhance visibility and control
4. Manage risk and minimize disruptions
5. Improve decision-making

And, when the time comes, performance may indicate when it’s time to create a new supply chain strategy altogether.

A Supply Chain Built on Continuous Improvement

Forming a new supply chain strategy isn’t easy—and implementing it can be even more challenging. Still, an effective strategy forms the bedrock for a vibrant supply chain.

By investing in and continuously improving supply chain processes, businesses can gain a competitive advantage and succeed in today’s fast-paced world. Technology remains a proven channel for achieving immediate, salient efficiency gains.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can take the first steps in formulating a new strategy that will help your organization overcome operational challenges and deliver the best possible products and services to your customers, now and in the future.

The post Maximizing Supply Chain Strategy: A 10-Step Guide appeared first on RFgen.

• Inventory management and warehouse management sound like synonyms, but there are several differences between them.
• While inventory management is more specific, warehouse management tends to be broader and more holistic.
• Understanding their overlap, differences, and how they interact is crucial for mastering supply chain best practices.

When it comes to handling inventory in supply chain management, a lot of terminology gets thrown around. For newcomers and business partners, many of these terms may sound like different jargon all referring to the same thing.

Take inventory management and warehouse management. Inventory handling is part of managing a warehouse, so does that mean they are interchangeable?

While inventory management is theoretically a part of warehouse management, they refer to two separate but related concepts. Both are vital components of effective supply chain management. Both work hand-in-hand. Both ensure product flows through your operation.

So what’s the difference?

This article will explain the difference between inventory management and warehouse management, where they overlap, and how they are different.

Inventory Management

What is Inventory Management?

Inventory management is the tracking and controlling of products. This includes all inbound processes for goods and materials, such as ordering, receiving, storing (“put-away”), moving, and usage.

“Inventory” can take the form of finished goods, raw materials, unfinished or WIP items, spare parts, consumables, and fixed assets.

Managing inventory means monitoring stock levels to ensure sufficient levels for manufacturing and order picking, as well as maintaining the optimal balance between having too much inventory and not enough.

The goal of inventory management is to ensure smooth supply chain operations while minimizing overhead.

Key Concepts & Principles

Key concepts of inventory management include:

• Stock control
• Demand forecasting
• Reorder points (replenishment)
• Safety stock
• Inventory turnover (“turns”)
• Cost management

Understanding inventory management best practices requires mastery over principles such as:

• Balancing inventory cost with the cost of stockouts
• Aligning optimal inventory levels with customer demand
• Continuous monitoring of stock levels and inventory processes
• Evaluation and refinement of material handling processes
• Leveraging technology to optimize efficiency and accuracy

Types of Inventory Systems

Many types of inventory management strategies exist. Each methodology has its own strengths and weaknesses and is best suited for certain situations depending on the needs of the business.

Common types of inventory systems include:

• Fixed Order Quantity (FOQ) system
• Fixed Time Period (FTP) system
• Continuous Review system
• Reorder Point system
• Just-In-Time (JIT) system

Ultimately, the choice of system—or blend of systems—will depend on the type of operation, type of product, rate of sales, lead time, cycle time, and stocking requirements.

Regardless of type, an effective inventory management software system (IMS) will be needed for all but the smallest businesses. Larger companies with high-volume operations will use an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platform coupled with a mobile barcoding component to handle complex, fast-moving inventory flows.

Used correctly, IMS software can be an essential starting point for businesses to better manage stock levels and materials while driving down expenditures.

Benefits of Good Inventory Management

The benefits of good inventory management practices are numerous. They include:

• Improved customer satisfaction by ensuring stock availability
• Increased efficiency and reduced lead times
• Reduced costs by minimizing overstocking, stock obsolescence, and shortages
• Improved cash flow from lower carrying costs and better use of working capital
• Better decision-making through accurate and up-to-date inventory data

Inventory management best practices dictate the need for mobile software that improves KPI metrics while reducing overhead costs. Having a mobile inventory platform in place helps companies evaluate stock levels in real-time, operate more efficiently, and improve customer satisfaction and profitability.

Warehouse Management

What is Warehouse Management?

Warehouse management refers to the oversight of the storage, handling, and movement of goods and materials within a warehouse. This includes the organization, layout, and storage of inventory, as well as all outbound inventory processes, such as picking, packing, and shipping orders.

The goal of warehouse management is to minimize waste and overhead costs while improving efficiency and accuracy to deliver the best possible customer service and profit margins.

Key Concepts & Principles

Key concepts of warehouse management include:

• Storage layout, design, and utilization
• Inventory control
• Order pick/pack/ship
• Material handling equipment
• Accuracy and quality control

The most important principles of warehouse management often include:

• Maximizing space usage (“cube utilization”)
• Streamlining warehouse processes
• Enhancing efficiency and performance with technology
• Tracking of KPIs for continuous improvement

Types of Warehouse Systems

A variety of warehouse systems are typically employed in any given operation. Each type comes with advantages and disadvantages and may only be useful for certain types of facilities, depending on company size and the level of automation desired.

Common types of warehouse systems include:

• Manual systems (paper, spreadsheets, tribal knowledge)
• Basic computerized systems (requires data entry)
• Automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS)
• Cross-docking systems
• Mobile warehouse systems

Large enterprise operations often use warehouse management software (WMS) to handle highly sophisticated supply chain workflows. WMS platforms integrate with other enterprise software, including production and sales programs, as well as ERP systems.

However, WMS software is expensive and lengthy to implement, and not always needed. Many companies opt for more lightweight solutions like WMS-lite or mobile inventory software to achieve the most critical WMS capabilities.

Benefits of Good Warehouse Management

Implementing warehouse management best practices is the best way to gain the most benefits: Benefits can include:

• Improved process efficiency and space utilization
• Heightened quality with accurate data, stock levels, and orders
• Reduced operating, carrying, and labor costs
• Improved order delivery speed and customer satisfaction
• Increased security of goods and safety of personnel

Technology shouldn’t be overlooked when looking to maximize these benefits. Highly effective mobile solutions that unify data from different systems into one interface enable accelerated inventory workflows without burdening operations with a slow return on investment (ROI).

Differences Between Inventory and Warehouse Management

Key Differences Between the Two Systems

Of the two, inventory management is more specific. Whereas inventory management takes a basic approach to handling stock, warehouse management offers a more comprehensive methodology that encompasses all aspects of running and improving warehouse operations.

Inventory management focuses on material handling, including ordering, receiving products, tracking inventory levels, and pick/pack/ship for production and outgoing orders.

Warehouse management focuses on the day-to-day operations of the warehouse, which may or may not overlap in some areas with inventory control.

Some supply chain professionals may also use the terms “inventory management” and “warehouse management” to refer to inbound and outbound processes, respectively.

What Do They Have in Common?

While there are differences between inventory and warehouse management, they also have several things in common:

1. Both are critical components of supply chain management, using oversight to ensure the efficient flow of goods from suppliers to customers.
2. Both require careful planning and organization to optimize operations and reduce costs.
3. Both need accurate, up-to-date data to make informed decisions and minimize errors.
4. Both benefit from the use of technology (e.g., barcoding, RFID, etc.) to improve accuracy and efficiency.
5. Both require close collaboration and alignment between different departments to ensure customer satisfaction and profitability.

How They Interact With One Another

Inventory and warehouse management are closely linked. They interact with each other in several important ways:

• Inventory management provides the critical data needed for effective warehouse management.
• In turn, warehouse management provides the physical storage, infrastructure, and logistics for material handling.
• Because the two are interconnected, storage utilization and bin placement are determined by stocking requirements and inventory turnover.

Ideally, companies will dedicate resources to optimizing both inventory management and warehouse management synergistically, since the performance of one inevitably affects the other.

How They Can Be Integrated

When it comes to integrating inventory and warehouse management, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are fundamental. Not only does an ERP standardize procedures, it offers a centralized platform for tracking inventory, costs, and material movements.

Additional technologies can further enhance the ERP’s functionality. Barcode software helps ensure inventory accuracy. Mobile inventory can extend ERP capabilities to point-of-scan, freeing workers from menial data entry and fixed workstations.

Other supply chain tech, like RFID and pick-to-light systems, offers additional layers of tracking and productivity. A WMS platform offers the greatest capabilities of all, but with a tradeoff of high cost and complexity. Core WMS functions like intelligently directed material movements and optimized picking paths can still be achieved with WMS alternatives, like a WMS “lite” or warehouse automation software.

Regardless, integrating all methods of data collection into a singular system of record is ideal. Assembled data can then be leveraged to provide more granular and actionable insights for the business. Enhanced insights and decision-making translate to greater performance and faster ROI from the warehouse technologies that helped the operation get there.

Future Outlook for Inventory and Warehouse Management

Inventory management and warehouse management share several common goals. Effective coordination between the two areas is crucial to ensure smooth, efficient supply chain management.

Integrating keystone technologies like an ERP platform and mobile barcoding will be an essential best practice for larger warehouse facilities, especially those running high-capacity, complex operations at multiple sites.

In addition to these “must-have” prerequisites, the supply chain’s technological landscape is one of continuing growth and innovation, driven by an ever-changing market.

Some of the major developments that will impact the future outlook of inventory and warehouse management include:

1. Increased use of advanced technology: While the Internet of Things (IoT), warehouse co-bots, and automation are already on the rise, the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence (AI) looms on the horizon.
2. E-commerce growth: Consumer behavior will continue to drive demand for more efficient and effective warehouse management and inventory control systems, particularly in order fulfillment and last-mile delivery.
3. Big data and analytics: The increasing availability of data and the use of insights from in-depth predictive analytics will enable supply chain professionals to make more informed decisions, but requires automated data capture.
4. Sustainable supply chain practices: Increasing emphasis on sustainability and waste reduction will push companies toward more environmentally friendly inventory and warehouse management practices, such as digitization.
5. Customer-focused approach: As always, businesses must position themselves to deliver superior customer experience, with a particular emphasis on speed and flexibility, courtesy of real-time inventory tech.

FAQs

What is the difference between inventory and warehouse management?

Inventory and warehouse management have some overlap but also several important differences. Whereas inventory management involves the oversight and control of materials, warehouse management is focused on the storage and movement of goods. Sometimes they both can refer to material handling in general. Other times, supply chain professionals may refer to “inventory management” for inbound processes and “warehouse management” for outbound processes.

How do inventory and warehouse management interact with one another?

Inventory management and warehouse management are interconnected components of supply chain management that work together to ensure the effective flow of goods. While inventory management determines the quantities and placement of items, warehouse management focuses on the storage and logistics of those items.

What are the benefits of good inventory management?

Good inventory management offers many benefits: greater inventory and order accuracy, boosted efficiency, lower overhead costs, faster inventory turns, increased customer satisfaction, and better decision-making. By accurately tracking inventory levels and movements, businesses can avoid stockouts, reduce emergency and last-minute restocking, and pivot quickly to changing market demands.

What are the benefits of good warehouse management?

Good warehouse management provides multiple benefits: improved efficiency, greater workforce productivity, reduced costs, more profitability, and elevated customer service. By effectively optimizing the storage and movement of goods, businesses can reduce errors, minimize waste, and ensure smooth operations.

How can inventory and warehouse management be integrated?

Inventory and warehouse management can be integrated by using keystone technologies like ERP software, mobile inventory management solutions, and warehouse management systems (WMS/WMS alternatives). Close integration of these systems enables real-time visibility, accuracy, and control.

The post Inventory Management and Warehouse Management: A Detailed Comparison for Supply Chain Professionals appeared first on RFgen.

• Proactive planning and a digital-first mindset are critical to keeping up with trends in 2023 and beyond.
• Supply chain optimization and attracting talent will continue to be top-of-mind for manufacturers.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) is most likely to transform the manufacturing sector.

Manufacturing has changed dramatically in recent years. Pandemic woes led many manufacturers to shut down operations while others grappled with how to turn out products in a world of unpredictable supply chain disruption.

As a result, new strategies have emerged to solve old and new challenges, from labor shortages to inventory supply.

With 2022 already behind us, the question remains: What trends will continue and what new trends will emerge?

Here are the top trends that will transform manufacturing in 2023 and beyond:

Supply Chain & Logistics Optimization

While supply chain issues are improving, inflation concerns, labor shortages, and logistics challenges are all keeping the supply chain top of mind. In fact, over half of U.S. companies expect the supply chain to remain challenging into 2023.

Because of this, technologies that optimize supply chains and logistics will continue to have a major impact.

In 2023 and beyond, the Association for Supply Chain Management predicts that data collection, advanced analytics, and automation will all be essential to growth.

Our research found similar results: 58% of Digital Inventory Report respondents plan to invest substantially in new inventory technologies.

While many companies already use ERP platforms and barcode software for inventory management, modernization of these technologies continues to be a major strategic push in the drive for expanded capabilities and efficiencies.

Other optimization trends will include:

• Accelerating pace of digitalization
• Supply chain diversification to enhance resilience
• Advanced data collection methodologies
• Utilization of big data for analytics
• Rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning

Each of these trends fosters increased visibility and agility, leading to better planning and execution of supply chain operations. Integration of these systems into current processes will be essential to realizing potential benefits.

Advanced and Emerging Technology

You can’t talk about advanced technologies without mentioning the Fourth Industrial Revolution. A recent McKinsey study found that Industry 4.0 technologies will create up to $3.7 trillion in value by 2025.

As fundamental elements of the modern “smart factory,” Industry 4.0 technologies already entering the early stages of maturity include:

• Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
• Blockchain
• Smart manufacturing materials
• 3D printing (additive manufacturing)
• Digital twins
• Warehouse robotics

The adoption of these technologies ultimately results in high levels of efficiency and security, as well as a more optimal delivery to market. However, benefits can only be realized if the right foundational systems are in place for data collection.

With so many emerging technologies coming into play, integration will also be critical for future success. Integration remains a challenge, however. 47% of respondents in RFgen’s Digital Inventory Report cited integration of multiple systems as a key challenge. A lack of common data platforms and the need to upgrade legacy solutions remain major factors.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Amid such sophisticated trends, one is poised to cause the most disruption: Artificial Intelligence (AI).

AI already plays a major role in manufacturing, generating almost $2 trillion in value for manufacturing and supply chain management operations, according to McKinsey’s Enterprise Value from Digital Factories industry article. A recent Deloitte study found that 93% of companies believe AI will be pivotal in driving growth and innovation in the manufacturing space.

In addition to automating repetitive tasks and optimizing processes, AI is capable of reading and acting upon large amounts of data with minimal human intervention. In terms of cybersecurity, AI provides unparalleled protection.

The recent explosion in the popularity of AI platforms for general consumers will only elevate its use in the commercial sector. Although consumer-based generative AI like Stable Diffusion and Midjourney, or text-based ChatGPT and Google’s competing product, Bard, are still in their infancy, future applications for the supply chain could be rapid and imminent.

Utilizing Big Data

The rise of smart technologies means there is more data than ever before. In fact, Fortune Business Insight projects big data in the manufacturing industry to reach a projected $9.11 billion by 2026.

Big data technology can be used to improve production processes, quality, automated workflows, and more.

According to Deloitte, “traditional approaches to inventory, logistics, pricing, rebates, and network can be reimagined through the application of advanced analytics and technology innovations.”

Forward-thinking manufacturers can harness that data to fuel strategic decision-making about production, sourcing, inventory, and more. A robust mobile inventory system is required to collect accurate data and keep crucial ERP records up to date.

Otherwise, incorrect or low-quality data can have a huge impact on day-to-day operations, leading to delays, work stoppages, and cost overruns.

Coupling data collection best practices with big data will be essential to extending continuity across product lifecycles.

Other technologies like IIoT and AI also help manufacturers streamline data optimization, leveraging big data captured from sensors to enable multiple areas of improvement, such as:

• Efficiency improvements on the shop floor
• More accurate delivery forecasts
• Reduced overhead costs
• Enhanced predictive maintenance
• Automated replenishment thresholds

Attracting Talent and Labor

Manufacturers continue to be impacted by labor shortages. A report by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute found that 2.6 million jobs will be lost over the next few years following a 58% increase in quit levels.

As older generations age out of the workforce, younger generations have yet to be sold on the idea of working in the supply chain.

While some experts believe the labor shortage will begin to ease in 2023, employee expectations have been forever changed. As a result, manufacturers may need to re-examine their hiring strategies.

Not only will overall compensation and company culture be important, but so will technology.

For Millennials and younger generations, mobile technologies are both intuitive and expected in the workplace. The right mobile barcoding solution, for example, can be used to attract talent, enabling workers to do their jobs more easily, more efficiently, and more safely.

Using mobile apps for inventory management also allows new workers to get up to speed faster, reducing training time by 80% or more.

Now more than ever, manufacturers must focus on finding and retaining skilled workers. Companies that fail to engage employees and retain employees are liable to get left behind.

According to one Gallup survey, a key element for future hires is “the opportunity to do what I do best every day.”

How to Apply 2023’s Biggest Manufacturing Trends

For many, 2023’s challenges are not new. Supply chain issues, hiring challenges, and digital transformation are familiar obstacles. Yet the companies who will move ahead with times are those who can prioritize a digitally based, customer-centric journey.

As emerging technologies become the way of the future, manufacturers must prepare a solid foundation to gain maximum benefit. A powerful mobile data collection platform is needed.

With flawless data collection in place, proactive planning and automated processes will help manufacturers embrace new digital tools for 2023 and beyond.

The post Trends That Will Transform Manufacturing in 2023 & Beyond appeared first on RFgen.

Key Takeaways:

• Knowing the four types of inventory is critical: raw materials, WIP inventory, finished, goods, and safety stock.
• Monitoring all types of material across the supply chain can heighten visibility and eliminate costly mistakes.
• Mobile inventory technologies can help you better understand and track inventory movements, maintain optimal stock levels, and reduce overstocking.

In today’s fast-paced supply chain, it’s crucial for companies to efficiently manage their inventory. Although many types of inventory exist, in this article, we will look at the four main types: raw materials, work-in-progress inventory, finished goods, and safety stock.

Knowing the four types of inventory is important, yes, but so is understanding why it’s important to track each inventory type, especially for manufacturers.

In 2022 alone, the worldwide cost of inventory distortion was estimated at $1.9 trillion. When inventory across the supply chain is not visible and streamlined, manufacturers stand to lose time and money. Using technologies like mobile inventory is one way to enhance oversight and efficiency in stock management.

LEARN MORE: The Comprehensive Guide to Mobile Inventory Tracking »

1. Raw Materials Inventory

Company warehouses don’t just house finished products. Some manufacturers use distribution centers to store raw materials like produce or flour for their production lines.

Raw material inventory acquisition and storage is an essential component of any inventory strategy. For instance, acquiring crops, which respond based on weather conditions, can lead to cost increases, supply chain adjustments, and even delayed shipping.

It’s important for warehouses to monitor raw materials. Shortages or stockouts can lead to stoppages on the production line, impacting delivery schedules, customer service, and revenue.

Having reliable information about stock levels and consumption is a baseline requirement to prevent interruptions on the shop floor.

Inventory management software solves these challenges. For larger companies that use an ERP system, mobile inventory solutions with built-in barcode scanning can ensure extremely high levels of accuracy, speed, and efficiency in these areas.

2. Work-in-Progress Inventory

WIP inventory refers to a company’s partially or semi-finished goods in the process of being made. Often, WIP materials go through a process of preparation, mixing, and finishing, or equivocal stages.

While work-in-progress inventory may be widely used, keeping track of it is difficult. Think of an ice cream manufacturer that transforms raw ingredients like sugar, milk, and chocolate chips into finished goods—ice cream.

How do you track the consumed materials once they are mixed into WIP inventory?

While inventory control systems provide some oversight, tracking material movements through the phases of production necessitates automated data collection for visibility.

For example, employees using mobile barcoding devices are able to quickly update inventory progress at any point in the product lifecycle. These checkpoints help automate track-and-trace for raw components, WIP materials, and even completed products.

This is especially relevant for process manufacturers, where intermediary materials are essential to the creation of a finished product.

3. Finished Goods Inventory

Once a completed product has been made, it becomes a finished good. These products are ready for sale.

For example, the ice cream you buy in the store is considered finished goods. It started as raw materials, the recipe mixed and made as various types of WIP inventory, then was finished, packed, picked, and shipped.

Finished goods must be closely tracked to ensure final delivery to customers. Technology helps keep tabs on stock so it doesn’t get lost or expire. Mobile solutions enhance inventory management in this area, enabling efficient pick, pack, and ship operations.

While finished goods seems self-explanatory, there are several types that warrant further explanation:

In-Transit Inventory

Finished goods that are being transported from one location to another in the supply chain are referred to as in-transit inventory. These items have been produced but are not currently sitting in a warehouse because they are “in transit” on a transportation vehicle.

Since in-transit goods are at higher risk of getting lost, misplaced, or misdelivered, it’s important to not lose sight of them as they travel to their endpoint. Many field mobility solutions exist capable of closing that oversight gap.

ALSO READ: How Toyota created end-to-end tracking for in-transit inventory »

Cycle Inventory

Inventory that moves quickly through the supply chain is called cycle stock. These are products that arrive from a supplier or manufacturing process and are almost immediately pushed out to customers.

Warehouse operations must be flexible and agile to keep up with the speed of high inventory turnover. Reliable, up-to-the-second data is a must.

Cycle stock indicates high demand. A quick supply chain can be tough to monitor, though, and customer needs and expectations can always change. In fact, 78% of respondents to the Digital Inventory Report noted fluctuating demand as a critical challenge impacting their operations.

Slow-Moving Inventory

Slow-moving items are the opposite of cycle inventory. These goods do not move quickly, as the name implies. When items stop moving at all, they become dead stock inventory. Deadstock refers to unsold products that are no longer in demand and are unlikely to be sold in the future.

Similar to dead inventory, stock that is no longer viable as raw materials or sellable as finished goods become obsolete inventory.

Often, electronics manufacturers end up with chips or electrical parts that have reached obsolescence if they can’t effectively track or sell components. Food manufacturers must be vigilant about expiration dates on food ingredients and products. Expired food can’t be sold or scrapped and reused.

Slow-moving, dead, and obsolete stock can be the result of poor or changing market demand, overproduction, or inadequate inventory tracking software. Regardless, sluggish SKUs tie up valuable resources, draining the company’s bottom line.

4. Safety Stock Inventory

Safety stock inventory represents deliberate overstocking of materials to cover unpredictable market fluctuations.

Safety inventory may be created in times of low demand so manufacturers can continue production schedules without stoppages due to stockouts.

Reserve stock can also be anticipatory. Companies create large inventories for times of projected high sales. If a manufacturer expects a rise in the price of supplies or a future inability to obtain materials, they may want to produce as many goods as possible while conditions are thriving.

The reality is, safety or anticipatory inventory is often “just-in-case” inventory, collected out of fear of future shortages or market turns. What happens, however, is that safety stock sits on warehouse shelves much longer than other classifications, ultimately depreciating or going unused entirely.

Again, technologies like mobile software and automation are instrumental in preventing undue stock hoarding. As a result, businesses can reduce overhead and carrying costs, increase monitoring, and make better strategic decisions.

ALSO READ: 5 Ways to Reduce an Outsized Inventory »

How to Track All Inventory Types

No matter what type of inventory a company uses, an inventory management system is needed to run efficiently. In the face of constant supply chain and cost pressures, a robust solution capable of ensuring real-time visibility, oversight, and control is ideal.

But with so many types of inventory—raw materials, WIP inventory, finished goods, and safety stock—each with its own needs, how can they all be tracked?

Many companies are finding that the right mobile inventory solution can not only solve these challenges but provide numerous benefits in cost-savings and performance, streamlining operations for future growth.

The post Understanding the Four Types of Inventory appeared first on RFgen.

• Supply chains continue to face numerous challenges, but digital technologies can ease barriers.
• Real-time data can help organizations address challenges that arise from international operations and ever-changing regulations.
• Mobile data collection software offers a proven means to visibility, speed, and 30% greater efficiency.

Supply chain challenges continue to plague businesses, with 51% of U.S. companies citing supply chain issues as a challenge in 2023. Another survey found that less than half of chief executives are prepared to take long-term action to alleviate these roadblocks.

Prioritizing automation and mobile data collection can help streamline bottlenecks and alleviate barriers caused by these disruptions.

But are the common problems impacting supply chain management?

1. Retaining skilled workers

More than ever before, finding a skilled workforce remains a key concern, with 76% of Digital Inventory Report respondents identifying staffing as a top challenge. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, 2.1 million jobs could go unfilled by 2030.

Companies and employees alike are under pressure to adapt quickly to always-changing business environments. In addition, businesses are expected to do more with less.

Mobile data collection can help companies address staffing challenges head-on. Through mobile apps and advanced barcoding solutions, organizations can transform cumbersome manual processes into streamlined operations, resulting in increased efficiency and flexibility.

The resulting optimization from streamlined data capture enables employees to concentrate on high-value tasks in the warehouse, rather than tedious, manual processes.

For younger workers, state-of-the-art mobile technology can also be used as a tool to attract and retain younger workers.

In one case, global steel manufacturer NLMK implemented a mobile barcoding solution, reducing labor time for cycle counting inventory by 60%. This higher level of productivity ensured employees were able to focus on meeting customer demand.

2. Cultural Differences or Changes

When companies expand into new markets, they face a number of supply chain hurdles. Professionals must be able to collaborate with suppliers around the world—many of whom operate much differently than they do.

Supply chain management software—especially mobile solutions—helps eradicate damaging data silos that interrupt the flow and exchange of information between a company and its suppliers.

Automated data collection ensures facilities all over the world have access to the same data points in real-time. Inventory data can be captured from a variety of locations and updated in a centralized ERP, ensuring alignment and transparency across the organization.

Leveraging mobile apps that offer multi-lingual capabilities further enhances operations. Equipped with easy-to-use software in their native language, employees from any background are able to work together with fewer misunderstandings.

3. Traceability

A critical component of the supply chain management process is the tracing of goods throughout the product life cycle, from raw material to distribution. More than 30% of Digital Inventory Report respondents cited this as a current challenge in their operation.

This is even more important for those manufacturers who face compliance requirements like government or FDA traceability guidelines. Traceability software is needed.

To combat challenges with track-and-trace, companies are turning to the supply chain management technology known as mobile barcoding. Connected to your ERP system, mobile barcoding automatically tracks material movements for raw materials, production, and finished goods. This way, material records are always up-to-date.

In the event of a product recall, specific lots or batches become easy to locate without digging through stacks of paper.

The end result? End-to-end supply chain traceability and the agility to pivot quickly and effectively.

TRACEABILITY IN ACTION: Blue Bell Creameries tastes traceability success »

4. Ethics and Compliance Issues

A United Nations Global Compact report found that human rights abuses and labor rights violations increase within the lower tiers of the supply chain. For instance, 18% more violations happen in the second tier of a supply chain than with direct suppliers.

This begs the question: At what point do companies’ supply chain managers evaluate and address their supply chains for violating basic human rights?

It’s important for companies to be proactive in their approach to ethics and compliance to protect their brand. When a company’s reputation is on the line, the organization must ensure their products meet high standards to safeguard the trust of customers and stakeholders alike.

While supply chain management software isn’t designed to specifically solve ethics issues, it can play a vital role in helping a company better evaluate the impact of these ethical problems if it were forced to drop one of its suppliers.

How exactly?

Through robust data collection, extraction, and information management. Companies that have to change suppliers will need to analyze the operational—and thus financial—impacts the move could have on their enterprise. That could be very difficult and time-consuming to accomplish if they’re trying to pull data manually from spreadsheets.

Having accurate, up-to-the-second data becomes crucial. Only reliable data collection tools like mobile barcoding are up to the task. No data gets lost, whether collected in the warehouse or in the field.

ALSO READ: Top 5 Supply Chain Management Challenges Facing Managers »

The Importance of Mobile Data Collection Software

Today’s supply chain world is fraught with obstacles and unforeseen challenges. Labor shortages, changing customer demand, and increasing regulations are all contributing to a need for more efficient operations.

Digital automation of supply chain processes is imperative to mitigate widespread challenges, both operational and cultural. For many, mobile supply chain technology remains a budget priority. Mobile barcoding is no exception.

The sooner companies invest in proactive solutions to solve supply chain issues, the quicker they can leave old challenges behind and move ahead of the competition.

Read More About Supply Chain Management:

Past Trends:

• 7 Top Supply Chain Trends to Monitor in 2019 »
• Top 3 Supply Chain Trends for 2018 »
• Warehouse Automation Trends »

More Supply Chain Insights:

• What Does Supply Chain Innovation Look Like in Action? »
• 4 Tips for Mitigating Risk in the Supply Chain »
• Gaining Supply Chain Visibility with a Three-Tiered Approach to IT Innovation »
• 3 Ways to Get the Supply Chain Ready for Disaster »
• 5 Things to Consider When Evaluating Data-Driven Solutions in SCM »

The post Solving Common Supply Chain Management Problems with Mobile Data Collection Software appeared first on RFgen.

But in today’s climate of perpetual labor shortfalls, what are the best strategies for hiring and training workers in the supply chain?

The importance of finding and training top warehouse workers can’t be understated. The key to building a skilled and motivated workforce is to create an onboarding plan that sets up new hires for success before they ever walk through the door.

Here are effective tips for managers looking to create successful outcomes when hiring new warehouse workers:

Find the Right People

First, you must find the right warehouse workers for your business. Potential hires should either have the necessary skills for the job or be eager to learn so your warehouse can thrive.

To find the right warehouse staff:

• Clearly define the skills and qualifications needed for the job.
• Use the right warehouse recruiting methods to find qualified candidates.
• Conduct thorough interviews and background checks.

For recruiting, try a mix of these proven strategies:

1. Job postings on online reputable job boards, such as Indeed or LinkedIn, can be a great way to reach a wide pool of potential candidates. Include detailed information about the job, including required responsibilities and qualifications.
2. Employee referrals: Encourage current employees to refer friends and family members. Make sure to offer incentives for successful referrals, such as bonuses or gift cards.
3. Recruitment agencies can help you find qualified candidates for your warehouse. They have access to a wide pool of potential employees and can help screen and interview them to find the best fit for your business.

Provide Comprehensive On-the-Job Training

The supply chain needs skilled labor. Warehouse employees need to operate heavy machinery, process complicated orders, and work with a variety of technology systems.

Accenture, a management consulting firm, found U.S. industries are suffering from a lack of qualified applicants. Skilled laborers are getting harder to find. On-the-job training is needed.

Since companies can’t afford to spend long periods of time getting new people up to speed, a quick and productive training program is the goal.

Once your warehouse determines which goals are necessary for successful training, formalize a plan for new employees to achieve those results. An inventory training program should be performed with a schedule and a series of checkpoints.

Types of warehouse training may include:

1. Safety training: Safety is of the utmost importance in a warehouse environment. Make sure your workers are trained on proper safety procedures, such as how to handle heavy equipment and how to properly use personal protective equipment.
2. Job-specific training: Provide your workers with the training they need to perform their specific job duties, such as how to use mobile inventory management software or how to operate forklifts.
3. Hands-on training: On-the-job training and supervised practice help your workers learn the ropes. Pair new workers with experienced mentors to help them grasp the ins and outs of the warehouse.

Supply & Demand Chain Executive stated that almost all tasks can be measured provided the company has the right tools. A data-capturing system logs individual employee performance, which can then be compared to training goals and KPIs.

Measure new hire performance and readjust training as needed.

Share Training Performance with Employees

If companies do not set benchmarks, employees will. People want to see the results of their efforts. When a training process doesn’t provide feedback, workers start defining their own success.

Showing new hires how their performance is improving or giving them specific goals to focus on encourages improvement and ensures they are progressing according to the business’s schedule.

Inbound Logistics reminded employers every employee learns at different speeds, so be certain to acquire a flexible system that can accommodate individual needs.

Leverage Intuitive Mobile Technologies

Traditional training programs are often lengthy, leading to onboarding periods of 4-8 weeks or more. For warehouses using archaic inventory handling processes, like pen and paper tickets, spreadsheets, or obsolete barcode software, mistakes are also common.

Technologies created with particular systems in mind facilitate efficient training. No time has to be wasted adapting technology. The tools are ready for employee success.

For example, equipping workers with mobile hardware and apps can reduce training requirements significantly—up to 95%. Instead of having to learn complex tasks and sequences, mobile inventory software comes with built-in best practices that make learning the job fast and simple.

In warehouse terms, it’s much easier for a new employee to learn how to point-and-scan with a mobile barcoding device than to learn how to cycle count a bin by hand.

Implementing Ongoing Training and Development Programs

Training must be periodically reevaluated to utilize existing talents and promote skill development.

The Society for Human Resource Management suggests conducting skill inventories of warehouse crews. By tracking current worker performance, managers can analyze what qualities lead to greater success or which skills touted during the hiring process have not found use on the floor.

Analyzing daily routines also highlights holes in the training process. If employees all seem to have the same process blind spot, that indicates the need for change in training, job duties, or both.

Maintain a schedule of regular trainings for your warehouse teams. This way, processes can be continuously validated, corrected, and improved.

Tips on Attracting Young Talent in the Supply Chain

Attracting young talent in the supply chain is essential. As the supply chain industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial to understand what attracts younger people to jobs in the warehouse.

Here are a few tips on how to attract young talent to your supply chain team:

1. Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Young professionals are looking for more than just a paycheck. They want to work for a company that values and invests in their well-being.
2. Highlight Opportunities for Career Development: Younger workers want opportunities to grow and advance in their careers. Otherwise, they may not be interested.
3. Emphasize the Supply Chain’s Impact on Society: Supply chains play a critical role in today’s world. Emphasizing its impact on business and society can help attract young talent looking to make a meaningful difference.
4. Foster a Culture of Innovation and Creativity: Millennials and Gen Z seek an environment that encourages innovation and creativity, along with the ability to provide meaningful contributions to these areas.
5. Leverage Technology: Younger generations are more tech-savvy than ever. They prioritize jobs using the latest technology, especially when it comes to mobile warehouse solutions.

The Benefits of Investing in the Right Warehouse Workers

Taking the time and effort to properly invest in finding and training top warehouse workers can have a noticeable impact on your business. Attracting the best and brightest employees to your workforce requires strategic staff acquisition and recruitment.

Once hired, a comprehensive training plan will ensure quality, efficiency, and accuracy in your warehouse operations. Having the right mobile technology in place is crucial to get new staff up to full productivity as quickly as possible.

And if you’re looking to expand your potential hiring pool to younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z, knowing what they value in the workplace is vital to ensuring job satisfaction and employee retention.

The post Effective Tips for Finding and Training Top Warehouse Workers appeared first on RFgen.

• Supply chain optimization is critical in the face of disruptive market conditions.
• Inventory management in the supply chain, coupled with automated technologies, can help boost efficiencies.
• A mobile supply chain will help deliver better data and increase visibility across all inventory.

The supply chain industry has been significantly altered by globalization, material and inventory shortages, digitization of business operations, and ever-changing consumer demand. In fact, for many supply chain inventory professionals, the biggest challenge is that there are too many challenges.

While developments continue to unravel, there are numerous keys to supply chain optimization that remain relatively constant. Inventory-heavy businesses must consider the cost and implications of these supply chain optimization strategies to mitigate disruptions.

Here are five factors to consider when optimizing supply chain operations:

1. Important Supply Chain Metrics

Data drives good decision-making. That’s why it’s vital to track supply chain metrics from the field to the warehouse floor.

Consider these measurements for tracking materials to generate better supply chain analytics:

• Inventory
• Percentage of electronic data capture (AIDC)
• Granular metrics for high-cost supplies
• Costs of procedures
• Standard product identifiers

The automation of supply chain inventory can help streamline this effort. In fact, automation software has been found to significantly improve key warehouse KPIs. Barcoding and automatic data capture ensure that material movements are collected perfectly and in real-time for your ERP.

2. Inventory Automation Solutions

Inside and outside the warehouse, automation plays a critical role in today’s supply chain. Real-time inventory data has been directly linked to numerous business outcomes, including:

• Tracking of perishable inventory, such as those used by hospitals or food companies.
• Significant money savings when dealing with tracing expired or recalled products.
• Re-allocation of staff to streamline processes
• Increased visibility into what products are being purchased in what quantity from which suppliers

Despite these use cases, automation of inventory management in the supply chain is still a work in process for many supply chain companies. In fact, only 16% of participants in the RFgen Digital Inventory Report feel their company’s mobile automation systems are sufficient for their current needs.

If data is not captured with mobile supply chain management and standardized, then you aren’t collecting the high-quality data necessary for quality decision-making. Automation technologies and supply chain optimization software drive efficiency, agility, and productivity leading to significant time and cost savings.

3. High-Dollar Products and Procedural Costs

While monitoring supply chain metrics is important to effectively control overhead, granular data can be useful for oversight of high-cost materials. An example of this would be tracking supply cost per case of goods that are used for a specific manufacturing order for a certain customer. Or semiconductors that require tracking by expiration dates and lot numbers.

Automated data collection is especially useful in this respect. The visibility gained by instant material data can inform continuous improvement strategies, as well as financial and supply chain integration. Mobile barcoding and data collection can ensure big ticket items, like equipment and expensive parts, can be found anywhere, anytime.

But this only works if technology is integrated you’re your everyday business processes. Forty-seven percent of Digital Inventory Report respondents cite the need to integrate multiple systems as a key issue. By implementing real-time asset tracking software that easily integrates with business-critical systems like an ERP, supply chain leaders can boost production and manufacturing efficiency.

4. Industry Standards

As always, one of the most valuable metrics for material handlers in regulated industries is the tracking of unique product identifiers. Not just SKUs, but lot and serial numbers, among others. The ability to monitor these as components or ingredients are used in the manufacturing process is crucial for regulatory compliance.

Doing it by hand is next to impossible. Traceability software automates this process, shielding your organization from undue hardship during an audit or recall. The investment quickly pays for itself – and more.

Benefits include better usage tracking and recall preparedness. Digital automation of the data collection process creates the possibility for truly effective spend analysis, supply chain optimization, and comparative research.

However, the value of this data can only be realized if the data is correct to begin with.

5. Human Supply Chains

Now, more than ever, supply chain companies are realizing a pressing need for investment in human-centric technologies. Over 70% of Digital Inventory Report respondents cite staffing as a top challenge in this economic environment. People-augmenting technologies like mobile software can lighten the burden for over-stressed frontline staff, decreasing turnover and absenteeism.

But the benefits don’t end there. Extending your ERP with mobility increases productivity per worker while also reducing costs and increasing accuracy and throughput. With labor in high demand, automated solutions can lead to great efficiencies on the warehouse floor.

In fact, one RFgen customer used mobile supply chain software to reallocate work assignments in the face of changing customer demand. The result? The ability to operate more effectively and fulfill a higher number of orders.

Effective Supply Chain Solutions for Your Business

The current economic landscape and shifting market conditions will change the way many companies operate. Implementing automated mobile supply chain solutions may not protect your company from disruption, but it will help you be prepared in an uncertain climate.

Supply chain optimization strategies not only boost efficiencies, but help you do more with less. The result is a more productive, streamlined approach that sets you apart from the competition.

The post 5 Factors to Consider for Effective Supply Chain Optimization appeared first on RFgen.

• What is mobile device inventory management?
• The difference between web-based and native inventory apps
• Common problems with outdated inventory management systems
• Pros & benefits of mobile inventory management
• Real-world examples of businesses using mobile inventory
• The big takeaway on mobile inventory management

Inventory management is foundational to the success of your supply chain strategy. Fast and efficient control and oversight are required to maintain profitability. Yet many companies struggle. With so much information out there about inventory management best practices, it can be hard to determine what steps to take to make improvements.

Mobile inventory systems are a proven “must-have” solution for enhancing materials management. According to the 2022 Digital Inventory Report, 58% of supply chain companies already use mobile devices for inventory management. Expanding rapidly, the market for such solutions is poised to continue growing by $1.78 bn through 2026.

In this guide, we will explore mobile inventory management, how it works, what the benefits are, and its extensive capabilities.

What is mobile device inventory management?

Mobile inventory management refers to using mobile devices and software to process inventory. Workers equipped with barcode scanners, smartphones, or tablets record stock movements, updating the system of record from point-of-work.

Unlike handwritten or typed information, data is captured quickly and accurately with little effort.

The flexibility to process inventory from anywhere is powerful. Equally powerful is the ability to manage materials across multiple locations—anywhere in the world—without work interruptions or lost data.

More advanced technologies like mobile barcoding further simplify and accelerate daily operations, allowing for automated inventory management workflows, from consumption of raw materials to cycle counting to picking items for order fulfillment.

Another key advantage is the ability to interface with enterprise business systems without complicating your technical landscape. Intelligent data sharing with ERP platforms, Industry 4.0 devices, RFID, and industrial computers ensures true, holistic transparency.

Compared to manual handling, mobile inventory management delivers higher performance at much lower cost, enabling your operations to hit critical warehouse KPIs.

WATCH VIDEO: Ice cream maker Blue Bell tastes success with mobile –

The difference between web-based and native inventory apps

When it comes to mobile inventory software, you generally have two options: web-based apps and native apps. So what’s the difference?

Web-based apps: greater compatibility, lower functionality

Web-based mobile apps offer versatility and compatibility across mobile and desktop devices. Mobile devices only need a web browser to access and interact with the system of record. Mobile inventory management software can be easily deployed to multiple operating systems and devices without having to tailor apps to each—a design once, deploy everywhere methodology.

However, web-based inventory systems can’t take full advantage of a device’s hardware capabilities.

Native apps: greater functionality, lower compatibility

Native mobile applications are built for the operating system and device, so they can leverage the full capabilities of onboard hardware. The additional advantages of native apps are many:

• Optimal performance and battery life
• Device feature utilization (camera, GPS, etc.)
• Electronic signature collection
• Offline capability
• Reliability

To name a few.

While native apps run at faster speeds, they often must be designed separately for each OS and screen size. That is, unless the platform can automate the design process.

Low-code mobile app platform: best of both worlds

A mobile framework like the RFgen Mobile Unity Platform can negate the drawbacks of traditional native app designs while capitalizing on all the advantages. Mobile supply chain applications created with the platform’s built-in Mobile Development Studio can be designed once with low-code, then automatically scaled to multiple screen types, devices, and operating systems.

The end result is cross-platform flexibility with minimal effort.

Common problems with outdated inventory management systems

If your warehouse operations use manual inventory control or old inventory software, then you likely struggle with a wall of challenges. Using outdated processes hamper smooth operations, eating up precious time, resources, and manpower—even in ways you may not realize. Inefficiency leads to cost overruns and disgruntled customers.

According to the RFgen Digital Inventory Report, obsolete material handling methods are responsible for the top 5 challenges facing inventory management today.

Examples of manual inventory management methods include:

• Paper tickets, checklists, or printouts
• Data entry into spreadsheets or systems of record (e.g., ERP software)
• Tribal knowledge / human memory.

Some of the top inefficiencies from manual handling include:

• Very low accuracy: Manual inventory rarely exceeds 60% accuracy.
• Wasted productivity: Workers may spend 2/3 of their time walking around looking for stock.
• Cost bloat: Mispicks alone cost $400,000 annually, according to Honeywell.

Outmatched in accuracy, speed, cost, and complexity, manual operations simply can’t compete in a digital world.

If you are wondering about the effectiveness of an old solution, obsolete or insufficient inventory software can be just as bad as manual handling. A modern solution is crucial.

Some of the most common problems businesses face with outdated inventory management systems:

• Lack of inventory visibility. Do you know how much stock you have on hand and where it’s located?
• Inaccurate stock accounts and compliance issues. Can you trust that your stock levels are true? Are you compliant with traceability requirements?
• Costly errors and mistakes. How do you stop bad data from entering your ERP and driving up overhead?
• Time-consuming. How can you handle more SKUs when you struggle to find enough hands?
• Outdated hardware. Does failing hardware cause operational headaches?
• Enforcing management models. Can you ensure that rules are being followed for control models like EOQ, IPQ, and ABC Analysis?
• Poor insight into sales data. Do you know which SKUs turn the fastest? Can you effectively forecast appropriate stock levels?
• Disjointed systems and processes. Does a patchwork of ad-hoc technologies cause extra work and constant maintenance?
• Manufacturing limitations/capacity issues. How long does it take to pivot when priorities suddenly change? Do you have enough raw materials for your projects?
• Injuries and safety hazards. Does your bottom line suffer due to worker fatigue and injury claims?

With so many problems stemming from inadequate inventory control, it’s a wonder that these ineffective practices persist. More often than not, it’s because they are overlooked as areas for improvement. Mobile inventory could be the answer.

Pros & benefits of mobile inventory management

The benefits of mobile inventory management systems are many—with few drawbacks. Adopting mobility generates transformative improvements in accuracy, speed, quality, and cost not achievable by traditional methods. All types of inventory can be tracked seamlessly.

When it comes to weighing pros and cons, instant material movements and effortless data management are hard to say ‘no’ to.

Here’s why:

Better supply chain visibility of stock

Not knowing your stock levels may seem like an inconvenience, but the impact to your operation is significant, both upstream and downstream. Mobile barcoding records every transaction instantly and accurately, so you always know stock amounts and you can trust those numbers match reality.

Visibility prevents delays and expenses from stock-outs, back orders, double/re-ordering, and work stoppages. Optimal replenishment thresholds can be automated. Ordering and planning become streamlined and more predictable, further reducing costs down the line.

Improves accuracy

At the core of effective inventory management is accurate, efficient data collection—essential for good data hygiene. Barcode software captures instant, 100% accurate inventory transactions for receiving, put-away, inventory counts, warehouse transfers, re-ordering, picking, packing, shipping, and delivery.

Paperless handling and built-in data validations ensure stock levels are true, up-to-date, and free from errors. Mobility enables you to run a lean warehouse with optimal inventory flows.

Increases productivity

Mobile inventory management acts as a force multiplier for your employees, increasing productivity by 30%. More work can be completed at higher quality in less time with fewer staff. In short, productivity-boosting tech is a must-have for facilities with chronic workforce shortages.

Minimizes manual labor

With ERP-extending tech like mobile barcoding, employees can interact, record, and transact right from the device in their hands. Workers spend less time handling paperwork, counting stock, and walking around looking for items that may not exist.

Eliminating paper also drastically cuts down on administration work and overhead.

Cuts on time

Time-saving goes hand-in-hand with productivity. Mobile barcode scanning reduces the time it takes to transact inventory to just seconds. An employee can run an instant mobile inquiry to find an item’s location instead of searching physical shelves for the next 30 minutes.

The best inventory apps also allow for time-saving picking strategies, like batch picking, wave picking, zone picking, and more, without creating traffic jams. Backend automation can further simplify the intricate flow of goods.

These time savings increase efficiency and throughput, leading to fewer bottlenecks and better facility flow. That’s money in the bank.

Decreases hardware costs

Using industrial-grade or ruggedized mobile devices can greatly reduce your total cost of ownership (TCO) per device. Some operations elect to use consumer-grade devices, but barcode scanning is slow and hardware lifespans short. Industrial devices frequently remain in service for 5 years or more.

Allows for multiple stocking models

Enforcing rules for various stocking models is complex. But intelligent software can automatically track movements and assign tasks based on these rules. Whether you need to follow accounting rules like LIFO or FIFO, or blend inventory control models like Economic Order Quantity (EOQ), Inventory Production Quantity, or ABC Analysis, mobile software can render complicated workflows simple.

Clearer forecasting

Accurate, real-time information capture helps resolve discrepancies and wash away dirty data. Reliable inventory metrics enable collaborative forecasting to improve working capital, clearly separating fast-moving stock from underperforming inventory.

Reliable data about sales, inventory turns, and demand translates to better planning. Better planning means optimized labor and asset utilization, carrying costs, and reduced losses. The outcome speaks for itself.

Cloud-based & On-premises

More companies than ever are moving to cloud software. SaaS (Software as a Service) simplifies the development and maintenance of the system, relieving internal IT staff of significant burdens and ensuring software is always up-to-date.

Managed services can further lighten workloads by taking over the full lifecycle and maintenance of your solution.

Not every operation can move to the cloud for security reasons, and that’s okay. 49% of supply chain companies don’t plan to migrate. Look for mobile solutions that fit your ideal deployment model, in the cloud or on premises, or a hybrid of both.

Future-proof

Buying a solution off-the-shelf may seem like a cost-effective option. But what happens when it comes time to modify the solution to accommodate a new business need?

Leveraging a low-code development platform is one way to retain ownership over your mobile solution. Maintaining, modifying, or creating mobile apps becomes fast and simple, even for internal staff that aren’t expert coders. This way your solution never becomes obsolete.

LEARN MORE about low-code mobile application development »

Keeps your business operations relevant

Here the benefits are two-fold. In addition to providing operational agility, mobile inventory apps also help with talent acquisition.

These days, nearly everyone is familiar with mobile devices and how to use smartphones and tablets. Integrating mobile hardware and apps into your warehouse no longer requires a big learning curve. In addition, younger Millennial and Gen Z workers are more likely to take jobs with businesses using mobile solutions because they are already familiar with intuitive touch technologies.

Advanced inventory tracking

Going beyond basic inventory control apps and barcode RF scanning, truly robust mobile solutions provide next-level capabilities for materials management. Some of these include:

• Batch tracking by license plate, lot or serial number, and expiration dates
• Automatic raw material consumption and traceability into finished goods
• Bulk moves between bins or warehouses
• Intelligent put-away, replenishment, and picking
• Offline data collection and field mobility
• Integration with ERP, QMS, WMS, and ASN

Safety and ergonomics

You may not realize that mobile solutions are ideal for improving ergonomics and safety. Handheld mobile devices equipped with long-range scanners cut down on repetitive movements and unnecessary stretching, reaching, climbing, bending, twisting, or other unsafe positions. Better ergonomics also reduces overall fatigue and improves morale.

All of these benefits reduce worker compensation claims, which goes a long way to lowering overhead costs.

Common tasks best handled by mobile inventory control

When it comes to continuity, mobile inventory management is king. Integration with your ERP seamlessly connects material flows inside and outside the four walls to form an unbroken digital chain of custody. Multiple facilities around the world can collect data simultaneously without getting trapped in information silos.

To make this happen, mobile inventory must take over the following activities:

Entering inventory

Receipts are the bread and butter of inventory management. With mobility, employees scan barcodes to enter items into the system instantaneously.

Without mobile scanners, workers must write down product information to be later manually keyed into an office computer by someone else. Nimble operations like cross-docking and raw material consumption are next to impossible.

Mobile inventory tech ensures live data and nimbleness for all material movements. Say goodbye to data entry for PO receipts!

Processing inventory transactions

Another core component of material handling is the processing of inventory transactions. For onsite staff, this means smooth put aways of received stock, transfers of items between bins, issuing to orders, and order fulfillment for outbound logistics.

Equipped with mobile apps, workers can transact materials in seconds without error or time delay.

For field services, where challenges with visibility, accuracy, and effort are greatest, this is especially helpful. Instead of waiting until the end of the day to turn in a spreadsheet or piece of paper, your employees can interact with the ERP as each transaction occurs.

Checking stock

Auditing stock levels reaffirms accuracy. A mobile app for inquiries and cycle counting keeps out human error and miscounts, reducing losses. Items can be found with a touch of a button.

When verifying stock levels offsite, such as with vendor-managed inventory (VMI) or consignment inventory, real-time mobile access goes a long way to simplify complexities. Delivery confirmation and GPS tracking add extra layers of transparency.

Reviewing inventory reports

Once information has been collected, the record is always there. Generating inventory reports becomes much quicker and the results more exact, making room for optimized revenue-to-cost ratios. Combining mobile data collection with a visualized report or dashboard provides invaluable insights for decision-making.

Managing work orders

Mobile work order management equips technicians and warehouse staff with on-demand access for completing work orders. Work order software greatly accelerates plant maintenance and MRO with:

• WO tracking and assignment
• Mobile digital inspections
• Issue materials to a work order
• Spare parts and consumables consumption
• Automatic task reallocation
• Access digital work order documentation
• Attestation questions and checklists

Filling out inventory and asset forms

Well-designed mobile apps simplify ERP forms. For example, a 12-page data entry form can be condensed down to a handful of prompts that include only the information required to complete the task—a huge time-saver.

Checking asset status and specifications

Digital control goes far to reduce losses from misplaced and under-utilized fixed assets. Millisecond barcode scans enable oversight anywhere in the enterprise without vanishing into thin air.

With mobile asset tracking software, users can also check equipment in or out, record condition, status, and even who used it last. Keeping preventive maintenance up to date becomes much more efficient and far less costly.

Real-world examples of businesses using mobile inventory

Mobile inventory in food & beverage

SunOpta, a pioneering manufacturer of sustainable plant-based foods and ingredients, implemented shop floor mobile solutions throughout their operations. Mobility equipped SunOpta with greater flexibility and speed while upholding the highest level of food quality and safety.

• Thanks to mobile barcoding, SunOpta can:
• Unify data collection for multi-ERP, multi-site operations
• Trace food ingredients throughout production and order fulfillment
• Increase plant utilization and operational agility
• Maintain and configure the solution in-house

Mobile inventory in aerospace & defense

Mobile defense industry solutions helped aerospace-defense contractor CarlisleIT rocket to success. Automating data collection facilitated digital transformation in material handling for the company. A cascade of benefits followed, including:

• 99%+ accuracy
• 40% faster material movements
• Automated cycle counting
• Increased productivity with fewer employees

Our raw material accuracies with RFgen are above 99%, up from the low 90s. Mistakes have completely disappeared.

Jim Necci, Warehouse Manager, Carlisle Interconnect Technologies

Mobile inventory in distribution

When it comes to distribution, companies like Life Extension found that scalable mobile inventory solutions greatly accelerated efficiency and throughput. Replacing paper with real-time digital records and mobile devices enabled:

• Pinpoint accuracy
• Item- and lot-level traceability
• Optimized order pick & pack
• Mobile barcode generation and label printing

And many other benefits.

These use cases are far from comprehensive. Mobilizing inventory management can benefit any industry or business that handles a lot of materials, from bins full of nails in a remote warehouse to computer workstations spread across a corporate campus.

The big takeaway on mobile inventory management

If there’s any big takeaway from this guide, it’s that mobile inventory management transforms businesses. Rapid speeds, supply chain oversight, and dexterous operations are a must for today’s cutthroat markets. Achieving those goals requires collecting accurate, crystal clear data.

For ERP users, mobile barcoding solutions extend inventory control to wherever your people work. Whether your business runs on Microsoft D365, SAP ECC or S/4HANA, Oracle, Deltek Costpoint, or multiple systems, mobility could be the technological answer to cost and bottleneck woes.

In our four decades as one of the industry-leading pioneers in mobile software, RFgen experts understand the challenges facing supply chains today. Reach out today to learn how mobility

solutions can make your daily operations easier, faster, and more effective.

The post Comprehensive Guide to Mobile Inventory Management Systems appeared first on RFgen.

While most inventory-handling companies aren’t in direct competition with Amazon, there are critical lessons to be learned from Amazon’s inventory management practices and their continuous drive for innovation.

What is the hidden secret to Amazon’s success?

Amazon is the leader in online retail. Companies Market Cap reports that Amazon generated $502.19 billion in 2022 alone, outpacing growth in every year prior.

The company gained this edge by relentlessly expanding operations, optimizing warehouse picking strategies, and pushing delivery times beyond what was previously thought possible.

Conversations around Amazon warehouses often focus on high-tech solutions, from drone deliveries to autonomous robotics. While Amazon is pushing boundaries in these areas, replicating its success doesn’t require expensive sci-fi concepts.

Instead, look to the foundational technologies that streamline inventory control on a daily basis.

Amazon Inventory Optimization with Barcode Scanning

Barcode scanning plays a crucial role in Amazon’s inventory management system. Wireless barcode scanners allow Amazon to quickly and accurately track the movement of products in and out of their warehouses, and it helps the company maintain accurate inventory levels.

Amazon warehouses feature extensive use of mobile barcode scanners and wearables to enable a constant cycle of order processing, item picking, and shipping. Digital inventory processes allow for real-time visibility into stock levels, asset dispositions, and shipping demand at any given time.

By quickly locating and tracking inventory with barcode software, Amazon can improve the speed and accuracy of their warehouse management. In turn, this helps increase customer satisfaction and reduce costs.

Barcode scanning is also used for:

• Receiving products in the warehouse
• Recording location, statuses, and inventory levels
• Checking product availability and the amount of stock needed for replenishment
• Tracking movements inside the warehouse
• Picking and packing to assure order accuracy

By using barcode scanning technology, Amazon can focus on other areas of their business such as marketing and customer service, while still ensuring efficient stock management.

Strategic Shipping Practices & Data Collection

Automating traditional warehouse tasks increases agility through the supply chain as well. Amazon’s fully digital warehouse, distribution, and fulfillment network moves goods between locations with incredible efficiency. Even so, the e-commerce titan is continually striving to optimize shipping practices.

For example, in China, the company is partnering with merchants, allowing Amazon to pick up goods directly from those stores and ship to consumers locally. Even though Amazon has thousands of facilities across a global footprint, they know when, where, and how much of each item they have at any given time.

Supply chains can learn a valuable lesson from this new idea of fulfillment. Instead of having to process the order in a central warehouse and send it over an extended shipping network, the e-commerce giant can pair a warehouse with an order to identify which location makes the most sense and accelerate order delivery accordingly.

This type of strategic change is only possible, however, because of mobile data collection. Real-time integration with the central and multi-tier backend system, like an ERP or WMS software, ensures accurate information across geographically distributed locations.

Mobile barcoding, for instance, can record inventory transactions onsite or offsite, then transmit that information back to a central ERP.

Resiliency with a Digital-First Strategy

Like Amazon, businesses must continue to leverage digital automation technologies to keep pace with shifting demand and uncertainty.

One crucial reason for Amazon’s continuing success during the pandemic era is its heavy emphasis on a “digital-first” supply chain strategy. High-quality, real-time inventory enables the massive enterprise to act on accurate data trends across the globe during a time when supply and demand may fluctuate dramatically. Agility depends on perfect data collection, in turn made possible with barcoding.

Mobile barcoding solutions remain a proven, cost-effective means of increasing predictability and resiliency. Like Amazon, wireless barcode devices help set the foundation for digital success in a fast-moving operation.

Be Like Amazon: Transform Inventory Control

Transforming your inventory processes can be a challenging task. Before you can start solving problems with inventory management, first you need to dial in on why and where you are having issues. Having a strategic partner you can turn to for honest, constructive advice in this area is indispensable.

Whether you’re struggling to solve a complex problem unique to your organization, or simply need reliable barcode automation, RFgen inventory experts can help.

In the meantime, explore some of these additional inventory management tips and strategies below:

• The Phantom of the Warehouse: Inventory That Isn’t There
• Where to Bury Your Dead Inventory
• Tips for Balancing Consumer Demand, Inventory Management and Company Costs
• Keeping Inventory Cool: Challenges of Temperature Control
• Sell It Before It Goes Bad: The Perils of Perishable Products

The post Unlocking the Secrets of Amazon’s Inventory Management: Tips and Strategies for Success appeared first on RFgen.

But what makes Coca-Cola so unique is not just its product. The Coca-Cola supply chain is a well-oiled machine with far-reaching impact and a seamless operating model.

What exactly has made the iconic brand operate so efficiently for over 130 years?

The Coca-Cola distribution strategy puts its focus on local opportunities. The product starts with Coca-Cola, which sells the necessary components to bottling manufacturing companies. From there, bottler partners manufacture, package, merchandise, and distribute the final branded product to customer vending partners who then sell it to the consumer.

With over 225 bottling partners worldwide and over 900 Coca-Cola bottling plants, this localized approach allows the company to deliver a drink from the factory straight into the hands of a customer with ease.

What are the core components of Coca-Cola’s supply chain?

The company also puts an emphasis on several other components across the supply chain of Coca-Cola which make it truly unique.

• Adoption of technology. Coca-Cola and its bottling partners are consistently investing in advanced technologies as a way to digitize the supply chain process. This includes warehouse technologies, 3D printing, and innovative solutions surrounding production.
• Logistics team. Coca-Cola logistics is a team specifically tasked with visibility into the distribution process, from the warehouse to the store shelves.
• Retail partnerships. Coca-Cola has high standards when it comes to retail partnerships and values longevity. For instance, the company has partnered with McDonald’s since 1955.
• Suppliers. Coca-Cola suppliers are seen as critical to the organization’s success and sustainability. Supplier partners participate in events like the supplier relationship management program and supplier innovation days alongside Coca-Cola.
• Quality control. The company has incredibly strict quality control standards across its various products. Suppliers are required to gain certification in quality, environment and health and safety.
• Global Supply Chain Council. Coca-Cola formed a Global Supply Chain Council with its bottler partners. Sub-committees are formed around the company’s overall strategies and best practices are shared to better the overall Coca-Cola supply chain operation.

Coca-Cola Product Touchpoints

There are four main players in the Coca-Cola supply chain system:

1. Manufacturer
2. Distributor
3. Retailer
4. Consumer

Manufacturer

Coca-Cola itself serves as the manufacturer, creating the concentrated syrup that will eventually become Coca-Cola brand products. They then sell these concentrates, beverage bases, and syrups to a bottling partner.

Distributor

Once the concentrate is sold, it is sent on to the bottling partners in a separate manufacturing facility. There, the concentrate is mixed with water, carbon dioxide, and sugar, which are locally sourced.

The Coca-Cola distribution channel strategy creates relationships with these local sources. Manufacturing plants are set up close to where sugar grows, decreasing the time needed for the delivery of goods to the plant. Local partners have the ability to choose the type of sugar to be used. For instance, in America, the sugar used comes from corn syrup. In Europe, beet sugar is often used.

It is up to the bottling partners to prepare, package, sell, and distribute finished beverages to retailers.

Retailer

The finished product operations for Coca-Cola consists of company-owned or company-controlled bottling, sales and distribution operations. Working through the Coca-Cola Export Corporation, local bottlers around the world distribute the drink in their markets.

These customers include grocery stores, restaurants, street vendors, convenience stores, movie theaters, amusement parks, and more.

Consumer

Coca-Cola is one of the most recognizable consumer brands in the world. Retailers distribute Coca-Cola and its various products into the hands of consumers around the world. It is estimated that 1.9 billion servings are issued per day.

What can you learn from the Coca-Cola supply chain?

Coca-Cola has achieved an unparalleled level of success. Yet, there are several key takeaways that organizations can learn from the Coca-Cola supply chain system and its process.

Concentrate on quality control and procurement management

Coca-Cola has a constant eye on its inventory and how each piece affects the overall supply chain. For instance, the company chooses a specific group of approved suppliers based on a stringent set of standards, including location, size, equipment level, supply and demand for raw materials, and so on. Bottling partners are only allowed to buy from this approved supplier list. This allows Coca-Cola to ensure the quality of their inventory when multiple partners are involved.

In addition, the company regularly reviews its supply chain operations. Monitoring occurs at all levels, including bottlers, Coca-Cola distribution channels, and retailers. By regularly reviewing supplier performance based on field feedback, action plans can be developed and issues that may affect the larger supply chain can be addressed head-on.

One way to get similar end-to-end insight into your warehouse operation is through a warehouse management system (WMS). Over 90% of warehouse leaders believe the functionality of a WMS will benefit mobile-equipped workers. However, mobile barcoding can provide core WMS capabilities through advanced barcode scanning—without the complexity or expense.

RFgen’s mobile warehouse solutions incorporate mobile data collection with logistics functionality. By capitalizing on mobile barcoding capabilities, companies can achieve material visibility during the production cycle, track and direct materials and incorporate Industry 4.0 technologies. This allows direct movement of employees, materials, and warehouse robotics to create an advanced materials flow and a more productive supply chain.

In addition, warehouses should focus on connecting inventory lifecycles, ensuring up-to-date changes are documented as they happen and flow into an ERP system. Reliable data capture, in addition to end-to-end visibility, will allow any warehouse to embrace agility the way Coca-Cola has.

Create strong partnerships

Coca-Cola’s supply chain structure depends on long-term collaboration with retail partners and bottlers.

Helen Davis, vice president of supply chain for the U.S. region for Coca-Cola told Supply Chain World: “The Coca-Cola bottling business was built on strong franchise leadership. As we continue our strategy of re-franchising our bottling systems across the globe, it is imperative that franchise bottlers work together to leverage the opportunities within our supply chains.”

The product itself is essentially created by one of its trusted bottling partners with locally sourced water and sugar, then distributed to a variety of food wholesalers, supermarkets, chains, and more. By centralizing decision-making and working collaboratively with its partners, Coca-Cola can deliver a quality, consistent product from the factory floor to the shelf in record time.

Creating strong strategic partnerships with trusted, experienced vendors is critical to any organization’s success. By working alongside a company with deep supply chain and mobility expertise, manufacturing entities can enhance their capabilities and address issues head-on to create lasting success.

Make technology and automation a priority

Coca-Cola sees technology and digitization of workflow as essential to the company’s overall strategic plans and initiatives. A few of the types of technology they embrace include:

• Warehouse technology
• New block production lines
• 3D printing to manufacture bottles and cans
• Artificial intelligence in procurement
• Streamlined software for enhanced visibility

For manufacturers in today’s market, this type of technology is not a pipe dream for large companies like Coca-Cola. Rather, all levels of manufacturing entities can embrace digital automation, enabling employees to respond faster and work smarter to deliver optimal workflows.

There are numerous ways to do this, but one way is by utilizing mobile automation through the use of barcode scanning on handheld devices. This process eliminates the need for manual processes and data entry, all while providing accurate inventory management.

Barcode and mobile scanning is a growing trend too, with 59% of respondents to the RFgen Digital Inventory Report noting an intent to add mobile scanning to their warehouse automation mix.

After-sales logistics

Whatever the product, Coca-Cola has one goal: to send the goods from its warehouses quickly. The logistics structure designed by Coca-Cola allows them to do just that, meeting the needs of the customer through transfer, storage, and placement of inventory.

Logistically, Coca-Cola does this by manufacturing products more frequently, establishing production plans close to its customers, including daily interaction between all points of contact on the supply chain and the main site, and adhering to the same after-sales process for all supply chain participants.

“The market has shifted to an on-demand environment. The expectation is that consumer demands are delivered with speed. The challenge is to be able to keep up with changing consumer preferences at an efficient and low cost,” says Davis to Supply Chain World.

Coca-Cola is not alone in this shift. Our customers have seen a 67% increase in surging customer demand recently. This type of increase dramatically impacts any type of pre-existing supply chain structure.

The Future of Inventory Management and Mobile Technologies

Manufacturers must turn to new ways of inventory management to meet the challenge. Mobile barcoding software, for instance, can directly integrate with enterprise systems to enhance real-time performance and visibility.

Barcode scanning, mobile devices, and warehouse management solutions are proven to boost production, impact supply chain management, and update outbound shipping and warehouse operations. The result is greater efficiency across the product lifecycle, setting the foundation for long-term success.

The post The Magic of the Coca-Cola Supply Chain & What Companies Can Learn appeared first on RFgen.

Here are four steps to redesigning your warehouse space:

1. Look at Available Space

When a company takes the initiative to redesign its inventory space, the first step is to audit available resources and determine how to put current investments to best use. A space is considered completely utilized when it is 85% full of inventory. If the products do not take up the vast majority of the available shelves and floor area, then it’s time to move things around.

For example, once a company realizes what equipment it uses to transport products and supplies, it can plan paths accordingly. After a year or two of driving a forklift down hallways, employees reporting activities through mobile barcoding and data collection should indicate if hallways are wider than necessary or better routes for direct movement are necessary.

Knowing what happened in the past allows for companies to plan the future. If managers try to densely pack their warehouse space, historical data allows them to see which merchandise needs to be readily accessible and which items can move to long-term storage.

2. Move Up

After inventory management teams take stock of what they have available compared to what needs to be done, they can determine what investments must be made. If historical data demonstrates how a new shelving system could improve normal operations, it makes it easier for warehouse teams to plead their case to upper management.

One of the best ways to make use of open space is to go vertical with warehouse designs. Stacking inventory up to the roof ensures employees don’t miss out on opportunities for practical storage.

This may mean companies need to invest in taller multi-leveled shelves or a mezzanine floor. A new vertical plan may also call for assets to reach higher storage, such as lifts or ladders. Think, plan, and move your inventory vertically for a lean warehouse management approach.

3. Remove Dead Inventory

Businesses should not just audit and make plans for space and assets; they must investigate how products move through a building. When a product stops moving, there is a problem with supply chain logistics that must be solved through a new warehouse inventory management solution.

Dead inventory are products that sit in the warehouse but never are moved to customers. It could be caused by a lack of demand or the introduction of a superior model to business offerings.

Inventory managers need to investigate the reasons and then prevent them from happening again, especially if the cause is directly related to warehouse operations like spoilage.

Performing a full audit of inventory before a warehouse redesign helps decision makers create plans to prevent past mistakes and find a better answer for daily needs. Workers can count stock with mobile data collection devices in hand, so the collected data matches records and problems are visible. As employees clear dead inventory, creating a data trail stops it from happening again and ensures each foot of space is used to its full potential.

4. Go Green

Green business practices are about conserving available resources. When companies make the most of their investments and space, it’s good for the environment and the business’s bottom line. The Illinois Smart Energy Design Assistance Center said organizations can save money in their warehouse operations by redesigning the space to conserve heat and light.

For example, employees should check their current lights to make sure they are clean and in good condition, so money is not wasted on dim lights. Companies can also look at historical records to plan automatic lighting to go along with normal activities. Saving money on power and climate control is beneficial for the warehouse, but it also gives the company something to market. Designing a smart inventory space is advantageous to all invested parties.

SUCCESS STORY: Snackfood make Clif Bar goes green with digital »

Warehouse Redesign = Smart Warehouse Inventory Management

The four steps to a better warehouse design are straightforward concepts:

• Examine your space
• Plan your space
• Find and fix inventory logistical issues
• Reduce costs with better technology
• After addressing those four priorities, arm your warehouse management with digital automation and technology such as mobile barcoding and data collection. Then, watch your efficiency and productivity soar.

The post 4 Steps to Redesign Your Warehouse Space in 2023 appeared first on RFgen.

• Process and discrete manufacturers face increased pressure in today’s highly competitive, volatile marketplace. The COVID-19 pandemic added additional pressure and unpredictability.
• Shop floor data collection offers the capability to gain visibility, predictability, improve efficiencies, and reduce costs.
• Process manufacturers can leverage traceability technology to meet compliance regulations.
• Discrete manufacturers use these solutions to better manage inventory and reduce costs.

Every day, manufacturing businesses create new products and improve existing ones. But not all manufacturing is the same. Process manufacturing mixes different elements to create products, such as plastics, pharmaceuticals, and food. While discrete manufacturing creates goods, like cell phones, wind turbines, and automobiles.

In either case, manufacturers nowadays face significant competitive pressure forcing them to streamline their supply chain, lower costs, expand product lines, and improve customer service. To address the challenges, they need a robust shop floor/inventory solution, one that delivers immediate traceability and real-time visibility during the manufacturing process.

Customers today demand more than ever: more pricing options, more means of delivery, and more access to supply chain data. Technology increasingly plays a key role in meeting those requests. Automated data collection ensures material stock levels are accurate. Inventory errors often impact revenue, since they can lead to problems in accurate, timely order fulfillment.

To better understand mobile technology’s role in manufacturing, let’s take a close at each subset, followed by a use case.

Process manufacturing and discrete manufacturing both involve the production of goods, however, the type of goods and the way they are produced vary:

• Process manufacturing follows a sequential model and sometimes creates materials, such as steel, used in finished products.
• Discrete manufacturing follows an asynchronous model and constructs a finished product, like a smartphone.

Why Use Traceability Tech in Process Manufacturing

Process manufacturing revolves around the flow of sequential steps, like cooking, where the end of one step immediately leads to the start of the next. Manufacturers collect ingredients and then create a predetermined volume of a material, such as plastic, food, and paper, within one facility. Robust traceability software is required to accurately oversee these inventory types.

According to BCC Research, the top five process manufacturing markets are:

1. Oil and Gas
2. Food
3. Pharmaceutical and Life Science
4. Plastics
5. Metals

The steel manufacturing process remains one of the biggest process manufacturing industries in North America.

The process to create these materials is becoming more complex. Automated track and trace software can ensure accurate recording of material lifecycles. Suppliers constantly create new products and attempt to differentiate themselves. Tracking raw materials, middle-stage ingredients, and finished products is impossible without real time real-time insight. Many manufacturing raw materials need to be stored in special locations because they can be negatively impacted by a change in temperature or a delay. Mobile inventory software can ensure safe storage rules are always adhered to.

Use Case: Traceability Technology in Process Manufacturing

The way these materials are produced, and the compliance regulations constantly evolve. Being able to trace elements and finished products has become corporate gold for process manufacturers. So, businesses need to gather more supply chain data and make it easily accessible throughout the enterprise with process manufacturing software.

Let’s look at a real-world use case:

In business since 1965, Caito Foods operates four distribution centers that move fresh produce to stores in the Eastern, Midwest and Southeastern United States. The Food Safety Modernization Act and Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI) required that Caito Foods identify each item’s country of origin so its grocers can display that information on their sales floor signage. To meet that regulation and gain full product and ingredient traceability, the food producer successfully deployed RFgen Mobile Foundations for Oracle’s JD Edwards with RFgen Warehouse Director. RFgen’s mobile barcoding and data collection solutions enhanced visibility for manufacturing raw materials of multiple types throughout their operation.

Why Use Mobile Barcoding in Discrete Manufacturing

The discrete manufacturing industry (or discrete processing) breaks the manufacturing process up into pieces, pulls them all together at the end, and creates autonomous items. Here, manufacturers employ a series of steps that are not dependent on another and asynchronous in nature. An Illinois plant creates a car brake pad in the morning and an Indiana facility manufactures a side mirror in the afternoon. Production rates vary, and each step can be started or stopped, depending on how well the operation proceeds. Mobile data collection technologies, like mobile barcoding, can provide the discrete manufacturing industry with control and visibility to reduce operating costs and enhance social distancing.

The top five markets for discrete manufacturing are, according to market research firm BCC Research:

1. Automotive
2. Electronics and Computers
3. Consumer Goods
4. Aerospace, Aviation, and Defense
5. Machinery and Heavy Equipment

Read more about the Toyota manufacturing process and how Toyota improved its discrete manufacturing visibility here.

These manufacturers rely on multifaceted, sometimes multi-national, increasingly complex, rapidly moving supply chains. Coordinating all the components is challenging because change is constant and speed to market has become paramount to success. Bullwhip supply and demand that emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic worsen the challenge. Barcode software can ensure all inventory data is accurate at any given time, giving shop floor operations the agility to quickly pivot or re-tool production. Otherwise, hours of downtime could heavily impact revenue.

Use Case: Improving Discrete Manufacturing Processes with AIDC

Traditionally, items were loosely tracked as they left one facility and traveled to their next destination. That is no longer tolerable. Current pressures require real-time, reliable, and accurate access to information. The ability to update your ERP manufacturing process with material movements as they occur is a must when responding to changes in demand or unexpected problems. Automatic identification and data capture (ADC/AIDC) in the form of mobile barcode software may be the answer.

Vision Engraving provides an illuminating example:

In business for more than 20 years, Vision Engraving & Routing Systems is the largest engraving machine manufacturer in North America. The company relied heavily on a paper-based production order process to monitor the building of approximately 250 machines on its production line. Employees spent a great deal of time manually entering and updating tracking information, which reduced the time they were actually producing products.

The manufacturer deployed RFgen Mobile Foundations for SAP Business One and replaced its paper and data entry with wireless barcode scanners to automate data collection.

The end results?

Vision Engraving reduced order processing time by 684 hours per year, eliminating hundreds of hours annually. Employees no longer needed to hand-deliver paperwork in the warehouse (or the 60,000+ sheets of paper required to do it). Savings amounted to $22,500 per year and the company achieved a full Return on Investment (ROI) in less than twelve months.

Read the full story here »

While manufacturers create a variety of assorted products, they share many of the same business drivers, including the growing need to improve traceability. The right shop floor/inventory solution automates more functions, lowers operating costs, enhances productivity, and improves product quality, ensuring competitiveness in today’s dynamic manufacturing market. With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, both discrete and process manufacturers need innovative manufacturing enablement solutions like mobile barcoding and data collection to bolster resiliency and thrive.

The post Inventory Management Software: Process Manufacturing vs. Discrete Manufacturing appeared first on RFgen.

• Food and beverage companies face inventory challenges from public scrutiny over food safety and granular government oversight.
• Mobile barcoding technology equips these companies with real-time visibility and traceability to mitigate these challenges.
• Offline mobility solutions enable continuous availability data collection, even in freezers or out in the field.

Food habits are changing. From the rising popularity of “meatless” products to an increased focus on sustainable packaging, consumers continue to drive trends throughout the food and beverage industry.

What hasn’t changed is the continued public concern over food safety. 56% of surveyed Americans are more concerned about food safety than they were in prior years. With sanitization and human safety now even more on the minds of consumers, these statistics are set to remain firm, if not increase.

This public concern directly drives increasingly strict food safety regulations and controls. Non-compliance to regulatory requirements, such as the ability to respond to a recall rapidly and accurately, can lead to devastating consequences.

To meet these challenges—and emerging challenges of tomorrow—companies operating in food and beverage must improve inventory visibility by turning to automation technology like mobile barcoding or risk getting left behind.

The Problem: Tracking Inventory Across the Food & Beverage Supply Chain

Using outdated methods to track inventory across your warehouse, production, or supply chain keeps your team in the dark about crucial information such as inventory location, quantity, expiration date (of each ingredient) and receiving date. This lack of insight makes it all but impossible to scale inventory processes or trace contaminated or recalled materials with any degree of agility. It also makes it more challenging to meet customer demand.

Food and beverage companies have historically relied on manual data collection methods such as paper-based recording and spreadsheets, keying handwritten data into a computer workstation or relying on memory or “tribal” knowledge. However, this approach leads to misinformation, lost inventory, and manual recounts, all of which are costly and inefficient for supply chain management.

Inevitable human error and a lack of timely data frustrates team members and reduces inventory visibility, which can be catastrophic in the event of a food or ingredient recall.

Watch a short success story video about this food & beverage plant food pioneer »

Compliance to Federal Regulations and Food Safety Standards

Adhering to strict federal regulations for food product and ingredient traceability remains one of the most consistent challenges across the food and beverage industry. In the event of a regulatory audit or recall, food and beverage manufacturers and distributors must have a plan in place to trace compromised ingredients and products and contain the potential fallout.

However, manual data collection and paper-based recording processes make a timely response nearly impossible, significantly increasing the risk of regulatory infractions and harmful public exposure.

Often, this means the only course of action is to destroy the good product with the bad, as companies lack the track-and-trace food traceability software needed to identify compromised items throughout supply chain management processes. While this option may reduce civil and criminal litigation, it has serious effects on a company’s bottom line. It is also not a long-term solution.

Read More: The Food Traceability Survival Guide »

Remote, Offline and Limited Connections

Many food and beverage businesses must also operate in offline and remote areas lacking reliable infrastructure, such as in field service delivery or in areas with limited connectivity.

These challenging scenarios make it more difficult to maintain consistent and reliable connections with your ERP, so historically many companies have relied on paper-based recording. However, this can result in inconsistent inventory counts, a lack of timeliness, and even lost or unaccounted for product.

The Solution: Modernizing with Real-time Inventory

Embracing technologies to solve these challenges and achieve real-time inventory visibility and control across the supply chain is now a top priority for forward-thinking food and beverage producers.

One such technology is mobile barcoding.

Mobile Barcoding and Inventory Management

Built on food and beverage supply chain best practices, mobile barcoding extends the ERP system onto mobile devices with pre-built mobile apps to automate previously manual processes. By updating inventory for both inbound and outbound processes as work occurs and without error, operations can maximize accuracy and visibility.

Now, businesses can easily track raw materials, food ingredients, and end products through every stage of harvesting, production and distribution. In the event of a recall or audit, you can quickly and easily locate the affected products by ingredient, lot, supplier, grocery store and more. The ability to pull only the affected items from the supply chain helps mitigate losses.

Enhanced Traceability to Ensure Compliance

Mobile barcoding prevents errors associated with manual data entry to boost accuracy up to 99.99%, creating the visibility to satisfy regulatory requirements. This equips food and beverage companies with the food traceability software needed to pull and destroy only affected products during a recall, avoid civil and criminal action and retain consumer trust.

Using mobile barcoding technology with handheld scanners, transactions automatically create traceability paths in your system of record. If you need to respond to an audit or trace a recalled item, the movements or location of the items, even by ingredient, can be found in minutes. Finding the same information in a paper-based system could take weeks or months—if they are located at all.

Also Read: Why Traceability Matters More Than Ever »

Capturing Data, Regardless of Connectivity

Solutions for offline mobility enable workers to continue collecting data even when network or ERP connectivity is temporarily unavailable or limited.

Offline mobility can also help solve the challenges associated with field delivery or field services by enabling users to capture data and then transact once connectivity is restored or during predetermined timed updates.

Continuous availability and offline batch solutions enable you to collect data in areas of your warehouse that network connections can’t reach, like a walk-in freezer. When the connectivity is restored, the offline transactions are queued to update the ERP.

Improve inventory visibility, meet customer demand

Your warehouse management systems need to keep up with the current demands of inventory management and customer satisfaction. This requires food traceability software for more effective supply chain management and real-time inventory visibility.

Whether your operations are struggling to meet FDA food traceability requirements or simply need the benefits of inventory visibility to meet increased levels of customer satisfaction, food traceability software such as mobile barcoding and data collection can be the solution for future success.

The post Real-Time Inventory Visibility for the Food and Beverage Industry appeared first on RFgen.

The warehouse management technology market continues to grow at a rapid pace. Industry growth in the warehouse app market is being fueled by the increased need to meet rapid fulfillment demands at lower cost.

At the same time, advances in mobile warehouse software are making these technologies more accessible, driving efficiency gains for inventory control.

Its rapid rise highlights a changing dynamic—modern warehouses face new opportunities to leverage inventory apps to maximize visibility across a wide range of operations. Heightened transparency allows supply chains to coordinate activities with tight precision and align business operations between departments and teams.

But these goals are only achievable if frontline workers have the mobile devices, barcode apps, and data collection tools needed to get the job done.

Mobile hardware solutions are transforming warehouse logistics, driving efficiency throughout the supply chain. Here are five of the most prominent gains offered by mobile devices:

1. Geographic Flexibility

Imagine your organization has long operated a centralized warehouse that has been able to handle fulfillment requests across your target markets. However, recent growth into new regions has left your teams struggling to keep up.

With today’s mobile inventory solutions, supply chains can more easily manage stock beyond central locations, so facilities can coordinate activities with relative ease.

For example, an organization that wants to improve product delivery can roll out a specialized warehouse for products in high demand closer to customers so they can send deliveries out faster. Live inventory visibility from a central ERP ensures materials are stored in the most strategic locations without getting lost.

Remote data collection and barcode scanning enable companies to establish teams devoted to specific supply chain, distribution, or fulfillment tasks in the most productive locations possible. This geographic flexibility can lay the groundwork for business innovation by eliminating problem-solving barriers.

RELATED: Ready to give your bottom line a boost? Mobilize your warehouse team »

2. Reduced Overhead for Remote Facilities

Many industrial organizations maintain locations in remote parts of the world where specialized operations take place. Geographic realities are a major issue in sectors heavily dependent on raw materials, natural goods, or unique market dynamics. There may be times when a warehouse with a skeleton crew operates so far away from the primary facilities that managing the remote warehouse presents a major operational burden.

Sending managers and specialists out to the remote facility isn’t practical, nor is neglecting the remote warehouse a viable option. Leveraging remote device management functionality in warehouse mobile apps offers a solution. This enables management to monitor warehouses from afar and even change parameters within automated systems to solve basic problems.

In addition, mobile platforms empower IT staff to troubleshoot devices and provide training for warehouse workers without traveling to the site—a huge efficiency gain.

Advanced offline data collection solutions further simplify enterprise oversight. If the system connection is lost at any point, offline mobility keeps inventory operations running until connectivity is restored.

In this way, geographical boundaries don’t have to hold your warehouse data collection back.

ALSO READ: Start creating value with warehouse automation software »

3. Adaptable Inventory Models

Lean manufacturing models are pushing organizations to eliminate waste in every way possible, including reducing the quantities of materials sitting on shelves unused. Having pending orders sit idle while workers spend up to 60% of their time walking between production lines and warehouse storage creates significant waste.

To compensate, some operations store small numbers of parts, supplies, and other materials near production. The problem with this strategy is that poor visibility into inventory levels limits monitoring of available stock at each facility.

This is where mobile inventory technology pays off.

Having a mobile barcode scanner in hand lets users log and locate inventory in a matter of seconds, feeding that information back into the ERP. Changes in stock levels, status, consumption, and origin are kept seamlessly up-to-date for facilities, regardless of inventory management model.

Whether or not your business is interested in this variety of lean operations, the reality is that greater visibility into inventories gives you an opportunity to establish parts storage and supply strategies that align with your specific operational demands.

4. Simplified Training

Warehouse technology can be incredibly useful in meeting specific operational needs. But heavyweight solutions like WMS software can also come with a heavy training burden.

More intuitive, cost-effective alternatives like mobile barcoding put a familiar user experience in the hands of workers that isn’t technologically overwhelming. Comfort with the interface and well-designed UX translates to 80% faster warehouse training and much higher user adoption.

5. Enhance Field Service Management

Field service management is often a blind spot for inventory management. Long-standing limitations in tracking vehicle locations, the inability to immediately process work orders and inventories in the field, and similar issues can make it difficult to pinpoint material movements.

However, field services have a huge impact on both internal and external stakeholders. Giving drivers mobile apps for field services lets them submit bills electronically during customer interactions, record inventory updates when they use assets stored in their trucks, capture signatures on-demand, and quickly update team members back in the warehouse.

Increased complexity across the supply chain, not to mention demand for greater speed and precision during the fulfillment process, is pushing organizations to enhance oversight across all operations. Field service software that extends core warehouse and ERP systems allow companies to gain greater visibility and productivity while offsite.

Using Mobile Technologies to Gain a Competitive Edge

Smartphones and tablets are transforming operations across plenty of industries, and the time has come for supply chains to catch up. The combination of visibility and speed offered by mobile barcoding apps is invaluable in a sector that depends on tight controls to remain profitable.

While pressure to ramp up efficiency without sacrificing quality continues to strain warehouse management and manufacturing, businesses that modernize operations with mobile warehouse technology are bound to succeed in the blistering pace of an increasingly digital world.

The post 5 Ways Mobile Devices are Transforming Warehouse Management appeared first on RFgen.

Barcodes and mobile barcoding are so prevalent today that it may seem like they’ve been around forever. In fact, the opposite is true. Barcodes are a relatively recent invention.

And yet, while the barcode may have not been put into practice until more recently, the idea for it came many years before. Why the delay?

The delayed adoption of the barcode and today’s mobile barcoding technologies are more closely related than they might seem at first glance. To understand the relationship, we need to look at the history of the barcode. That history also explains the current state of the “barcode industry” – especially for manufacturing, distribution, life sciences and wellness, aerospace, and food and beverage companies. There are also insights to be gained into where the industry is going and why there is such a significant focus on mobile barcoding.

For an in-depth look at current industry trends, download our 2022 Digital Inventory Report:

A Brief History of the Barcode

The design for what we would come to know as a barcode started off in the sand of a Florida beach. Oddly enough, the man who got inspiration from several lines in the sand and got people thinking about what would become the barcode was not the one who invented the barcode or universal product code (UPC) that we are all familiar with today.

History is full of twists and turns. The barcode’s history is no different.

Who Invented the Barcode?

Joe Woodland left graduate school in late 1948 and moved to Miami Beach to invent a new way for supermarkets to move people through the stores faster. One day while sitting on the beach he dragged his hand through the sand and while analyzing the lines, he thought of Morse code, and how different lines could have different meanings.

His idea was for a circular or bullseye-shaped barcode. Now, he just needed a way to read it. Heading back to Philadelphia, he started working on a device with a friend, Bernard “Bob” Silver. According to the two of them, the device they created with a 500-watt incandescent bulb worked, but inconsistently. What they needed was a brighter, focused light to read the code and a device to process the information.

In short, they needed a laser to scan and a computer to process. Those would come later.

Fast Forward 20 Years

The laser was invented in 1960 by Theodore Maiman of Hughes Aircraft Company. Computers had been developing, slowly.

Then, in 1972, RCA tested the circular barcode in a Cincinnati Kroger store. While it worked, the circular nature of the barcode didn’t work with all the products sold. For this technology to work, it needed to be universal.

The UPC Barcode, a Pack of Gum, and the Rest is History

Grocery chains recognized the potential to serve customers faster with barcode scanning. They weren’t, however, the only ones to see the benefit of barcodes. Railways had begun to use similar systems in principle earlier, although these applications couldn’t transfer to all industries, like the grocery chains.

Even before Kroger tested the circular barcode, representatives from the grocery trade had set out to settle on a standardized and universal barcode. Several companies got involved, creating proposals. RCA, with its success, felt certain to win. The actual winner was IBM, based on a rectangular code of varying line widths created by George Laurer.

Joe Woodland’s initial lines in the sand ultimately became the standard for what we know today as the UPC code, although the credit for its invention goes to George Laurer, since he was the one to create the actual UPC system.

Thus it was that in June of 1974 a pack of chewing gum was the first product scanned with the modern UPC code.

How did the barcode change the world of inventory management?

It took a while, but once companies saw the benefits of the barcode for inventory management, they never looked back. Tracking inventories became easier and more accurate. Managing inventories could be completed exponentially faster.

Grocery chains, retail stores, and manufacturers of consumer goods recognized the ability to deliver a more streamlined customer experience as well. Today, businesses across all industries rely on barcodes to manage inventory, serve customers, take care of patients and have even made it possible for companies like Amazon to revolutionize how we buy, sell, and ship.

Even as the barcode transformed the world of inventory management, mobile barcode scanning continues the evolution with wireless devices and mobile apps.

PART 2: THE BENEFITS OF MOBILE BARCODING FOR TODAY’S ORGANIZATION

Barcodes and barcode scanners have evolved significantly since that first pack of chewing gum was scanned. Today, almost every package contains a barcode, making it one of the most widely used tools for businesses across the product lifecycle.

Barcode scanning has come a long way from the original laser technology. Here’s how the technology has progressed, and how businesses can embrace barcodes to help streamline their operations today.

LEARN MORE: Barcode scanning’s impact on inventory trends »

How barcode scanners have changed over the years

Mobile barcode scanners represent most of the barcode scanners used today. This was made possible by an invention in the 1980s known as the charged-coupled device (CCD) scanner. CCD technology used photocells on a computer chip, which acted as a tiny camera. The result was cheaper than previous laser scanners and paved the way for the invention and rise of RF scanners.

Since then, smartphones have allowed mobile barcode scanning to become easier than ever with advanced image capture and increased portability. Store clerks and warehouse operators now have work-from-anywhere capabilities with Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity. Mobile technology enables real-time information transfer, automating the data collection process for many organizations, including more industrial environments.

From offline mobility to pick routing and continuous operation streams, mobile barcoding has eliminated bottlenecks across multiple areas of business operations as the technology continues to evolve.

The enhanced capabilities of handheld scanners quickly became even more apparent with the rise of COVID-19. The pandemic presented numerous challenges, including social distancing requirements and disrupted supply chain operations. The use of mobile barcoding and automation technology allowed organizations to embrace operational agility and safety to chart a path forward in the midst of uncertainty.

ALSO READ: How Mobile Barcoding Can Help with Supply Chain Issues & Economic Uncertainty »

Why businesses should use mobile barcoding

Our 2022 Digital Inventory Report found that the mobile automation journey ranges from manual systems to fully functional mobile automation, and everything in between. Yet only 16% of participants felt their mobile systems were able to meet current needs.

Embracing mobile barcoding should be the modern standard for all supply chain operations. Perfect data capture is key, as data is the foundation of all sound business decisions. By digitally transforming operations with automated technology, data can flow seamlessly into mission critical systems, allowing leaders to make real-time, informed decisions.

The result is an automated data collection process across the entire organization, removing error, inefficiency, and lack of visibility.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Barcoding »

When properly integrated, mobile barcoding can impact several key areas, including:

Shipping & Receiving. Mobile barcoding allows for prompt intake at receiving and processing in shipping, leading to an elevated customer experience. Further, receiving can be done with greater ease at the point of receipt, reducing package movement and time to stocking.

Purchase Order Processing. Mobile barcoding technology can help accurately process receipts with automated data population into ERP and automated purchase order creation when inventory levels reach defined thresholds.

Sales Order Processing. Mobile barcoding allows for real-time scanning of warehouse items and traceability across the warehouse floor. The result? Quality and accuracy in order fulfillment.

Inventory Visibility. Scanning items, parts, and products as they move from the sales or shop floor keeps inventory numbers up to date in real-time.

Cycle Counting. Mobile barcoding automates manual counts throughout inventory zones.

Warehouse Management. Mobile barcoding empowers warehouse managers with visibility into processes and inventory with accurate data and advanced analytics.

Demand Forecasting. Companies experience fewer out-of-stock situations with real-time inventory tracking and predictive reporting that enables managers to better plan.

Fixed Asset Management. Mobile barcoding allows companies to track and manage business assets like technology, equipment, tools, and more, capturing fixed assets anywhere across the enterprise.

Employee Time Management. Mobile barcoding applications can connect with payroll systems, resulting in easy capture of employee time.

Plant Maintenance and Repair (MRO). Service technicians achieve greater efficiency with instant validation of machine and device information as well as an assurance of spare parts supply.

Compliance and Traceability. RF scanners can automate the tracing of goods throughout the product lifecycle, from raw materials through production and into inventory and distribution.

Benefits of modern mobile barcoding best practices

The benefits of integrating mobile barcoding into your business today are far-reaching, including:

• Improved data accuracy
• Boosted efficiency and productivity
• Reduction in overhead costs
• Increased customer satisfaction and return rates
• Ability to adapt to new challenges quickly

Ultimately, digital automation technology, like mobile barcoding, can solve a number of problems for organizations. That’s why more than two-thirds of respondents to the Digital Inventory Report are planning to make mobile solutions a significant or fully integrated part of their operations.

But creating new efficiencies takes careful planning and an eye to the future.

PART 3: THE FUTURE OF MOBILE BARCODING

Mobile barcoding has come a long way in changing the business landscape. Across a variety of industries today, mobile and automation technology are leading to increased efficiencies, real-time data capture and transformation in the midst of various challenges.

But what does the future hold for mobile barcoding? And, how can companies embrace operational agility today while leveraging the benefits of mobile barcoding for tomorrow?

READ MORE: Top takeaways from RFgen’s 2022 Digital Inventory Report »

Future Opportunities in Mobile Barcoding

Mobile barcoding provides advanced data collection capabilities by combining barcode scanning with mobile inventory software. Seamless integration with business systems, like an ERP or Industry 4.0 devices, allow for flexibility and speed, leading to growth and profitability.

Here are a few technologies to watch when it comes to mobile barcoding:

QR Codes

2D barcode technology, like QR Codes, has expanded the ability to connect the digital world with physical products. QR codes have become increasingly popular with consumers since COVID-19, resulting in increased awareness of consumer behaviors.

According to the 2022 Digital Inventory Report, over 60% of respondents see surging customer demand as a key obstacle in their operations. Yet only 13% of manufacturers, according to a recent McKinsey study, are able to offer digital solutions to support the desired customer experience.

Innovative businesses have the opportunity to invest in tools like QR codes, expanding their reach to connect consumer to brand. This requires the right hardware and integration when using RF scanners in an industrial setting.

RFID Tags

RFID (radio frequency identification) is quickly growing as a way to help streamline inventory operations. The use of RFID tags can help in asset tracking across the warehouse, as the codes relay data over long distances with ease. This type of inventory automation solution can be used in tandem with barcode scanning.

The use of these tags is one way for organizations to reassess and transform their value chain. 14% of Digital Inventory Report participants are already looking to infuse RFID technology into their automated processes.

Global manufacturers like Toyota use RFID to enhance material visibility during production and transit.

WATCH THE VIDEO: Toyota’s RFID Success Story –

In the face of constant disruption, inventory and supply chain management must be top of mind. According to our Digital Inventory Report, over half of respondents plan to extend the use of mobile devices and related software applications like inventory systems, RFID among them.

The flexibility and connection of mobile barcode scanners and RFID tags represent the need for interconnectivity across multiple devices in order to deliver accurate, up-to-date data to the organization.

SIMILAR: RFID vs Barcode Scanning – What’s the difference? »

Near Field Communication (NFC)

Near Field Communication is the technology that powers mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Wallet. These types of tags elevate barcode scanning by integrating with smart devices like cell phones and sending detailed information to the consumer.

While primarily used today for consumer payment requests, enterprise organizations of the future could use Near Field Communication to send product information to customers and simply by scanning the packaging.

Digital tools like NFC can help organizations work through common supply chain obstacles and proactively face disruption head on.

In an industrial environment, NFC’s technology can integrate with GPS and other technologies to help track inventory throughout the supply chain to create end-to-end visibility.

Embrace Digital Growth Now

For many, new supply chain technology will be a priority budget item in the coming year, regardless of business size. This investment will not only help companies adapt but also answer ubiquitous operational challenges including a lack of common data platforms, aging legacy equipment, and a shortage in skilled labor.

Companies who do not embrace a digital enterprise mindset stand to fall behind the competition. By incorporating a modern mobile system into daily operations, organizations can find ways to face the future with confidence and embrace digital transformation and profitability.

The post State of the Industry: Past, Present and Future of Mobile Barcoding (3-Part Series) appeared first on RFgen.

• Solving Warehouse Problems to Create Value
• The Inventory Error Problem
• The Order Picking Problem
• The Hidden Overhead Problem
• The Warehouse Safety Problem
• Choosing New Warehouse Automation Software

Enormous pressures weigh on today’s supply chains. Chronic labor shortages, economic uncertainty, and ballooning input costs create an immediate need for alleviation to stay nimble and solvent. Companies that fail to address these hurdles risk falling behind.

Technology is a proven means of reducing overhead and eliminating inefficiencies that put a drain on warehouse operations. Implementing the right warehouse automation software can help you digitally transform obsolete inventory processes to vault ahead of competitors.

However, diagnosing exact areas of inefficiency and how to optimize them can be difficult.

This guide will explore warehouse software’s role in perfecting accuracy, removing bottlenecks, and improving profitability in the warehouse.

WATCH VIDEO BELOW: Clif Bar takes a bite out of inefficient paper inventory control—

Solving Warehouse Problems to Create Value

As any manager knows, warehouse inventory processes need to be automated as much as possible to maximize efficiency at minimal cost.

Fortunately, implementing even small changes can make a big difference. The answer may lie with technology. Automation software has been shown to significantly improve key warehouse KPIs while slashing waste.

And while many options exist, from full-featured WMS platforms to robotic automation, often these hefty solutions come with undesirable—if not excessive—burden and expense. Benefits can’t be realized until one or more years after the fact. ROI is out of reach. Meanwhile, daily operations must work around disruptions caused by the implementation.

Other warehouse management solutions like mobile barcoding provide a cost-effective, time-proven alternative for solving inventory challenges. With shorter implementation and ROI periods, value is still unlocked but the benefits are immediate.

Benefits of Warehouse Automation Software

After automating your manual processes with a mobile data collection solution, your warehouse can expect drastic improvements in the following areas:

• Simpler, faster processes and workflows
• Very high levels of inventory accuracy
• Greater employee efficiency, productivity, and mobility
• Reduced operating, storage, and handling costs
• Higher customer service and satisfaction
• Greater agility in responding to market conditions
• End-to-end traceability for compliance and risk mitigation
• Shorter training and onboarding periods, ideal for seasonal hiring
• Safer, more attractive workplace for talent acquisition and retention

Now that the benefits of warehouse inventory software are clear, let’s take a look at common bottlenecks and how to solve them.

The Inventory Error Problem

Where Manual Data Collection Fails

While you may be aware that inventory accuracy directly correlates to cost, you may not be as aware of how significantly manual data collection increases errors, drains productivity, and bloats operating costs.

Inaccurate data diverts warehouse employees to spend extra time looking for and recounting stock because they can’t trust their ERP or system of record. Incorrect counts also increase the risk of stockouts and lead to overstocking items that rapidly depreciate in value. Costly returns, charge-backs, and erosion of trust with customers can result as well.

Manual processes take many forms: pen and paper, spreadsheets, wheeled computer carts, or tribal knowledge. The single most impactful warehouse strategy is to replace these outdated methods with mobile inventory solutions like mobile barcoding.

Mobile barcoding can drive accuracy to 99.9%, optimize workflows through automation, and act as a workforce multiplier for shorthanded staff.

Mobile Data Collection Eliminates Errors

Adopting a mobile data collection solution automates manual warehouse processes, removing opportunities for human error.

What is mobile data collection?

Mobile data collection takes the form of AIDC, or automated identification and data capture, better known as barcode scanning. Advanced mobile data collection solutions like mobile barcoding provide next-level capabilities with warehouse mobile apps and real-time bi-directional data exchange with ERP software.

Mobile barcoding software streamlines inbound, outbound, and field services for inventory handling. Workers no longer have to walk back to a fixed workstation for data entry or to wrangle paper printouts. Instead, barcode scanning automatically records transactions in the ERP as each action occurs.

Warehouse barcode systems dramatically enhance transparency, throughput, and value. With mobility, even greater benefits are gained.

READ THIS SUCCESS STORY: How Myers Tire Supply burned rubber to double speed in receiving »

Combating Inventory Shrinkage

A common issue with manual inventory handling is missing inventory, or “shrinkage.” The inventory may be listed in the ERP system, but in reality that item doesn’t exist on the shelf.

For example—

If a warehouse with $1 million of inventory in the books conducts a physical count revealing only $950,000 on hand, they have a shrinkage of $50,000—or 5%.

Shrink may be caused by a number of reasons, including data errors, miscounts, misplacement, damage, and theft, to name a few.

Manual handling is not a warehouse best practice. It leaves your operation open to higher levels of shrinkage due to the latency between when item movements occur versus when they are documented. Materials can be easily lost, misplaced, or left to expire.

To reduce shrinkage, warehouses need real-time, point-of-scan mobility to ensure stock levels are always up-to-date. Business value is added by reducing inventory losses and enabling your operation to deliver greater throughput at higher velocity—ultimately elevating customer service.

Eliminating Re-Work from Dropped Connections

Many warehouses require workers to handle inventory in locations where Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity are poor or nonexistent. When connections drop, employees can lose several pallets’ worth of collected data. Hours must be spent to re-scan that material. This impacts inventory accuracy and productivity.

In one use case, workers at CyberCore Technologies were facing challenges from lost data during connection drops:

“We were literally doing 30% of our work twice,” said Frank Goodwin, Logistics Manager for CyberCore. CyberCore solved this issue by implementing RFgen’s offline mobile data collection solution. Now, scanned data is automatically stored on the handheld device. Information never gets lost when a connection drops or when team members scan barcodes while off-network.

“Even if a connection fails, you can just hit resend,” said Goodwin. “You don’t have to do all the work again.”

CONTINUE READING: CyberCore gains whopping 99.999% accuracy and 450% efficiency »

The Order Picking Problem

Inefficiency Harms Employee Productivity

As one of the most labor-intensive processes in warehouses, order picking amounts to 55% of operational expenses in any distribution center. Unfortunately, warehouse picking usually falls under logistics and often gets ignored by top decision-makers. To meet the demands of production and fulfillment, a streamlined picking strategy that emphasizes speediness, accuracy, and organization is necessary.

And yet, many warehouses struggle to get orders out on time, find themselves consistently undercut by competitors in fulfillment turnaround, and face regular complaints about order accuracy. For pickers, lack of ergonomics and too much backtracking add to issues.

Mobile apps for picking can mitigate many of these challenges. With mobile barcoding, for example, pickers can quickly locate items, process order lines, and update inventory levels in the ERP at maximum accuracy and efficiency.

Advanced Put-Away and Pick Routing

One of the primary benefits of mobile barcoding is the ability to add advanced WMS functionality for areas like put-away and picking.

Intelligent software can automatically suggest optimal put-away locations in receiving, and then instantly notify the ERP and connected mobile devices that those items are available for picking—instead of waiting days for someone to re-type that data into an office computer.

When orders are ready to be picked, the mobile software points pickers to items for the order. Workers are then routed down optimal paths, enabling picking for multiple orders at once, wave picking, and other types of picking methodologies without doubling back or risking collision with other team members, forklifts, or robots.

In one use case, Myers Tire Supply achieved directed movement and intelligent batch picking through RFgen Warehouse Director, empowering its distribution centers to fulfill their promise of same-day shipping.

Voice-Directed Order Picking Boosts Productivity

Another warehouse automation system involves voice technology. Voice picking allows warehouse employees to operate hands-free while processing inventory. Even minor efficiency improvements from voice picking in high-volume warehouses yield large increases in productivity and safety, adding significant value.

For instance, Caito Foods used voice picking to boost inventory accuracy by 25% and worker efficiency by 35%.

Watch the video below:

The Hidden Overhead Problem

Cost Bloat from Inefficiencies on Warehouse Floor

Some hidden inefficiencies may seem minor but the costs add up. Even a few extra steps add time to each task. When tasks are repeated hundreds or thousands of times per day, that seemingly small effort balloons into several days of wasted productivity for each employee every year.

Employees typically spend 60% of their time walking the warehouse floor to find items. Given the size of many warehouses and the number of items handled every year, that time could be used more efficiently.

Mobile technologies that run on handheld devices and extend ERP inventory functionality to point-of-scan have proven highly effective in removing unnecessary wait-and-walk time—thus creating significant value.

Bulk Moves Eliminate Repetitive Work

Another hidden source of value creation can be found in grouping inventory transactions with warehouse mobile apps. For example, bin swaps can be greatly simplified. Instead of scanning each item, inventory can be quickly transferred between bins in a bulk move—either inside the warehouse or between locations—in just a few seconds.

Chris Lorentz, Business System Analyst for Insitu Inc., called this innovation “a truly labor-saving transaction.”

READ THE SUCCESS STORY: Aircraft manufacturer Insitu lands in a new world of efficiency »

License plating provides similar capabilities.

With license plating, inventory can be grouped together so workers can scan the license plate barcode to transact the group all at once. Employees can quickly and painlessly group, store, locate, and transfer sets of similar or mixed products (such as a pallet) without having to scan items individually.

LEARN MORE: Accelerate warehouse velocity with license plating solutions »

Shorten Cash Cycles with Direct Store Delivery (DSD)

There is also value in automating delivery processes in the field, such as with electronic proof of delivery and Direct Store Delivery (DSD).

Without DSD, the time delay between physical receipt of goods and manual verification of the delivery can often be 3-5 days, resulting in loss of value. Additionally, the end-customer or the receiving store could claim the item was either defective or damaged during shipping, hoping to get a discount or refund.

To prevent false claims or reduce costs from lost or damaged inventory, technologies like DSD are needed to prove undamaged delivery.

With DSD mobile apps, delivery drivers in the field can capture product photos and signature confirmations upon delivery. If the delivery is canceled or proof could not be obtained, an email informing of the item’s return will automatically be sent to the warehouse.

In this way, mobile field services software shortens the account receivables cycle with instant delivery confirmations and faster invoicing, in turn reducing loan carrying costs and creating value.

The Warehouse Safety Problem

The supply chain already faces major challenges in retaining employees. Losing workers to preventable injuries adds more stress when already short-staffed.

Common injuries tend to be minor, ranging from falls, to muscle pulls, to back strains from repetitive movements. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals injury rates among warehouse employees to be roughly 5%.

That may not sound like much, but with each incident, insurance premiums go up and workforce morale suffers, leading to lower productivity and increased turnover.

As far as cost, the National Safety Council estimates that for every $1,000 in direct costs to a company as the result of an employee injury, there are at least $5,000 in indirect costs, often more. A single injury can easily require $60,000 or more in revenue to cover associated losses.

In strictly regulated industries, such as oil and gas or pharmaceuticals, the true cost of an accident claim resulting in serious injury can exceed $1,000,000.

Mobile barcoding with long-range scanning capabilities can help. With point-of-work mobility, workers are less likely to get injured because they don’t have to walk as much, make fewer awkward and repetitive movements, and avoid unsafe behaviors like climbing and over-reaching.

Voice-directed picking further enhances workplace ergonomics by reducing the need for split-focus activities and distractions.

In this way, the right warehouse technology makes your employees feel safer and more confident, and that their company cares about their well-being. The result is increased overall tenure and greater motivation for employees to go the extra mile.

ALSO READ: Turn labor challenges into labor opportunities with tech »

Choosing New Warehouse Automation Software

Even when the benefits of new warehouse automation software are apparent, many supply chain and IT professionals hesitate. This is understandable. A few things to consider:

• Uncertainty about ROI: Budgets are often squeezed, not allowing for new technology purchases. However, for short-ROI technologies like mobile data collection, the cost of inaction far outweigh the price tag.
• Weight and fit of solution: Implementing overly complex technologies can easily overburden your operations. Look for a flexible solution that is fast to implement, requires few resources to maintain, and can be delivered as part of an all-in-one package—hardware, software, and services.
• Cultural resistance to change: Veteran employees may be resistant to new solutions because “this is how we’ve always done it.” But even the strongest skeptics can be convinced. An intuitive mobile solution that’s simple to learn and easy to use is essential to ensure user adoption.
• Maintaining ongoing operations without interruption: The last thing any technology buyer wants is to impede crucial operations during the implementation process. To avoid integration headaches, consider mobile solutions with seamless, certified, and field-proven compatibility with multiple ERPs to ensure a clean rollout.
• Future scalability: Warehouse inventory software should be scalable across locations, divisions, and countries while retaining the ability to tailor operations to each facility. Systematizing your business processes creates a blueprint that empowers your organization to replicate success and grow.

Fast Value Creation With Mobile Barcoding

Introducing new technologies in your warehouse can be confusing, complicated, and overwhelming. You must find solutions that fit your budget and offer short ROI to help drive new levels of profitability.

Warehouses that resist automation will continue to suffer from shrinking margins, bloated overhead costs, sluggish response times to changing market conditions, inability to meet growth targets, and financial risk due to inaccuracy or noncompliance, the impact of which may be passed onto customers.

Mobile barcoding can drastically increase warehouse efficiencies with immediate benefits. RFgen barcode software extends your ERP to point-of-scan, eliminates manual processes and bottlenecks, and provides a quick path to ROI.

RFgen Software’s team of experienced experts understands the challenges you face. They can help you get the most out of your mobile solution investment to realize positive returns in months instead of years.

Start creating value with a new mobile warehouse solution today.

The post How to Create Value with Warehouse Automation Software appeared first on RFgen.

For complete details, download the full report. You can also read on for a snapshot of the data and insights gathered and presented in the report.

The information contained within the report comes from the experiences of those professionals tackling today’s most challenging and troubling inventory management issues. You can probably relate to many of them. While the report does not aim to solve problems, it shares how companies are adapting and what they are doing to stay competitive in a difficult business landscape.

Why Inventory Management Should Be Digital and Automated

Digital means leaving paper and its isolated data and the inherent inefficiencies of manual processing. Digital technologies like mobile barcoding increase speed, transparency, and timeliness. In fact, mobile technologies are a leading factor helping companies realize those benefits and more.

Our survey reported that 83% of respondents currently use barcode scanning as part of their inventory management. Companies that want to stay competitive need to deploy digital processes as it relates to their inventory management, especially in a world of uncertain supply chains.

Barcode scanning is only one type of digital inventory management tool available. Of those surveyed, 58% stated an intent to invest even more in projects focused on implementing better inventory control.

Let’s take a closer look at the current state of inventory management and where it’s going, based on the input of those who are shaping the field today.

Who We Surveyed

Participants came from different departments in companies of diverse sizes, across a variety of industries.

• Company profiles were evenly split. About 1/3 of the companies had revenues between $200M and $1B; 1/3 reported revenues less than $200M and slightly less than 1/3 had revenues over $1B.
• Respondents came from IT, operations and logistics, and finance departments with IT making up nearly half.
• Not surprisingly, manufacturing and distribution made up more than half of the industries represented, though others included life sciences and wellness, aerospace and defense, and food and beverage.

Survey Results: The State of Inventory Management

Priorities varied from one company to another. Nearly everyone (89%) agreed that data security is extremely important to inventory operations. Technology integration and connecting multiple applications is a focus for nearly half of all respondents. Cloud migration remains mostly split, with nearly half having no plans to move to the cloud while 31% are already operating in the cloud and another 20% are actively planning their move.

What Automation Technologies Are They Using?

Barcode scanning represents the most common solution used at 83% of those surveyed. 58% are using mobile devices to capture data. Interestingly enough, nearly half of the companies are also using a warehouse management system (WMS). A WMS offers next-level inventory automation and complexity but at significantly greater cost, which may not be a fit for every organization. However, a WMS “lite” solution can provide core WMS functionality at a fraction of the resources.

Inbound warehouse and production and manufacturing comprise the primary areas of focus for most companies. 78% currently use mobile automation in their businesses. Of those using mobile automation, 26% have gone fully mobile while the remaining 52% are partially mobile, using it in select areas of their operations. This is clearly a growth opportunity for companies who aim to gain a competitive advantage in their markets.

The data shows more than 75% of companies recognize the importance of mobile automation, although more than half have only achieved partial automation. Technology integration, getting the different systems to work together, may be a factor here along with, of course, budgets. Even so, it’s evident mobile automation is the way of the future for inventory management, especially as companies address today’s pressing challenges.

Prioritizing Inventory Management Challenges

Although surveyed independent of each other, inventory management professionals all agreed on the biggest challenge: too many challenges.

The wide range of challenges facing businesses has, unfortunately, created an additional challenge – prioritizing where to focus first.

• Over/understocking is a serious issue that impacts revenue and the customer experience.
• Inaccurate inventory data disrupts decision-making.
• Incorrect picking and shipping negatively impact revenue and customer service problems.

Of course, there are many more problems. Some of the most acute challenges facing companies include: 1) a lack of trained staff, 2) organizational complications, and 3) inadequate ROI and budget calculations.

In the Digital Inventory Report, respondents painted a picture of an industry facing intense pressure to meet both customer demand and business needs. For example, one of the greatest overall challenges faced is surging customer demand (67%) which began during the pandemic and continues.

You can download the report to review the full range of obstacles and which ones are most predominant and pressing. Perhaps more importantly, you can see how fellow inventory managers are responding.

What Survey Respondents See for the Future of Inventory Management

The critical challenges have driven and inspired, or perhaps forced, new approaches and ways of thinking about inventory management. For example, 62% of our respondents have integrated some degree of mobility into their day-to-day operations. Of those using mobile technology, 59% plan to expand the use of mobile devices and related software applications like digital inventory systems.

Managed services for inventory technology is another area of interest. The managed services approach delivers software, hosting, and maintenance through a scalable monthly cost in a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model. This provides advanced enterprise-level mobile technologies without the need for technical expertise or internal resources to manage them.

Mobility, robotics, and cloud software are only a few of the other technologies companies are investigating as a way to adapt. In fact, more than half of the companies surveyed plan to invest substantially in new supply chain technologies, regardless of business size.

For complete details and to see how businesses are planning to adopt digital technologies to stay competitive and meet customer needs, download the full report today.

The post Top Takeaways from RFgen’s 2022 Digital Inventory Report appeared first on RFgen.

Let’s take a closer look at those technologies that include mobile barcoding, robotics and more, and the reasons manufacturers have implemented or plan to implement them in the near future.

What is digital automation in manufacturing?

For manufacturers, a variety of technologies belong under the umbrella term of digital automation.

• Mobile automation that eliminates manual processes and data entry, such as with barcode scanning on handheld devices.
• Robotics may be one of the most familiar as they perform tasks from assembly to warehousing to cleaning and more. Robots improve workplace safety, performing the more hazardous tasks of the job at hand. They also ably perform repetitive manual tasks which can be a source for human error.
• Cobots, or collaborative robots, can be programmed more simply, with human-machine interfaces usable by anyone familiar with a smart device.
• AI-driven applications bring intelligence to routine decision-making and produce reporting that turns large amounts of data into digestible intelligence.
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA) increases the speed and efficiency of manufacturing processes through rules-based task automation.

Each one of these technologies enables employees to respond faster and work smarter to deliver the best possible customer experience and an optimal workflow. A key benefit of these technologies involves how they capture data and information to guide and inform real-time processes or provide reporting that can be used to improve the overall employee and customer experience.

Yet, while employee and customer experience may be reason enough to embrace digital automation, manufacturers have shared with us the following influential reasons driving their adoption for a digital revolution.

LEARN MORE: Mobile manufacturing solutions for the shop floor »

1. Accurate forecasting

In our 2022 Digital Inventory Report, manufacturers shared that the two top challenges facing them are inaccurate inventory data and over/under-stocking inventory. Manual inventory tracking, beyond it being error-prone, creates blind spots in planning.

Barcode or RF tag scanning solutions on mobile devices connected to an inventory management system enables a manufacturer to see stock in real-time, allowing for much more agile and accurate planning. With 59% of our respondents indicating an intent to add mobile scanning, it’s clear that there’s a growing awareness reinforcing the benefits of mobile scanning on connected devices.

2. Increased productivity

Robots and algorithms execute repetitive tasks at a speed and accuracy humans typically do not. Adding robots, RPA, AI-driven applications, or even simply automation via mobile devices will definitely boost the speed by which you can capture and send data and complete tasks.

The key is to prevent bottlenecks in the process. Automated capture, such as scanning from mobile devices, can speed information to where it needs to go, presuming it can get there. This remains an issue as 47% of our respondents expressed a need to integrate multiple systems. Fully integrated digital automation solutions prevent these bottlenecks and keep information moving effective and accurately.

3. Greater efficiency

Three of the top technologies to drive greater warehouse efficiencies are barcode scanning, mobile devices, and warehouse management solutions, according to our survey participants. Of those participants:

• 70% employ these solutions to boost production and manufacturing efficiencies.
• 59% use it in outbound warehouse and shipping operations.
• 36% apply it to supply chain management.

The communication of data through connected devices keeps information and processes moving, providing, as our survey respondents have discovered, greater efficiencies across the entire range of the product lifecycle.

4. Future cost savings

Manufacturers face a unique economic environment with intense price pressures. In fact, 87% of our survey participants acknowledged rising input costs. The idea of investing in new technology today may sound like a strain, but the value is worth it.

Once in place, digital solution costs typically remain fixed, plannable, and low. The process improvements, reduced errors, and accurate inventory planning decrease traditional costs of doing business, specifically creating savings related to labor and carrying costs which can become predictable cost savings that may increase over time.

5. Adaptability

Integrated digital automation allows companies to run leaner and scale as needed to meet demand. Our customers have reported a 67% increase in surging customer demand over the last couple of years, straining pre-existing supply chains and putting unparalleled pressure on inventory management.

Mobile barcoding software can integrate with and direct robotic solutions to optimize real-time performance, in addition to delivering reporting that fuels analysis and informs decision-making.

6. Worker safety

The most dangerous tasks are often offloaded to robots, reducing the risk to people and overall improving workplace safety. Mobile software paired with robotics can identify opportunities to reduce repetitive movements, common dangers associated with lifting, and simplify manual work that must be completed with limited risk of straining.

7. Better quality control and consistency

AI automation can analyze out-going products for flaws and alert staff to those items in need of review. In a similar way, AI-driven applications can process data for ingestion and identify potential errors before bad data creates problems or influences decision-making. Mobile integrations also boost business agility by notifying workers and directing next steps, wherever employees are working.

8. Streamlined shipping automation

Shipping automation can inform every step from recommended pick paths through audited validation and shipping confirmation. Real-time data updates adjust pick paths as necessary to prevent productivity wasting activities like backtracking. For example, an advanced mobile warehouse runs with RFgen Warehouse Director, a WMS-lite extension for the RFgen mobile environment, intelligently routes materials, balances work to avoid congestion, and guides pick routing to minimize travel time and errors to get shipments out the door fast and efficiently.

The future of manufacturing

Digital automation in manufacturing is here to stay. While robotics may remain on the future roadmap for many companies, mobile barcoding can automate manufacturing processes today.

78% of respondents in the 2022 Digital Inventory Report have embraced at least partial mobile automation. The fact is simple. Those manufacturers who implement digital technologies in their warehouses will have a competitive advantage.

Tight and potentially unreliable supply chains combined with increasing customer demand will require enhanced efficiency, not just in how orders are picked, assembled, and shipped, but in access to accurate, real-time data to inform planning.

Business success relies on accurate data. Good data helps to inform good decision-making while inaccurate or incomplete data creates gaps and leaves too much to chance. Or, decisions are only as good as the data they have.

That’s a big reason why so many businesses have embraced mobile data collection like barcode scanning. It increases accuracy and reporting, allowing for increased real-time optimizations – in fully automated digital environments – which results in new opportunities, streamlined operations and exceptional customer experiences.

The post 8 Reasons Manufacturers Need to Embrace Digital Automation appeared first on RFgen.

• Companies are noticing a rise in the potential of warehouse robots to streamline operations.
• Warehouse robotics integrated into a company’s technology landscape helps to achieve maximum data collection capability.
• Choose areas of your warehouse that can strategically benefit from warehouse robotics and data collection.

In answer to the ever-present labor challenges and supply chain issues, many companies are streamlining operations with an underutilized technology: warehouse robots. Current research indicates that just over 50% of respondents are using robots in their plants or warehouses right now. Many, however, have plans to use them in the next three years, or have at least included them on a technology roadmap within three or more years.

Visit an Amazon warehouse and you’ll see that this technology has become commonplace. There are more than a dozen types of Amazon warehouse robots in their facilities, with more than 520,000 robotic drive units deployed.

As warehouses look to scale operations, task performance is not the only benefit provided by robots. Robotics tied into mission-critical business operations present an opportunity for data collection that informs current initiatives to further streamline operations toward the goal of creating a truly mobile warehouse.

Here’s what to keep in mind as you leverage robots for data collection.

Integrate Warehouse Robotics into Your Full Technical Landscape

The most important thing you can do when utilizing warehouse robots is to integrate them into your systems so that they include data collection for your ERP. Robotics such as drones, helper co-bots, autonomous mobile robots in the warehouse, and a variety of IoT devices can collect data

and deliver it to your systems. And many systems today offer integrations for these devices as well. Take, for instance, a food product company that uses Laser Guided Vehicles. Coupled with RFgen Mobile Foundations, they were able to direct the LGVs and transact their paths against their ERP. The result was an increase in worker productivity of 20%.

Other businesses use robotics for similar purposes. Smart scales can collect and send data to an ERP to help automatically load balance trucks. Conveyors and sortation devices can be programmed to both collect and act on insights. Robotic picking systems free workers for more valuable tasks. The list goes on.

ALSO READ: How to solve supply chain issues with mobile barcoding »

Look for Ways to Incorporate Specific Robotics into Your Processes

The best way to include warehouse robotics in your operation and data collection strategies is by examining where you have the most need. Start by identifying where you’ll see the most impact and where you’ll experience the best return on your investment (ROI). For instance, a robotic picking system can have a high return on investment for money, time, and people. Key to achieving ROI is integration with mobile barcoding software for data collection. This integration supplies essential data to optimize operations for maximum robotic productivity, ensure accurate stock levels, and improve planning and decision-making.

When it comes to choosing a robotic warehouse picking system, look for one that couples with your mobile data collection solution. Seamless coupling can bolster operations and protect against the unpredictable, a common factor in today’s volatile supply chain environment.

Utilizing Data Collection and Automation to Meet Next-Level Challenges

Warehouse robotics is still very much an emerging trend, as less than 30% of warehouses have fully deployed them. Using these robots for integrated data collection remains an immediate opportunity for those warehouses using them, and an opportunity for companies planning on adding robots to maximize their value right from the start.

Now is the time for companies to look toward how warehouse robots and data collection robots can provide next-level value to your organization.

This all begins with warehouse innovation initiatives that incorporate mobile automation and data collection alongside Industry 4.0 technology. When done correctly, the result is increased efficiency, enhanced operations, and preparation for what may come next

The post How to Leverage Warehouse Robots for Data Collection appeared first on RFgen.

• Market pressures are driving the need for automation in order to run a successful warehouse.
• Mobile barcoding helps companies focus on inventory management and increases picking accuracy.
• When looking to run a successful warehouse operation, ensure you choose the right technology that will increase productivity without the need for added staff.

Supply chain operations, market disruptions, and workforce shortages all continue to impact the way many organizations function. That’s why it’s never been more important to know how to run a successful warehouse operation.

Companies that depend on supply chains as their lifeline must prioritize flexibility, efficiency, and productivity within the warehouse. After all, the key to a successful warehouse operation relies on the creation of a mobile warehouse.

In fact, 80% of warehouse executives plan to invest in new technology to stay competitive. In a constantly changing environment, warehouse automation is critical. Mobile solutions and digitization are the future of the modern warehouse operation.

But how do you integrate mobile technology into a successful warehouse operation?

ALSO DOWNLOAD: 3 Hidden Costs of Manual Warehouse Processes »

Here are three steps to consider right now.

Focus on Inventory Management

Inventory is the backbone of warehouse operations. But for many, a lack of control over inventory operations leads to a reduction in cost and efficiency. Almost half of warehouses report that outbound packing, staging, and loading often wreak havoc on their inventory management.

How can you improve warehouse inventory accuracy? Consider utilizing a warehouse inventory app coupled with mobile barcoding as the first step in automating your operations.

Benefits of mobile barcoding in the warehouse include:

• Increased inventory turns and visibility
• End-to-end inventory tracking through receiving, production, packing and shipping, and more
• Ability to adjust to fluctuating demand and labor shortages.

Mobile warehouse solutions can help companies quickly find how to keep track of inventory in the warehouse, all while increasing productivity and staff efficiency.

Pay Attention to Picking Accuracy

Slow, inefficient warehouse operations and a lack of truly optimized automation systems can hinder critical business functions. Successful warehouse operations demand solutions that focus on material availability and real-time recording.

This is especially true with picking methods. By utilizing automated barcoding solutions, workers can track material directly from mobile devices from the palm of their hands and transact in real-time.

Increased picking accuracy translates to higher order accuracy, on-time orders, and fewer costly returns. The result? Lower costs and greater revenue overall.

For Schwing America, a focus on picking methods coupled with streamlined automation through mobile barcoding increased picking accuracy by 42%. Today, Schwing has a world-class 99.83% picking accuracy.

WATCH VIDEO BELOW: How Schwing America Achieved World-Class Picking Accuracy »

Prioritize a Warehouse Management Software

A warehouse management system (WMS) can be transformative when answering how to manage a warehouse. Over 90% of warehouse leaders believe WMS functionality will benefit mobile-equipped workers. After all, a WMS gives a company a complete overview of its operations from inventory to supply chain operations to packing and shipping.

The downside of a full warehouse management (WMS) system is the incredible expense coupled with substantial integration time and ongoing maintenance. By using software like RFgen’s Mobile Warehouse Management, companies can gain core WMS functionality without the maintenance burden and hindrance to daily operations.

RFgen’s Warehouse Management Software incorporates mobile data collection solutions with a variety of advanced warehouse logistics functionality. Through this system, intelligent directed movement routes employees, materials, and warehouse robotics along optimized paths. This type of advanced material flow can allow a warehouse to run leaner and improve employee productivity.

It’s Time to Run a Successful Warehouse

Warehouse automation is the future and the answer to labor efficiency and productivity challenges. Understanding inventory needs and issues can lead to informed decisions and more accurate operational adjustments.

Ultimately, the future of the modern warehouse is mobile. Digitization and mobile automation are integral to today’s warehouse management best practices. Successful warehouse operations will depend on a cohesive technology stack that provides an innovative mobile experience throughout the supply chain lifecycle.

The post Three Steps to Run Successful Warehouse Operations appeared first on RFgen.

• Food Traceability Is a Growing Compliance Challenge
• Calculating the Cost of a Food Recall
• Beyond Dollars: Brand Damage
• Don’t Get Burned by Paper-Based Traceability
• Rapid Recall Response with Traceability Tech
• Traceability Survival Tips from the Trenches
• Additional Food Traceability Resources

In 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first exercised new powers granted under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) to shut down processing at the Sunland Inc. company’s peanut plant in New Mexico. This action occurred after the company sold salmonella-tainted organic peanut butter that was used in hundreds of food products for perhaps as long as two years. The total cost of this recall is believed to have exceeded $1 billion after lawsuits. In 2018, unsanitary conditions at Rose Acre Farms prompted the recall of over 200-million eggs from 17 facilities, the largest of its kind since 2010.

Perhaps that is because these companies were using either paper-based or only partially automated systems. All told, less than 50% of food and beverage companies are fully compliant with current traceability regulations—including the Bioterrorism Act and FSMA. And more recently, FSMA Article 204, which requires batch traceability back to the ingredient-level in raw materials.

This guide is intended to help food manufacturers and distributors:

• Consider the requirements of FDA traceability compliance,
• Calculate the potential costs of a recall,
• Review solutions other companies have used successfully to track food,
• Gain practical advice for how to improve traceability systems and processes, and
• Locate additional resources to help you meet compliance challenges.

Watch Video: How Blue Bell achieved ingredient traceability for ice cream:

Disclaimer: This guide does not constitute legal advice. RFgen Software strongly recommends that any company facing a product recall immediately seek the advice of legal counsel to minimize their financial risk and liability exposure.

Food Traceability is a Growing Compliance Challenge

The number of food safety recalls issued by the U.S. government has risen rapidly in recent years. More than 20,000 food recalls have been issued since 2019. In surveys by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), 58% of respondents’ companies had been affected by a product recall in the last five years.

Two major pieces of food legislation are guiding food traceability rules at most companies:

1. 2001 Bioterrorism Act: This law requires food processors to be able to identify the origin of all food—including all ingredients—received by lot, code or other identifier and provide the same information to the FDA upon request within 24-hours. Both civil and criminal actions can be taken in the event of a failure to produce the information.
2. 2011 Food Modernization and Safety Act: This law gives the FDA the authority to order mandatory recalls and establish a food product tracing system. The FDA has been conducting pilot studies and gathering industry recommendations to develop food product tracing systems.

Increasing public awareness of recalls and governmental pressure to achieve field-to-fork accountability are likely to produce even more stringent regulations in the future. FSMA Section 204 is only the latest example.

In addition to a reliable ERP system, mobile inventory solutions can reduce the impact of a recall by shortening its duration and limiting the recalled product to only that product that is defective. Reducing the timeline of a recall can mitigate both financial setbacks and integrity losses incurred by a company. Keeping track of product batch numbers, lot numbers, and serial numbers is an excellent precursory initiative that mobile barcoding solutions excel at performing.

ALSO READ: 4 ways mobility can help you overcome traceability hurdles »

Calculating the Cost of a Food Recall

If your company is in the food supply chain long enough, chances are good that a product recall will affect your business at some point. The cost of recalling and destroying food products varies according to factors such as the amount of product recalled, labor required, transportation and storage costs, and the geographic distribution of the product.

For companies dealing with a recall, the total direct cost averages $10 million, although many anticipate spending over $100 million in total.

If your company is the manufacturer of the recalled product, government agencies will want to inspect your food safety records and may also need to inspect your operations for safety violations. This can result in fines and penalties for any compliance issues, and in extreme cases, a shutdown of your operations until remedies are made.

During the recall, it is also not uncommon for consumer demand of the recalled product to weaken. For example, when Sunland-produced peanut butter was recalled in 2012, demand for peanut butter temporarily decreased. This costs all manufacturers and distributors of peanut butter—not just the companies dealing with the tainted product. As a result, the total costs can be astronomical in a widescale recall.

See the chart below for a few telling examples:

Real-World Food Recalls and Their Financial Impact

Company	Year	Recall Cost*	Product
ConAgra Foods, Inc.	2006	$287,000,000	Peanut Butter/ Salmonella
JB Tolleson, Inc.	2018	$41,500,000	Meat/ Salmonella
Rose Acre Farms	2018	$59,000,000	Eggs/ Salmonella
Sunland, Inc.	2012	Nearly $1 Billion	Peanut Butter/ Salmonella
Westland-Hallmark	2008	$500,000,000	Meat/ Listeriosis

*Based on published reports.

Beyond Dollars: Brand Damage

Direct costs are just the tip of the iceberg when adding up the total cost of a recall. Companies face their most harrowing test after the fact when they wait to find out if their brand has been permanently damaged by the news surrounding the recall. A report sponsored by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and others cited a Deloitte survey in which 76% of consumers were more concerned about food safety than they were in years prior. 57% or participants stopped eating a food because of a recall.

It’s important for food manufacturers and distributors to get their public relations professionals out in front of the story. In the age of social media and 24-hour news, word will spread quickly about the nature of the recall and how the company is reacting to it. But when handled properly, a recall can actually strengthen customer loyalty.

While customers are greatly concerned about food safety, they also appreciate a company that “does the right thing.” A consumer survey by Princeton University and the Relational Capital Group discovered that companies exhibiting prompt, honest, and selfless action during a recall were rewarded:

• 91% agree that even the best run companies with modern technology can make mistakes that lead to recalls.
• 87% remain willing to purchase from a company they perceive as “honest and responsible” during a recall.
• 93% believe that companies show their “true colors” during a recall.

Don’t Get Burned by Paper-Based Traceability

To design a reliable system for tracing food, the first rule is to eliminate paper. Food manufacturers produce in high volume and have rapid inventory turnover, making it virtually impossible to track information with by hand.

Traditionally, businesses keep paper invoices and shipping documents that can take days or weeks—far beyond FDA compliance requirements—to sort through during a recall. However, in today’s regulated climate, a company is expected to take action within hours when food safety is at stake.

Under the FSMA record keeping requirements, a food manufacturer must provide the FDA with requested information within 24 hours or face fines, civil action, and possible criminal penalties.

And yet, some manufacturers still admit to using paperwork exclusively to trace products. Many more have only partial automation, preventing efficient track-and-trace. That means potentially getting burned during a recall.

In the event of a large recall, a manufacturer can expect consumer lawsuits to follow. Attorneys will highlight how long it took the manufacturer to respond and whether that response was adequate. If action was delayed due to inefficient processes, it will not play well with a jury. Imagine losing a giant class action lawsuit because no one could find a few pieces of paper!

YOU MAY LIKE: Three Smart Manufacturing Trends for the Food and Beverage Industry »

Rapid Recall Response with Traceability Tech

With an ERP system in place, information about raw ingredients and finished products is collected into a single database, making it much easier to access, track and trace. But you can still get burnt if your employees have to manually type in information from invoices, orders, and other associated paperwork.

Manual data entry is slow and tedious work, requiring costly manpower for relatively low-value activity. It’s also fraught with inaccuracies—ranging from simple typos and number transposition to willful neglect of data entry procedures when employees get too busy. Simply put, manual data entry from paper usually results in error rates that are too high for reliable traceability.

Automated data collection tools like mobile barcoding are designed to help employees quickly capture data with minimal effort. Mobile apps designed for food and beverage can walk employees through each step of the process for in-house materials transfers, intra-plant transfers, putting away finished products, picking products for shipment and creating shipments. Using mobile devices or barcode scanners, batch traceability information and lot numbers are captured in seconds and automatically transferred to the ERP with built-in validations.

If you’re a multinational company, batch tracking software can help ensure FSMA traceability as well as global batch traceability.

For even more accuracy and speed than RF devices, companies can integrate RFID, robotic data collection from physical automation devices like scales and carousels, or even voice-enable their

inventory operations. Studies have shown that voice enablement improves productivity by up to an additional 25% and reduces an already tiny error rate by another 90%.

WATCH VIDEO: How Caito Foods achieved flawless farm-to-fork traceability »

Traceability Survival Tips from the Trenches

Reduce risk with these food and beverage best practices:

1. Do business with reliable growers and/ or suppliers. News stories about tainted ingredients have driven home the need for food manufacturers to know a lot about their suppliers. Ask suppliers about their traceability capabilities, if they have a batch tracking system, and insist on certifications and third-party audits.
2. Insure against recalls. Transfer some of your supplier-based risk through insurance policies. Having accurate, accessible information in your IT systems will help ensure you get the right policy at the best rates.
3. Perform regular training with employees. In addition to training about food safety procedures, offer refresher training about proper use of technology to capture traceability information.
4. Conduct mock recalls. Stress-test your business processes with mock recall drills. Make sure that you can gather the information you would need to communicate in just a few hours.
5. Accurate records ensure you recall enough, but waste little. The accuracy of your system for tracking and tracing products will have a direct impact on the cost of any recall.

Make traceability part of your technology processes:

1. Use an ERP system. With a centralized system that can track by lot numbers, SKUs, serial numbers and more, you’ll have the ability to track ingredients through the manufacturing process and products through the supply chain.
2. Employ automated data collection. Scanning a barcode is a simple, accurate, and efficient way to gather information capture large volumes of information quickly about materials and finished products. Machine-to-machine data collection and RFID add next-level automation.
3. Design validity tests for incoming information. Help employees avoid mistakes by creating logical, efficient workflows that include tests to prevent bad data from entering the system. For example, you can set up your mobile software to prevent employees from entering a lot number in the warehouse that hasn’t been created in the ERP system.
4. Use your IT systems to perform timely product holds. Use your ERP and mobile inventory solution to ensure that batches and lots being tested for quality or safety are held in the warehouse until results are available and then released quickly for shipment and sale.
5. Give your customers the information they need. License plating makes it fast, efficient, and easy to provide retailers with complete information about country of origin and other product attributes.

If a recall happens:

1. React immediately. Unlike other types of products, with food safety, there is no time to lose. Products are consumed soon after they are purchased. You need to be able to trace your products in just hours—not days.
2. Be forthright with information. Customers admire honest companies that act selflessly on the customers’ behalf during a recall. Protect your brand’s integrity with full disclosure.
3. Get it right the first time. Issuing multiple recalls can do more damage to your brand, so recall everything that’s defective on the first try. Traceability software will help you pinpoint recalled products to avoid unnecessary losses.

Additional Food Traceability Resources

Recall and Safety Alerts:

• Recalls.gov—all current U.S. government-issued product recalls
• Recalls.org—recalls in the U.S., Australia, Canada, European Union, Great Britain and New Zealand
• Canadian Standards Association—recalls and product alerts in Canada

Industry News:

• Food Safety News—leading content provider of science-based solutions for food safety and quality assurance professionals.
• Quality Assurance Magazine—written for managers and professionals in the food and beverage processing industry with a specific focus on food safety, quality, and defense.
• Food Logistics—information for executives involved in various aspects of the global food, beverage, and consumer packaged goods supply chain.

Final Thoughts From the Experts at RFgen

There’s a lot at stake for companies participating in the food and beverage supply chain. Food safety is of paramount concern and there is a big regulatory push for more accountability in global food supply. In the U.S., Article 204 increases the requirements for additional traceability records for certain foods.

Because recalls need to be swift and efficient, traceability cannot rely on manual processes. Food companies need a mobile inventory solution with automated batch and lot number tracking. Additionally, mobile barcoding software can enable employees to accurately record every movement of food, including raw materials, production, and outbound, even in high volume.

Better traceability systems drive more efficient recalls. Rapid access to reliable information can reduce the duration and total cost of the recall, minimizing product waste, lessening potential litigation risk and lowering the likelihood of lasting brand damage in the eyes of consumers.

To learn more about gaining batch food traceability for FSMA 204, contact the traceability experts at RFgen Software.

The post The Batch Food Traceability Survival Guide appeared first on RFgen.

• The supply chain is constantly being disrupted, leading to challenging inventory operations and customer need fulfillment.
• Mobile barcoding and automated data technology can help you gain control quickly as situations arise.
• Mobile barcoding technology coupled with a strong supply chain management strategy can help you quickly shift production with minimal downtime.

Manufacturers are facing serious threats in today’s current economic climate. The supply chain, the lifeblood of manufacturing companies, is constantly being disrupted, leading to challenging inventory operations and the fulfillment of clients’ needs.

While mobile barcoding and automated data collection can’t solve all supply chain issues. They can, however, ensure you’re prepared when these types of situations arise and have the ability to gain control quickly when needed. Arming your organization and team with the right tools is necessary to gain the agility to quickly pivot operations at a minimum cost.

Specifically, mobile barcoding capabilities can help across three major issues currently affecting the supply chain.

Labor Shortages

A major issue affecting the supply chain is the challenge of finding and retaining a skilled workforce. In fact, the National Association of Manufacturers is forecasting that 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030.

Utilizing automation technology like mobile barcoding can help manufacturers augment smaller workforces to maximize impact. Modernizing your operation with automation helps to address challenges in a cost-effective sustainable way. In fact, RFgen users typically experience 30% greater efficiency and productivity.

Mobilizing your workforce through barcoding and mobile applications allows you to streamline work thus empowering your organization to execute work more efficiently with fewer employees. This happens by eliminating cumbersome, manual processes with automated data flow.

Take CarlisleIT for example, where all warehouse transactions were manually processed, causing increased delays and inaccuracies. By automating data collection and utilizing mobile barcoding technology, the team saw gains in productivity and accuracy. This led to a reduction in staff costs and the elimination of two temporary positions.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW: How CarlisleIT digitally transformed to solve labor issues »

Inflation

Proper forecasting and planning are foundational elements in effectively alleviating global supply chain disruptions. For inventory optimization, organizations must have a cohesive grip on controlling costs and expenses, which all funnels from having accurate data. Ballooning costs of raw materials and fuel combined with shrinking supplies can lead to a massive demand shortage.

Mobile barcoding software can reduce operating costs by automating the inventory management process. This enables more up-to-date records, streamlined data entry, and end-to-end traceability.

By utilizing technology and embracing agility and resilience, you can set yourself apart in an inflated market by understanding and preserving current and future profitability.

Navigating a Volatile Economy

With supply shortages and rising costs, there is the potential for an economic slowdown. Are manufacturers prepared to remain profitable as demand slows and adds to existing supply chain challenges? Now more than ever is the time to enforce cost-saving measures.

Automated data collection and mobile barcoding can help you do just that. Mobile barcoding and advanced supply chain inventory management allows for up-to-date inventory changes, increasing traceability paths that update your ERP system, rapid ROI and cost-saving benefits for both upstream and downstream. This type of integration can allow you to shift production to accommodate shortages and demands in a timely fashion, all while keeping your records up to date.

Coupled with a sound supply chain strategy, mobile data collection can drive increases in quality, efficiency, and agility. It enables real-time visibility throughout the warehouse and inventory funnels, allowing for a rapid shift or change in production with minimal downtime.

For example, SunOpta, a large manufacturer of sustainable, plant-based foods and ingredients, wanted a barcoding system that could deliver the performance and flexibility to help them achieve their goals. After a thorough search process, SunOpta landed on RFgen, one of the only service providers with extensive multi-ERP implementation experience. Collaboration fueled quick success. The two teams worked closely to develop a top-notch, robust mobile solution that could support SunOpta’s sustainability goals now and for years to come.

When the COVID-19 pandemic spiked demand for food products, SunOpta’s new mobile barcoding solution helped them adapt while continuing to distribute food safely and quickly. Other major benefits that enabled the company to achieve a seamless supply chain ecosystem included: flexibility, reliability, traceability, and speed.

ALSO READ: How to help address uncertainty in the supply chain »

Now is the Time to Embrace Operational Agility

Manufacturing operations will continue to face challenges that impact the way you do business. While you won’t be able to control all factors impacting your manufacturing operation or inventory management needs, you can take proactive steps to regain control.

Mobile barcoding and automated data collection will help you embrace operational agility and pivot when and where needed to address current and upcoming supply chain disruptions.

The post How to Mitigate Supply Chain Disruptions with Mobile Barcoding appeared first on RFgen.

• Barriers to Mobility Implementation
• Why Inventory Should Be Digital
• Keeping Pace with Digital Change
• IoT in the Supply Chain: A Digital Revolution
• Embracing Digital Mobility for Inventory Management
• Tips for Making Your Digital Inventory Mobile
• Take the First Step in Your Digital Inventory Strategy

Mobile devices have fundamentally shaped the modern world. In the supply chain, the cost of enterprise mobility plans, security worries, and technical management concerns remain key roadblocks to mobile-focused innovation. The result is an operational climate in which many businesses are still relying on old-fashioned, inefficient manual practices such as paper and data entry to support their day-to-day operations.

Implementing mobile barcode scanners and smartphone apps aren’t just useful in their own right, they’re also stepping stones to deeper digital strategies. Digital transformation is more critical than ever as businesses try to stay competitive in a fast-moving supply chain filled with uncertainty.

Your operation may not be ready for cutting-edge technologies like blockchain, internet of things (IoT), or augmented reality (AR). But you might not have long to get ready, either. In the meantime, mobile barcoding is a cost-effective value-add for any digital inventory tracking system.

DOWNLOAD NOW: RFgen’s 2022 Digital Inventory Report »

Barriers to Mobility Implementation

There are plenty of barriers to making inventory management mobile. Implementing smartphones, tablets, and mobile barcode scanners automatically creates challenges in technical limitations, cost, and complexity. Because of this, many organizations remain wary of mobile device use in their production, warehouse, and industrial environments.

Often, they don’t realize the benefits in terms of efficiency and ROI.

Why Inventory Should Be Digital

While concerns about the cost and complexity of a mobility plan are understandable, the benefits far outweigh those worries. This is especially true as mobile inventory technologies continue to mature and become more accessible.

Empowering your teams with mobile software enables your operation to digitize paperwork and automate manual processes. Streamlined data flowing in real time between business systems means operations can remain flexible and agile to changing conditions.

Mobile inventory can have a sweeping impact on warehouse operations without undue financial or technical burden. A few benefits you can expect when leveraging technologies like mobile barcoding include:

• Faster data collection contributes to productivity gains and allows fewer workers to get more done.
• Workers spend less time performing manual cycle counts and finding items, improving warehouse throughput and contributing to sales growth.
• Real-time data collection and integration fuels heightened visibility into asset dispositions at any given time, allowing for excess inventory reduction and freeing working capital.
• All of these capabilities add up to accelerate turnaround times and improve the customer experience.
• A mobile-enabled digital inventory system reduces error rates by eliminating data entry, reducing costs from avoidable mistakes.

However, it’s also important to understand that mobile inventory solutions don’t operate in isolation. Instead, they serve as a critical bridge to continued digital innovation in your technical landscape.

ALSO READ: How to make inventory control 100% paperless and mobile »

Keeping Pace with Digital Change

Emerging technologies are making advanced digital solutions more accessible than ever, leading to rapid adoption of new solutions. Industrial organizations can’t afford to sit back with traditional processes and expect to remain relevant in their market spaces.

New technologies aren’t just emerging, they’re exploding onto the scene. If you’re left still using paper for daily supply chain operations, you may have already fallen behind.

Here are a few supply chain technologies already disrupting the global market:

• The IIoT market is expanding quickly: Global IIoT solutions are projected to grow by 23.1% CAGR from 2022 to 2030, Grand View Research found. The market has already seen an increase from $115 billion in 2016 to $263 billion in 2021.
• Wearable devices hold strong: BIS Research found that the global market for augmented reality (AR) will reach nearly $200 billion by 2025, achieving a massive 65.1% CAGR since 2017. Meanwhile, other wearable devices are estimated to continue expansion through 2022 at 11% CAGR, according to Technavio.
• Big push to operating in the cloud: 51% of supply chain companies surveyed in the RFgen 2022 Digital Inventory Report are using or plan to use cloud-based SaaS software in their inventory operations.
• Mobile barcode scanning dominates the market: RFgen Software also found that 83% of supply chain organizations employ barcode scanning for inventory management. 78% have implemented partial or full inventory mobility.
• Physical automation is on the rise: Based on the same report, 19% of inventory operations utilize advanced physical automation devices. 14% use RFID. 9% have integrated autonomous vehicles (AVs) or helper co-bots.

LEARN MORE: The state of digital inventory management in 2022 »

IoT in the Supply Chain: A Digital Revolution

The supply chain operates with small margins. Globalization and the pandemic have put immense pressure on manufacturers to remain competitive. Complexity abounds.

Fulfilling a single order may require connecting with:

• A raw material vendor operating on a different continent.
• Several warehouses covering multiple service regions.
• A production environment that demands flexibility and adaptability that wasn’t expected in the past.
• Fulfillment processes that must keep pace with shipping expectations set by consumer e-commerce leaders, such as Amazon.

Industry leaders have gotten ahead by using must-have digital technologies like digital inventory software. Mobile barcoding extends those capabilities significantly, helping companies gain end-to-end visibility in their operations, across multiple locations and lines of business.

Mobile barcoding automates the data collection process, forming an essential foundation for the fourth industrial revolution: Industry 4.0. A holistic, digitally-enabled ecosystem that connects to all relevant enterprise business systems is needed. So is an effective mobility strategy.

What is IoT in the Supply Chain?

Central to Industry 4.0 (and even Industry 5.0) is the internet of things (IoT). IoT refers to networked assets including sensors, connected appliances, smartphones, barcode scanners, and similar devices operating in a cohesive system. IoT has gained a strong following in industrial settings because it enables organizations to connect devices so they automatically communicate key data to relevant stakeholders.

A specialized Industrial IoT (IIoT) has also emerged. IIoT refers to IoT solutions designed specifically for use in industrial environments. IIoT is quickly becoming a low-cost opportunity for digital innovation.

The Importance of Mobility for IoT/IIoT

Embracing digital technologies creates transparency into everything from sales to production and fulfillment, allowing manufacturers to adopt service-oriented business models that emphasize customer relationships.

However, businesses that have not adopted mobile software for inventory and related technologies remain unable to take full advantage of the IIoT. There is still a major gap between the raw data collected by the IIoT and how that information is used. The result is a mobility gap in which employees still can’t get the right data at the right time—like the critical inventory data they use on a daily basis.

The mobility gap serves as a major barrier to digital transformation. Investing in the right mobile inventory tools catalyzes digital progress while setting the stage for continued and future innovation. A mobile barcoding solution easily closes that gap.

DIG DEEPER: Industry 4.0 resources for mobile inventory »

Embracing Digital Mobility for Inventory Management

Mobile devices take many forms: smartphones, tablets, barcode scanners, voice-picking headsets, AR-enabled safety glasses—the list goes on. But implementing a mobile inventory strategy is more than just deploying devices. It’s about creating a fast, efficient digital landscape that empowers users to interact with data in more intuitive, flexible ways.

In most cases, you will begin by looking for a mobile inventory solution that can solve your specific operational pain points. For example:

• Reducing cycle count times and employee workloads with mobile barcode scanners.
• Reallocating work quickly due to sudden shifts in production priorities.
• Collecting inventory data from separate warehouses into one or more ERP systems.
• Improving safety and efficiency with wave picking and voice picking.
• Supporting multiple facilities using a remote mobile management platform for IT.
• Aligning field services with ERP records through offline data collection and signature confirmation.
• Tracking fixed assets across a large geographical footprint.

To name a few. The benefits of digital inventory control are too numerous to list.

ALSO READ: Digital mobile inventory success stories »

Tips for Making Your Digital Inventory Mobile

A mobile inventory strategy can seem overwhelming when you try to do everything at once. The key is to be strategic, have a plan, and do your research. Beyond that, here are some tips on getting started with mobile inventory:

1. Choose a manageable scope for your first mobile project. From there, you can set yourself up for expansion into other areas and future innovation.
2. As you implement more mobile inventory applications, develop a strategy to bring data together under a common umbrella, such as an ERP.
3. Leverage mobile barcoding software to connect and bridge gaps between databases.
4. Ensure that new mobile technologies provide validated or certified integration with core business systems. For example, integrating mobile apps certified for SAP, Microsoft D365, or Oracle ERPs.
5. Work with solution providers that offer a blend of ERP experience and industry expertise. This combination will enable you to get the most from your mobile investment.

Visit the RFgen Resource Center for additional information on mobile barcoding best practices and implementation.

Take the First Step in Your Digital Inventory Strategy

Digital is the way of the future. Enterprise mobility takes digitization one step further, making data actionable for users across every component of the supply chain. Manual inventory processes are the great barrier to this operational vision.

Emerging technologies like IIoT and autonomous vehicles may seem distant. Their widespread use—and their integration into data collection activities—is closer than you think. While you don’t have to adopt every new technology for inventory management, taking the first steps toward full mobile automation is becoming critical, regardless of where you stand in your digital transformation journey.

Mobility remains one of the most effective catalysts for digital transformation. Replace manual processes with digital automation and make it mobile. The time to trim the operational fat holding you back and put your business on the path to sustained digital innovation is now.

The post How to Ditch Paper for Digital Inventory with Mobile Barcoding appeared first on RFgen.

• Cycle counting is an essential best practice inventory control in the warehouse.
• Knowing how and when to perform cycle counts helps minimizes extra work.
• Technologies like mobile barcoding can transform cycle counting into a fast, efficient value-add.

If you handle inventory, then you’re familiar with counting items. Cycle counting is an efficient best practice to validate stock levels. It’s also a seemingly endless task, taking staff, time, and productivity away from valuable warehouse activities. So why do it?

Cycle counting re-affirms accuracy, making it a critical component of your warehouse hygiene. Maximum accuracy is needed to drive visibility, forecasting, and overall warehouse logistics, all of which impact the bottom line. An effective cycle counting strategy protects the availability of stock, prevents cost overruns, and ensures orders are delivered on time.

Meanwhile, wrong count levels hold back your entire inventory operation. Manual cycle counts do little to help. Digital transformation with mobile technology can change that, turning a perceived time-waster into a true value-add while drastically less effort.

Physical inventory counting vs cycle counting

There are two types of inventory counting: physical inventory counts and cycle counting.

Physical counting involves a comprehensive top-to-bottom counting of all inventory on-hand. Often, operations must halt while this occurs. The hands and effort required are high, as is the chance for error. In larger warehouses, performing physical counts more than once per year may not be feasible.

Cycle counting is a scaled-down, ongoing inventory audit. Businesses may use it as an alternative or in addition to physical counts. Though efficient and beneficial, the procedures can be complex and difficult to manage if done by hand. Automation software can greatly simplify the process and reduce operational burden.

Tips for Performing Physical Inventory Count Procedures

RELATED »

Purposes of cycle counting: accounting & operational efficiency

Cycle counting may seem like a drain on warehouse resources, but its value can’t be understated. Cycle counting inventory serves two primary purposes:

1. Accurate Accounting
2. Operational Efficiency

Accounting is only accurate if inventory counts are accurate and that data is kept up to date. Think of it like this: stock accuracy = accounting accuracy = business value.

Efficiency requires inventory best practices and the right tools to achieve it, such as mobile inventory software.

Cycle counting is an integral part of inventory control, ensuring stock levels are correct and operations don’t run into any barriers, like unexpected stock-outs or insufficient raw materials to fulfill a manufacturing order. Counts also help you identify areas for cost savings, such as undersells and deadstock.

Research shows that reducing stock-outs and excess inventory like safety stock can cut costs by 10%.

The Hidden Costs of Manual Cycle Counting

ALSO READ »

Types of cycle counting

There are several cycle counting techniques. No one methodology will solve all inventory woes. Employed strategically, the right technique can prevent problems before they start.

The most common methods include:

ABC Analysis (Pareto Principle Method)

ABC analysis cycle counting uses the Pareto Principle method to prioritize inventory into three tiers by the level of importance:

Category A items are your most important inventory. These are low-quantity, high-value items that move the fastest. Category A inventory should be counted most frequently. “A” stock is 20% of your inventory but accounts for 80% of sales.

Category B is second priority, containing mid-level quantity, value, speed, and counting frequency. “B” items may compose 30% of stock but 15% of sales.

Category C consists of high-quantity, low-value items with the lowest level of count priority. “C” materials can account for 50% of your total inventory but just 5% or less of sales.

Variants to this technique include usage-based ABC analysis and hybrid ABC analysis.

Process Control Cycling Counting

In this technique, inventory counters perform cycle counts on SKUs with known discrepancies. Many businesses find process control group cycling both targeted and effective. Workers usually know where warehouse trouble spots are, so empowering them to solve accuracy issues with process control cycle counting can generate positive results.

Mobile inventory software can uncover additional inaccuracies in real-time, allowing managers to use analytics to target high-value areas.

Opportunity-based Cycle Counting

Opportunity-based cycle counting targets key checkpoints during inventory workflows. Checkpoints can be determined by setting decision parameters for certain processes, such as:

• Re-ordering
• Put away
• Replenishment
• Stock level dips below a designated threshold

With the aid of software, thresholds can automatically trigger alerts and assign tasks.

High-usage Cycle Counting

As with ABC analysis, in the high-usage methodology cycle counts are performed most frequently on inventory with the highest turns. Value is also a factor. Expensive inventory with rapid turnover takes the highest priority in this method.

Control Group Cycle Counting

Using a control group as a reference point is informative. Cycle counting is no different. In this method, control groups are cycle counted multiple times over a specific period of time. Close scrutiny of a control group helps identify issues in counting methodology, as well as basics like stock levels, labels, ordering, and replenishment. Mobile software that performs cycle counts can eliminate many of these issues, especially those caused by manual processes.

Random Cycle Counting

Random cycle counting, also called “random sample cycle counting,” enables you to count a “sample” amount of a certain item type at random. The idea is that random checks periodically audit inventory control practices and stock levels without disrupting daily operations. Amazon is well-known for its random pick-and-putaway inventory system, which includes a form of random cycle counting.

A common variant, known as “diminished population counting,” involves excluding counted items from future cycle counts until the entire inventory has been validated.

How to conduct inventory counts

1. Develop a schedule

Planning is key to cycle counting effectiveness. Start by developing a regular schedule for counting inventory. Your schedule may include regular or daily cycle counts as well as an annual full physical inventory of the entire warehouse. Regardless of what technique(s) you use, it’s crucial to stick to the schedule and dedicate sufficient working hours to complete the task.

2. Preview inventory

Before jumping into cycle counting, organize your stock and check the current levels on-hand in your ERP system. This will save time and effort. If you’re using mobile apps for cycle counts, lookups for on-hand inventory are as simple as a quick barcode scan.

3. Pause warehouse activity

During a cycle count, no materials should be moved, picked, or restocked in that area of the warehouse. WIP transactions must be closed out. Otherwise, new inventory counts will be inaccurate or void. It may seem like a helpful shortcut to keep the warehouse running at maximum productivity while doing cycle counts, but in the end, it wastes more resources than it saves.

Mobile cycle counting apps can prevent changes to stock levels while drastically reducing operational pauses to a minimum.

4. Create an inventory count procedure

In addition to a schedule, you will need a clear process for exactly how and where cycle counts will be performed. The process should be shared with the warehouse team responsible for counts to avoid confusion or missteps. Include periodic feedback loops to identify areas for improvement in the counting process. Post the cycle count procedure where workers can see them. Consider adopting mobile barcoding software with built-in best practices for cycle counting the optimal results.

How to automate cycle counting for ERP

LEARN MORE »

5. Set clear teams

Depending on the size of your warehouse, you may need to sort the inventory counters into dedicated teams. Two or three team members can cover more ground than one. Best practices also recommend alternating which staff does the counting. Special training may be required. Using mobile barcode scanners for cycle counts can help reduce training time, counting bias, and the number of staff needed.

6. Distribute count tags

Some operations use printed tags for cyclic counts. Assign or distribute tags to each inventory cycle counter to ensure all scheduled SKUs get touched. If you are using a double-counting method, then each tag should show two counts—the initial count by team A, and the recount by team B.

Certain ERP software systems like Oracle JD Edwards and Microsoft D365 have inventory tag counting baked-in to default functionality. Extending tag counting capabilities with mobile technology can make the process highly efficient and paper-free.

7. Count inventory

Now it’s time to count your inventory. Pair team members together so that one person physically counts items in a specific bin while a second record the values on the printed count tag. Workers will collect data points such as bin location, item name, item number, quantity, and size. Unexpected or mismatched results should be investigated and the issue corrected. Often, a simple recount solves the problem.

Regardless of what method you use, ensure counters are not distracted or pulled away for other tasks. Multi-tasking only increases the opportunity for mistakes and miscounts. Using mobile apps for inventory count procedures can greatly simplify the process.

8. Transfer count tag data

If you’re using printed count tags, recorded information must then be transferred to your inventory management system. For larger organizations, this is often an ERP platform. If your workers use mobile software that automates cycle counting procedures, then all relevant item data is collected at point-of-scan and transmitted to your ERP in real-time, bypassing this step entirely.

When to conduct an inventory cycle count

The best time to start a cycle count in the warehouse is outside normal operating hours, usually at the end of the day or before a new day begins. If your facility runs 24×7, put a system in place to separate newly received or picked inventory from materials being counted.

Timing may also be determined by other factors, such as:

• Why cycle counts are needed (e.g. inventory accuracy)
• How they will be executed
• Inventory value
• Inventory turnover
• Seasonal demand
• Warehouse layout

Just like cycle count methods, there are no right or wrong answers here. Each warehouse is different. Find what works for you.

Explore cycle counting resources

LEARN MORE »

Challenges and risks of cycle counting

Every company faces challenges when it cycle counts inventory. Common challenges include:

• Staffing
• Coordinating multiple teams and/or locations
• Timeliness and inaccuracy of paperwork
• Accuracy of the cycle count process

If these sound familiar, you’re not alone. To increase your team’s skill in performing the counts, consider holding mock cycle counts and keeping an open feedback loop should other issues arise.

Many companies are also finding that fast, easy-to-use mobile apps for cycle counting alleviate these issues, driving productivity, speed, and accuracy without the need for paper.

Explore cycle counting software case studies

SUCCESS IN ACTION »

Value of technology in cycle counting

Cycle counting is a value-add on its own. Technology can further enhance that added value, enabling you to manage inventory before it gets out of control. If cost is a worry, then research ROI. For example, mobile data collection typically pays for itself in 12 months or less.

Here are three ways technology assists with warehouse counting:

1. Data Management

Keeping data organized and free from error (“clean”) is important. Much of the heavy lifting is handled by inventory control software, WMS, or an ERP platform. However, each demands technical maintenance to keep multiple databases in sync. ERP mobility solutions can instead extend cycle counting capabilities to mobile devices, simplifying maintenance and complexity.

2. Mobile Scanners

High-speed mobile RF scanners are a game-changer for the inventory cycle count process. A millisecond barcode scan can replace minutes of work and update your ERP instantly. Such a cumulative productivity gain is also a money-saver compared to paper printouts, spreadsheets, or obsolete barcode software. On-demand mobile barcode printers and RFID solutions enable one employee to do the work of two.

3. Robot Counters

An exciting segment of robotic automation is emerging around next-gen Industry 4.0 devices. Helper co-bots, autonomous vehicles, and physical automation devices like scales, carousels, industrial computers, and IoT devices are capable of collecting valuable data. Integrating floor-level machines with data collection software is key to harvesting the latest advancements in counting technology. If you’re looking to take your inventory counts to the next level, robotics could be the answer.

Mobile cycle counting case studies

Discussing the theory of automated inventory counting is one thing. Seeing real-world results is another. Cycle counting benefits are numerous. Here are three case studies that illustrate the impact of effective inventory cycle count programs:

Mining company Alliances Resource Partners revolutionized its cycle count process flow by replacing paper printouts and data entry with fast scan-as-you-go mobile apps. The end result was 40% better inventory accuracy and significantly more efficient processes.

In another cycle count use case, global steel manufacturer NLMK USA performed daily cycle counts and reconciliation of inventory variances each night. Mobile barcoding helped cut labor time by 60% and increase accuracy to 100%.

Lastly, CryoLife’s cycle counting success story shows how automation and offline mobility can work in the field. In this case, company representatives could use mobile barcode scanners to perform offline cycle counts on consignment inventory in hospitals. With no Wi-Fi or cellular coverage, the ability to digitally count products on-site and in their native language using a mobile device instead of paper checklists was a game-changer for traceability.

To read more about these cycle counting examples, visit the RFgen Resource Library.

WATCH VIDEO: How to get world-class accuracy with automated cycle counting »

…And don’t forget the software

Cycle counting hardware is little help without the right software. The modern warehouse needs powerful tools to fight labor shortages and inefficiencies. Failure to adopt cycle counting technology can hurt your productivity and revenue. Even old barcode software is little better than performing inventory counts by hand.

Look to mobile inventory solutions that go beyond basic cycle counting mobile apps to streamline every facet of material handling. Mobile barcoding can enhance cycle counts for inventory without disrupting operations, and even augment your warehouse with offline cycle counting.

Cycle counting isn’t going anywhere. The question isn’t whether you will digitally transform or not. The question is when.

The post Complete Guide to Inventory Cycle Counting Best Practices appeared first on RFgen.

• Current supply chain issues and logistical challenges are greatly impacting the manufacturing space.
• The right mobile barcoding solution will give you real-time data and insight into your current state and mitigate potential larger effects.
• While manufacturers can’t prepare for everything, they can take proactive steps to ensure efficiencies and agility are top of mind.

A recent wave of disruption is wreaking havoc in manufacturing entities. The effects of the pandemic, skilled labor shortages and logistical challenges are all resulting in a host of new challenges for manufacturers and distributors attempting to meet the needs of their consumers.

A central issue in all of this is the continual impact to supply chains. The baby formula shortage, for instance, has shed light on the dire situation facing customers and manufacturers.

For many organizations, it’s a problem that remains unsolvable. A recent survey found that fewer than half of chief executives are taking long-term action to alleviate supply chain challenges. And more than three-fourths were skeptical their solution (short or long-term) would be effective.

1. Do More with Less

In a time where labor demand is high, automating inventory tasks can lead to a more productive workforce. Mobile barcoding can help companies address staffing challenges by providing greater efficiencies on the warehouse floor. In fact, one customer used mobile supply chain software to re-allocate work assignments in the face of fluctuating demand.

Labor shortages aren’t the only reason organizations should use mobile barcoding and automation technology to do more with less. As the costs of materials continue to rise, having end-to-end traceability into your warehouse inventory is critical. Seeing in real-time what is currently in production, and what’s in your warehouse will greatly help you adapt as you look at budget spend.

ALSO READ: 5 Factors to Consider for Effective Supply Chain Optimization »

2. Gain Awareness into Your Operations and Your Inventory

Balancing supply levels while also dealing with changes in demand is a constant challenge for half of manufacturers, according to a recent survey. And it’s not about to get any easier. Many note they expect demand fluctuations to continue for six months to two years. Gaining awareness into your workflow is a key component to preventing costly stoppages on the production line due to lack of raw materials or parts for maintenance.

Inefficiencies in warehouse operations will only lead to more dire consequences in the current market. Ensuring your processes are streamlined and automated will be an essential component of preparing for disruption and alleviating major impact. Further, gaining awareness into your workflow is a key element to preventing costly stoppages on the production line due to lack of raw materials or parts for maintenance.

A surprising number of manufacturers still relied on manual errors and inefficient labor usage prior to the current market shift. Now, with increased demands for goods and an unreliable supply chain, making the shift to digital warehouse operations is critical to survival.

Mobile technologies drive flexibility, efficiency and productivity. In fact, the real-time data collection workflows produced by mobile digital automation have led to significant time and cost savings. Adding mobile inventory solutions can help automating your cycle counts, increasing accuracy to more than 99.5%.

RELATED: How Mobile Barcoding Drives Digital Transformation in the Supply Chain »

3. Ensure Complete Visibility

In the midst of rapid-fire shifts in a myriad of conditions, manufacturers must be able to embrace operational agility and production shifts. Mobile barcoding gives you a fighting chance with clear, up-to-the-second data necessary for strategic decision making.

Mobile inventory solutions enable real-time information visibility from start to finish in the warehouse production cycle. This allows manufacturers to rapidly shift production to accommodate changes, unexpected shortages and more. Mobilizing also provides them with foresight into preventing potential problems before they start.

Ultimately, the organizations that will fare better throughout disruption are those that prioritize end-to-end visibility along the entire supply chain. These companies will take their data and use it to predict changes and be prepared for what lies ahead.

WATCH THE VIDEO: How Caito Foods created end-to-end supply chain visibility –

4. Why Mobile Inventory is Essential to Your Supply Chain Solution

The current market conditions have shown disruption and vulnerability are certain. While you can’t control all the factors impacting your manufacturing and distribution, you can take steps to mitigate the effect.

Understanding your current state and your inventory needs can help you make informed decisions when uncharted territory arises. Mobile barcoding and automation technology can help you with an accurate data set as you move forward in uncertain terrain.

The post How Mobile Barcoding Can Help with Supply Chain Issues & Economic Uncertainty appeared first on RFgen.

• Food and beverage operations must embrace automated data collection like mobile barcoding in order to enhance efficiency and agility.
• The right mobile barcoding solution will help you better connect your inventory management across its lifecycle.
• Without proper employee training, even the best mobile barcoding solutions will fail.

The food and beverage industry is facing change and opportunity at a pace never seen before. From increased inventory management issues to the utilization of smart factory operations, it’s important for food and beverage operations to stay abreast of digital opportunities. Research shows that 80% of warehouse executives are planning to invest in new technology in order to keep their competitive edge.

The first step is automated data collection, especially in a warehouse setting. Embracing this type of smart technology will enhance efficiency, and traceability, and allow for better data usage.

Here are three best practices to consider when it comes to utilizing automation technology like mobile barcoding in your food and beverage company.

WATCH VIDEO: Blue Bell ice cream maker’s best practices success story »

1. Connect Your Inventory Lifecycle

Mobile barcoding allows you to track inventory throughout its lifecycle, ensuring up-to-date changes as transactions happen. This information is immediately uploaded to your ERP system, allowing your facilities to accommodate for changes as they happen.

Further, mobile barcoding and inventory management software helps you to embrace agility. From recall readiness to rapidly changing customer demands, having reliable data capture can ensure you’re prepared to pivot if needed, especially given the state of supply chains in 2022.

For instance, a manufacturer of DIY garden kits saw demand surge quickly during the pandemic. By adding in mobile inventory management, they were able to re-allocate work assignments and continue to fulfill increasing orders each day.

READ MORE: How Digital Mobile Inventory Modernizes Food Manufacturing »

2. Remember the User Behind the Technology

Mobile automation technology only works when the users embrace your chosen software. Poor user experience can limit adoption rates and even result in system failure due to user resistance.

You may have the best system out there, but if your users aren’t properly trained, they’ll find ways to work around it. Ensure you have implemented an ease of use and learning program with your mobile barcoding partner when it comes to warehouse barcode systems.

Ultimately, mobile barcoding and automated data collection allow your food and beverage operation to do their jobs quickly and efficiently. But successful implementation is a critical best practice that can not be overlooked.

3. Understand the Impact on Traceability

Real-time visibility as it relates to inventory is a critical lifeline for food and beverage companies. As the need for greater transparency arises, organizations must understand that traceability no longer exists only within their four warehouse walls. Rather, traceability must extend into the field, from production all the way to the shelf.

Smart technology integration like mobile barcoding allows employees across the organization to update essential data into business systems. By coupling handheld data collection options with field mobility solutions, food and beverage operations can connect workers in the field to those in the warehouse, all the way to delivery at the product’s destination.

The best mobile barcoding solutions will offer flexible online and offline mobility solutions, signature capture, GPS and Google Maps integration, direct store delivery, and more.

LEARN MORE: 4 Ways Mobile Barcoding Solves Food Traceability Challenges »

Find Mobile Barcoding Solutions That Will Enhance Your Operation

Smart technology integration into food and beverage operations is no longer an option, it is an absolute necessity. The value of implementing an automated technology system with mobile barcoding scanners far outweighs the cost. And the cost of not doing anything is too great to ignore.

From efficiency to traceability, digital transformation with mobile inventory solutions can ensure you’re streamlining data and moving in the direction of a stronger future.

The post Mobile Barcoding Best Practices for the Food and Beverage Industry appeared first on RFgen.

• Aerospace contractors have the opportunity to embrace automation technology to improve operations.
• A strong technology foundation should focus on compliance, security, and changes in market demands.
• Mobile barcoding technology helps streamline operations, reduce manual processes, and save time and costs.

Agility and innovation are increasingly important to many organizations, including governmental entities and contractors. While aerospace and defense contractors are often defined by strict compliance requirements, now is the time to harness the power of digital opportunities.

For any defense contractor, effectively utilizing a variety of streamlined integrated technologies begins with a solid foundation. Contractors who focus on putting the right infrastructure in place will be better positioned for what comes next.

To begin, aerospace and defense companies need to look no further than their critical business functions, like inventory management and data collection. Implementing automation solutions like mobile inventory and barcode scanning can help improve operations and enhance visibility across the organization.

Watch Video: Just the Facts – Mobile Tech for Aerospace & Defense:

Here are three reasons aerospace and defense companies need to embrace mobile barcode software.

1. Makes Security a Priority

Mobile data collection software can be used to transmit highly sensitive data to your enterprise system. That’s why it’s paramount that the technology you use is secure from the latest threats.

When looking at mobile barcoding solutions, ensure they boost your data security measures, rather than put you at more risk. A mobile barcoding partner should supplement your data security protocols and be able to accommodate remote working environments.

Make sure they are capable of enacting the following security restrictions:

• Security protocols for “data at rest” when offline
• Single sign-on and traffic encryption enabled across the entire software suite
• Technology serves as a proxy, never allowing employees direct access to critical business systems and sensitive information

RFgen provides the highest level of security for your mobile data collection needs. Our goal is to secure data, whether it’s in transit or at rest, decreasing exposure to potential vulnerabilities. Through a variety of offline and online solutions, RFgen works with aerospace contractors to ensure no transaction is lost and every transaction is protected.

2. Prioritizes Compliance

Aerospace contractors are dealing with increasingly complex supply chains. By using automation technology like mobile barcoding, contractors can increase visibility and traceability for better compliance along the production line. Mobile applications, coupled with handheld data collection options like warehouse barcode scanners, can give you 100% visibility over inventory.

One defense contractor implemented mobile barcoding in place of manual data collection for inventory tracking. This change enabled them to achieve lot-level traceability and 100% billing accuracy for contractual compliance.

CONTINUE READING: VSE achieves 100% traceability and billing accuracy »

3. Adjusts to Meet Market Demands

Having the flexibility to meet new business demands is a top concern for many government contractors. Aerospace contractors are dealing with not only current client demands, but also changing legislation and fluctuations in government spending.

Implementation of automated data collection leads to significant time and cost savings. Mobile barcoding can give aerospace contractors a reliable view of inventory, utilization and more. This allows for swift adjustments when you encounter shifts in market demand, supply chain problems, or labor needs.

A strong-performing barcode software should also interact with your ERP in real-time. This transparency on an inventory level leads to less wasted time, better forecasting, and more effective asset management strategies. A solution like RFgen will allow you to visualize improvements and reduce operational risk.

Embrace a Strong Technology Foundation First

A strong foundation is the first step for aerospace and defense contractors. Look for tools that increase visibility and efficiency in your operation. Put a focus on compliance, security, and agility, all while ensuring you have the reliable information you need to make strategic decisions.

The post 3 Reasons Aerospace Companies Need to Consider Mobile Barcoding Security appeared first on RFgen.

• Cyber threats and impending risks continue to be top of mind.
• One area organizations must consider in their security plans is the ability to function, and protect data, in an offline environment.
• RFgen provides the highest level of security for your ERP mobile data collection.

Cyber threats and impending risks continue to be top of mind as we head into 2022. In fact, over 70% of organizations have experienced a security incident.

In order to lessen the impact of an attack, organizations must prioritize robust security protocols for data collection.

This begins with a focus on device security across all facets of your organization, including functioning in an offline environment. Remote access is critical when considering what security measures are put in place.

Here are three things to consider when it comes to remote access.

1. Adopt a Zero Trust Model

More organizations are leaving behind antiquated security mechanisms in favor of a zero trust environment. The zero trust model focuses on how users access crucial data and how that data is secured. Essential to this model are robust security measures beyond a login and password, including multi-factor authentication, single sign-on and more.

By protecting your data in this way, you can secure access to your information across the organization and track who has access to what and when.

For example, RFgen’s mobile barcoding solution does not allow users direct access to their ERP system. Instead, RFgen acts like a proxy, only displaying essential data needed for your employees’ job duties.

ALSO READ: How to Solve the Top 3 Security Concerns for Data Collection »

2. The Use of Containerized Data

The mobile solutions you use store large amounts of data susceptible to an attack. That’s why it’s important to move as much data off-device as possible. The best security-based mobile solutions help move intellectual capital directly into your business systems quickly.

The art of containerized data is especially relevant when protecting data at rest. Data at rest occurs when a device is offline and therefore information is kept on the device itself. When looking for a security provider or third-party vendor, make sure they have the ability to protect your data at all stages, including when it’s offline.

RFgen’s goal is to secure data, whether it’s in transit or at rest – 24/7. This means your data is not exposed to vulnerabilities such as ransomware. These protections include:

• Encryption of data at rest
• Security sensitive data access that maintains user privacy
• Use of device profiles for user provisioning
• Single sign-on capabilities
• Ability to shadow a device through remote access
• Encryption of device when connected to a network

All of these happen without the knowledge of the end-user. This allows for a seamless, consistent user experience.

3. The Impact of Truly Offline Data

What happens when you are truly offline? How can you ensure you still have high availability with your data?

Offline mobility is an essential part of your security. When talking to vendors, make sure they can offer security solutions unique to offline data. These should include proof of delivery, field operations or services and continued maintenance.

RFgen has a history of flexible online and offline solutions that ensures no transaction is lost and every transaction is protected. The “Continuous Availability” offering allows users to keep collecting data, even when disconnected from their ERP, such as for routine maintenance or during network outages.

RFgen does all this and more, making it the most secure mobile barcoding solution on the market. In fact, we recently helped a global leader in the manufacturing of cement and concrete for the construction industry upgrade. Key to this arrangement was a robust cloud-based security environment that protects against cyberattacks and other threats.

READ CASE STUDY: How Trident Seafoods Established Sound Offline Data Collection »

Keep Security Top of Mind Across Your Organization

There is no fool-proof plan when it comes to cybersecurity. However, organizations can take steps to ensure they are keeping security top-of-mind, even in an offline environment. Stay vigilant and ensure basic security hygiene is in place. Finally, only integrate solutions into your technology stack that demonstrate the highest level of security protection.

The post 3 Ways Mobile Barcoding Can Help with Securing Remote Access appeared first on RFgen.

• The need for proactive security solutions has never been more important.
• There are many things to consider when it comes to mobile barcoding and security, including the use of the cloud, vendor relations, and a wide variety of options for security mechanisms.
• RFgen is the most secure mobile barcoding solution.

If security isn’t top of mind at your organization, it should be. Research shows that cybercrime could cost the world $10.5 trillion by 2025. With the average cost of a data breach ringing in at $3.86 million for 2020, proper planning for security risk has never been more crucial.

With so much information at our fingertips, how can we ensure a mobile-focused warehouse operation is still running in a secure data environment?

Here are three concerns we hear when it comes to security and mobile barcoding.

1. The Cloud Isn’t Secure

Many organizations are currently moving data for ERP applications to the cloud. Yet despite this significant trend in cloud-based applications, over 90% of organizations have security concerns about adopting cloud technology.

According to the 2022 Digital Inventory Report, 89% of organizations surveyed say data security is important or extremely important in their inventory operations.

Moving data to the cloud is actually far more secure than on-premise systems. Even the most basic cloud-based solutions offer preventative, detective, and administrative security measures.

Using mobile barcoding solutions like RFgen in a cloud-based environment further extends this security reach. RFgen serves as a trusted broker for your network, integrating with existing security measures to optimize your cloud environment. RFgen ensures there’s never a direct connection between your enterprise data and the outside. All information must connect through RFgen first.

2. I Don’t Know How to Protect My Crucial Data

Your systems carry important information that is potentially dangerous when placed in the wrong hands. That’s why choosing a trusted vendor when deploying automation technology like mobile barcode scanners is so important.

Creating a zero-trust environment means understanding how users’ access to critical data is controlled and secured. This is necessary for any company that has more than one person accessing data that could be subject to a cyber attack.

RFgen’s support of zero trust environments begins with multi-factor authentication for all accounts. Further, RFgen can define mobile users and assign control for a variety of items, including:

• What roles someone has access to
• What applications they can use
• Who is allowed to log in where

This tailored approach limits access through additional protocols as well, such as containerized data and protections for data at rest. With RFgen as a trusted security partner, you’ll have a line of defense you wouldn’t have otherwise.

3. I’m Unsure What Security Mechanisms to Put in Place

If this is you, you’re not alone. Over 70 percent of companies are not confident in their company’s cybersecurity plan. After all, it’s overwhelming to think about unforeseen attacks and potential issues.

While you might not be able to see into the future, there are proactive strategies to prepare your company for the inevitable.

As you add mobile technology to your warehouse, ensure:

• All software and applications serve as a proxy. This means the software or app displays and connects to only what your employees need for their job, and nothing else.
• Your entire software suite (including cloud-based components) has safeguards in place, such as single sign-on and traffic encryption.
• You can whitelist devices you connect to with unique identities.
• Your data can be secured through encryption when connecting a device to the network.

RFgen does all this and more, making it the most secure mobile barcoding solution on the market. In fact, we recently helped a global leader in the manufacturing of cement and concrete for the construction industry upgrade. Key to this arrangement was a robust cloud-based security environment that protects against cyberattacks and other threats.

READ CASE STUDY: Securely Mobilizing Around the Globe »

Now is the Time to Prepare

Technology is constantly changing. As you look for ways to automate your operations, make sure security is at the forefront. Increased efficiency should go hand-in-hand with a robust security plan to prevent cyberattacks and threats.

Your chosen vendor should never impair your current security environment or conflict with your cybersecurity plan. Always discuss security measures and proactive strategies with any vendor. The biggest red flag? If they don’t have a security plan of their own in place, look elsewhere.

The post Top 3 Concerns Organizations Have About Security and Mobile Barcoding appeared first on RFgen.

• The future of manufacturing operations lies in automation.
• When implementing mobile automation technology, be sure to look for quality user experience, system responsiveness, security performance and offline connectivity.
• Mobile barcoding and other automation technologies are worth the initial upfront investment and can save organizations money in the long run.

The rise of digital transformation and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic have proven one thing: traditional operations are no longer effective on their own.

The future of manufacturing operations will be driven by automation. By adopting and integrating these practices now, companies can save time, money, and headache later on.

Research has shown that 80% of warehouse executives plan to invest in new technology to stay competitive. And more than half of supply chain companies plan to equip workers with mobile barcoding technology in the near future.

While new technology brings about the promise of efficiency, traceability, and better data capture, it also is fraught with potential issues.

Here are three pitfalls to avoid when automating your food and beverage manufacturing processes.

WATCH VIDEO BELOW: How Caito Foods skipped the pitfalls to harvest success »

1. Poor user experience or interface

When it comes to mobile automation strategies, it’s important to remember the user behind the technology. Often, poor user experience can lead to limited adoption rate or system failure based on user resistance.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter how much your business needs real-time track and trace capabilities. If your users aren’t comfortable in the system, they’ll find ways to work around it. That’s exactly why ease of use and a structured learning program are critical when selecting an automation or mobile barcoding partner.

The right technology allows employees to do their jobs faster, easier and safer. Successful implementation happens when you consider the investment with people in mind.

2. Poor system responsiveness

To implement automation successfully, organizations must embrace a strategic adoption process. This includes interaction with mission-critical business systems. With RFgen, integration is seamless and secure.

For some browser-based systems, implementing mobile data collection can impact response times. If workers have to wait even a few seconds on the system to validate information, it can trigger resistance and poor implementation.

Ultimately, responsiveness translates to speed. Web-based data collection applications can take up to five to 10 seconds per transaction. While that doesn’t seem like a lot, over time the costs truly add up to a negative impact on your bottom line. The results include wasted labor, loss of profit, stalled inventory, reduced efficiency, and more year-over-year.

With RFgen’s mobile barcoding, transactions can take only milliseconds. Translate this across thousands of transactions each day, by multiple people, and the savings is clear.

SIMILAR: 3 Smart Manufacturing Trends for Food & Beverage »

3. Failure to plan for potential system outages

Network failures are critical to consider when implementing automation. Many operations are faced with time-sensitive production and are unable to pause work due to a system outage.

Always ask how operations can continue, with real-time validation of local activities, in the event of a network failure in your search for mobile barcoding solutions. The majority of manufacturing operations can’t afford prolonged downtime so working with systems that allow continual operation is crucial.

When connectivity is an issue, an offline data collection solution is the only way to keep critical operations running all day, every day. Offline mobility prevents loss of transactions and allows for data collection in challenging areas without security being compromised. Proactively planning for any potential negative outcomes coupled with a world-class security structure will keep your facility and employees running at the top of their game — thus keeping scheduling and productivity goals on track for optimal performance. When you’re equipped with offline mobility you can drive continuous operations 24/7 365 days per year resulting in continuous data collection in areas or facilities with unreliable or lack of connectivity; 99.9% uptime for mission-critical operations in challenging environments; connected remote operation with your ERP systems; and improved cash flow with faster invoicing and reduction of wasted productivity.

The Cost of Not Automating

Organizations often see cost as the biggest challenge to implementation. Investment in new technologies – and the automation of your business processes – can be expensive. However, certain technologies, like mobile barcode software, quickly offset the initial startup costs and can result in immediate savings and ROI.

Human error caused by manual entry, shortages or disruptions in inventory, lack of workforce productivity and the impact of inaccurate data can drain a manufacturing entity of its resources quickly.

The results and profitability of automation far outweigh the upfront investment. Those who don’t automate will quickly fall behind in the marketplace. Embracing smart manufacturing processes is the only way to move forward and stay ahead of the competition.

The post Pitfalls to Avoid When Automating Your Food and Beverage Manufacturing Processes appeared first on RFgen.

• The food and beverage industry’s future lies in smart manufacturing technologies that will automate operations and drive growth.
• True success for food companies will occur when smart manufacturing trends are integrated into critical business systems like ERPs.
• Mobile barcoding, traceability and operational agility are important when embracing smart manufacturing trends.

The food and beverage industry continues to face substantial change and unprecedented disruption. Organizations are seeing increased inventory management issues and are faced with the reality that they must do more with less.

Now is the time for smart manufacturing to become ingrained in the food and beverage production industry.

Current trends in smart manufacturing within food production include:

• Farm-to-fork tracking
• Traceability to field services and delivery
• Smart factories utilizing robotics
• Laser-guided vehicles (LGVs) and the Internet of Things (IoT)

While the potential of these trends is real, food and beverage manufacturers must proceed with caution and strategy when it comes to adoption. To truly embrace the impact of smart manufacturing, organizations must first focus on the seamless integration of this technology within their critical business systems.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE: Total inventory visibility/control with mobile barcoding »

 
Here are three things to consider when it comes to adopting smart manufacturing in the food and beverage industry:

1. Use mobile barcoding to build the connection

When utilizing smart technology, mobile barcoding allows up-to-date inventory changes as transactions occur. Tracking these movements creates highly accurate and reliable traceability paths that instantly update an ERP system.

This type of integration allows facilities to shift production quickly to accommodate demand and shortages. Fully tracking all touch points across the inventory life cycle keeps records up to date and increases operational agility.

2. Understand the importance of traceability

Traceability is a major benefit of smart manufacturing and should be a top priority for all food manufacturers. It empowers organizations to act quickly, with correct information, in the event of a recall or food safety issue.

Mobile inventory tracking ensures all products are recorded, making it easier to locate potentially contaminated inventory. Manufacturing traceability software allows a food production facility to track – down to the ingredient level – what is on the shelves and may be compromised. Without this kind of smart technology integration, an organization may be faced with pulling the entire batch, leading to decreased productivity and profitability.

Further, traceability can enhance field mobility issues. With flexible online and offline solutions, workers can be connected even in remote locations. This ensures no transaction is lost, even when connectivity falters.

SUCCESS IN ACTION: How Trident Seafoods Established Sound Offline Data Collection »

3. Embrace operational agility and production shift

Now, more than ever, food companies must pivot priorities quickly to ensure business success. A sound supply chain management strategy, coupled with mobile inventory solutions/mobile inventory management software, enables real-time information and visibility throughout the warehouse and delivery funnel. Manufacturing entities can rapidly shift production to accommodate changes in demand, unexpected shortages or stops and more.

One customer, in consumer goods packaging, saw rapid growth in production needs during the pandemic. Through the use of digital supply chain software, the company was able to quickly adjust work assignments to accommodate demand.

ALSO READ: RFgen Supply Chain Experts Discuss COVID-19 Impact on Food and Beverage »

Ensure Your Critical Business Systems Are Part of the Equation

Smart manufacturing is the way of the future. Being able to successfully incorporate data points across the inventory life cycle will be critical. But the process of embracing this level of change and ensuring proper integration with integral systems can be overwhelming.

To begin, start at the basics. Ensure you have the proper ERP system in place. Then, focus on cost-effective technologies, like mobile barcoding technology, that can help you streamline data points across your organization.

By prioritizing this foundation, you’ll be better prepared to embrace the impact of smart manufacturing trends and automate your operation.

The post Three Smart Manufacturing Trends for the Food and Beverage Industry appeared first on RFgen.

• Zebra Technologies has released its latest Warehousing Vision Study, a survey of 1,403 IT and operational decision makers.
• The study highlights three surprising findings: delivery as a top driver for growth, continued labor challenges despite warehouse expansion, and a lack of inventory tracking.
• Warehousing companies looking to remain competitive need to invest in automation technology like mobile barcoding now.

Zebra Technologies recently released its latest Warehousing Vision Study. This global research study analyzes warehousing trends and challenges as reported by 1,403 IT and operational decision-makers across numerous industries.

Here are the top three surprising findings from the report:

1. Faster Delivery is Top Driver

The Amazon Effect continues to revolutionize warehousing. Consumer need for 24/7 product search and purchase, coupled with fast delivery, is the new normal. Warehouses that can’t deliver this quick turnaround are getting left behind.

Because of this continuing trend, 40% of warehouse executives surveyed cite faster, more transparent delivery as their top driver for growth. One-third of these state that this trend is directly impacting their strategy and expansion plans.

Field mobility solutions that support more effective inventory management, quick turnaround, transparency will be key.

2. Labor Challenges Persist as Warehouses Increase

Sixty percent of warehousing executives surveyed also report that labor recruitment and labor efficiency are additional top challenges. This comes at the same time that warehouse operations are expanding globally. In fact, 87% of warehouse executives are planning to expand their warehouse size by 2024. Eighty-two percent plan to add more warehouses in this same time frame.

In order to meet this increased demand while facing workforce shortages, warehouse executives must prioritize warehouse automation technology that boosts accuracy, efficiency, and productivity.

LEARN MORE: Turn labor challenges into cost-saving opportunities »

3. Less Than 1/3 Track Inbound Items

Despite recognized needs for faster delivery and a more productive workforce, less than one-third of those surveyed report carton and item-level barcoding of 75%+ of their inbound items.

Automation technology like mobile barcoding can fill this gap. Mobile barcoding, for example, captures data to track inventory end-to-end from raw materials to delivery. Such technology is key to reducing errors, augmenting a reduced workforce, and providing the transparency today’s consumers expect.

Some respondents do indicate plans to increase mobile barcodes, labels, and stationary printers.

What’s Not Surprising: The Need to Automate

Because of these challenges, 80% of warehouse executives surveyed plan to invest in new technology to stay competitive. Sixty-one percent plan to rely on a symbiotic human-automation relationship to improve warehouse efficiency in the long-term.

The need for warehouse automation software is urgent, as indicated by the Vision Study results. Those who fail to invest in automation technology like mobile barcoding now will quickly fall behind.

The post 3 Surprising Findings from Zebra’s 2021 Warehousing Vision Study appeared first on RFgen.

• The automotive industry manages complex inventories in addition to facing vast outside pressures.
• Many automotive companies have found long-term success with mobile barcoding software.
• Learn why three real-life companies in the automotive industry implemented mobile barcoding solutions and their significant results.

The automotive industry is no stranger to complex inventory management. With extensive inventories, often of small components, managing even everyday inventory needs can be overwhelming. Accurately forecasting inventory amounts for end customers or spare parts is even more challenging.

Outside stressors like global demand deflation, labor shortages, and increased government regulations also mean tight margins for many. Companies in the automotive industry can’t afford to waste money rush shipping out-of-stock or lost inventory parts or letting parts sit unused on the shelf.

One solution is to automate data collection with mobile barcoding software.

Mobile Barcoding Software for the Automotive Industry

Through a combination of mobile apps, barcodes, and hardware, mobile barcoding lets automotive companies easily—and accurately—track even the most extensive inventory libraries across global operations. This flexible technology also supports low-code mobile app development and integrates with carousels, scales, and industry 4.0 technology like LGVs, robots/co-bots, and more for a connected warehouse.

OR WATCH THIS VIDEO: How one auto parts maker hit the gas on productivity »

Many automotive companies have already made this transition. Let’s look at some of the top mobile barcoding success stories for the automotive industry:

Flexibility and Self-Ownership

Precision Replacement Parts, or PRP, is a replacement parts provider to global automotive brands. They were looking to modernize their data collection for better inventory control and in-house self-sufficiency.

With mobile barcoding, PRP realized key results:

• Near-perfect inventory accuracy.
• In-house mobile app development.
• Version independent barcode software for easier ERP upgrades.
• And more.

WATCH THE VIDEO to learn more about PRP’s success story »

96% Stock Reliability

As an automotive part supplier, Brabant Alucast’s hybrid data collection processes were error prone, slow, and costly. The company decided to solve the problem with mobile inventory technology paired with an ERP upgrade.

Results were transformative: stock reliability increased from 70 to 96% just six months after implementation.

READ THE FULL STORY »

50% Less Processing Time

Myers Tire Supply is the largest just-in-time resupply distributor to independent tire repair shops. In order to improve customer service and reduce operating costs, Myers implemented a just-in-time (JIT) methodology with mobile barcoding across its extensive warehouse network.

With mobile barcoding, Myers saw a 50% reduction in processing time at the receiving dock, as well as:

• Increased inventory, order, and shipping accuracy.
• Improved customer service.
• Reduced labor costs.

READ THE FULL STORY »

Toyota Data Collection Offers Lessons for Operational Resilience

In order for manufacturers to handle product recalls without causing severe disruption to operations, they need to have strong data collection procedures in place. This has proven true for Toyota.

With the help of Oracle E-Business Suite, Toyota contacts suppliers via email to collect data on specified parts. The supplier’s IMDS contact person then fills out a datasheet, which is sent to Toyota’s internal database, and the system cross-checks the information to ensure the parts are meeting requirements.

By complementing Oracle ERP solution with RFgen’s mobile barcoding software solutions, companies can see even more benefits, creating the kind of operational strength that is enabling Toyota to respond with precision and calmness to significant recalls.

SUCCESS STORY VIDEO: Toyota Implements RFID & Mobile Barcoding Solutions –

Aston Martin Recall Sparks New Supply Chain Strategy Discussion

Automotive brand Aston Martin recalled a total of 17,590 cars, which equates to approximately 75 percent of the vehicles made between November 2007 and May 2012.

The decision to recall its vehicles came as a result of the company discovering that plastic material from a Chinese sub-supplier was counterfeit.

Bill Michels, president of ADR North America, discussed the perils facing modern supply chains, and why long, complex distribution strategies, like Aston Martin, leave companies open to myriad issues like recalls.

To meet these new, leaner standards, companies must be willing to integrate their supply chain and business systems, and suppliers must align existing operations with buyer strategies.

If businesses take the additional step to increase supply chain transparency, all stakeholders, from the manufacturer to the store selling the product, will benefit. Supply chain management technology like mobile barcoding can help companies position themselves for sustainable, long-term success.

How Ford is Implementing Big Data into its Supply Chain

Bringing big data into the supply chain is not always as simple as buying the right software. A company first has to build a foundation of mobile data collection that can accurately record the information big data relies upon with software like mobile barcoding.

Ford is one company that plans on taking advantage of all the different tools available to optimize its supply chain. One of these tools is data capture – both using automated data collection with mobile barcoding software on the factory floor and by scanning incoming raw materials and outgoing finished goods as they exit the factory with barcode scanner software.

Think of these basic tools used at shipping points and on the factory floor as the foundation for everything that will happen in the future to revolutionize the way manufacturing is conducted at every level of the industry.

Why You Should Upgrade Your Inventory System

All businesses can benefit from a quality inventory management system, and the perks of a software upgrade are especially helpful for tire and automotive sales. To best serve customers, salespeople need to know about and be able to quickly find a particular tire amidst growing inventory.

Having an effective system in place that is easy for workers to use is crucial. Mobile barcoding solutions can empower your workforce with flexible, intuitive barcode scanning while automating traceability with each barcode scan.

This is also important in the event of a recall or audit.

Recall Readiness with Data Collection

Product recalls are something no company wants to face, but they may be inevitable. Even if safety precautions and policies are maintained to the utmost extent, it’s almost certain your business will have to deal with a recall at some point in time, and strict warehouse management techniques are necessary in order to minimize potential damage.

What can automakers do to minimize the effect of product recalls and make sure their customers are safe on the road? Detection, readiness, and prevention are key when it comes to staying compliant with NHTSA regulations and investigations.

Some automakers may issue recalls at a higher frequency simply to be cautious and proactive.

To stay ahead of potential litigation and monetary effects, automotive companies should:

1. Have a plan. Make sure employees and business partners know what to do. Communication is key.
2. Trace the product. Traceability software enables you to instantly locate recalled products and components.
3. Make sure equipment is up to date. Routine maintenance is a must to avoid recalls due to faulty equipment.

Supply chain automation like mobile barcoding software can help with all three.

If you’d like to read more about the significant cross-industry impacts companies have experienced with mobile barcoding, visit our success story library.

LEARN MORE: A Leading Trailer Manufacturer Improves Efficiency by Automating Key Processes »

The post Top Automotive Mobile Barcoding Software Success Stories appeared first on RFgen.

• Automation technology like mobile barcoding can support initiatives discussed at the Microsoft Business Applications Summit.
• Mobile barcoding for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management automates key workflows, increases flexibility with low-code, and helps you adapt to change quickly.
• Together, the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management ERP and mobile barcoding work to grow, and safeguard, your business.

At the recent Microsoft Business Applications Summit, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management users came together to celebrate continued resilience in the face of the global pandemic. Microsoft users like Patagonia and more shared stories of how the ERP platform was key to business agility, perseverance, and success.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management ERP users looking to build on this strong foundation should also look to automation technologies like mobile barcoding.

Here’s why.

Mobile barcoding can help you:

Automate Your Key Workflows

Mobile inventory solutions with barcoding for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management ERP automate critical workflows in manufacturing and warehousing operations. By replacing paper or inefficient processes with barcode scanning, mobile apps, and hardware, you can boost productivity and efficiency by 30%, on average. So you can take on more without adding labor. If you must add new hires or seasonal workers, intuitive interfaces and easy-to-follow workflows mean 80% less training time too.

DOWNLOAD: Futureproof Your Warehouse with Mobile Barcoding for D365 »

Increase Flexibility with Low Code

Mobile barcoding technology enhances your operational flexibility. Mobile app templates built specifically for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management inventory management get you off the ground quickly. Then, low-code mobile app development lets you tweak templates or create your own using drag-and-drop and simple coding. As business needs change, you can adjust workflows quickly—and without hiring expensive developers.

Adapt to Change Quickly

Rapidly changing supply disruptions and demand shifts are the new normal. If you use outdated processes, you may not be able to adapt quickly enough to keep your customers satisfied. Instead, using technologies like mobile barcoding gives you complete visibility over your end-to-end supply chain. You can adjust production, communicate remotely, or adjust workflows as needed.

Since mobile barcoding is version independent, your inventory data collection technology will work with you, even during Microsoft ERP updates or changes. It also integrates with Industry 4.0 technology, LGVs, co-bots, scales, carousels, and more, to support an expanding digital enterprise.

WATCH VIDEO BELOW: Microsoft Mobile Barcoding Success Story »

Capitalizing on Opportunity

The Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management ERP is foundational for success in your enterprise. Automation technology like mobile barcoding automates your Microsoft workflows while increasing operational flexibility and agility. The two work together to future proof, and grow, your business.

The post How Mobile Barcoding for Microsoft D365 Can Grow Your Business appeared first on RFgen.

• Government spending is increasing, creating a positive outlook for contractors.
• Challenges remain across compliance, security, and agility.
• To overcome these challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities, government contractors must prioritize automation technology like mobile barcoding.

Booming demand. Record discretionary spending. Increased growth. The outlook for government contractors looks vibrant, according to Deltek’s 2021 Clarity in Government Contracting Report.

However, challenges, exacerbated by Covid-19’s lingering effects, remain. According to Deltek, top areas of concern for contractors include: compliance, security, and agility.

In this article, we’ll examine how one automation technology—mobile barcoding—can help you overcome these challenges to capitalize on this significant opportunity for growth.

1. Compliance

According to Deltek’s report, compliance remains top of mind for contractors.

Companies must have automation technology in place that can track inventory throughout a complex supply chain with 100% accuracy. If manual processes dominate your workflows and back office, you simply won’t be able to grow your business and remain contractually compliant at the same time.

Instead, your contracts will be consumed by those who prioritize automation technologies that increase visibility and track-and-trace.

Mobile barcoding is one technology that can help fill the gap. Through a combination of mobile apps, barcode software, and handheld devices, you gain 100% visibility over your inventory as it moves throughout your operations—and the supply chain.

One IT managed services company implemented mobile barcoding to achieve 99.999% data accuracy. Another defense contractor did the same to achieve lot-level traceability and 100% billing accuracy to gain contractual compliance, even as their business grows.

WATCH THE VIDEO: How VSE Built Success with 100% Traceability & Billing Accuracy:

2. Security

Cybersecurity is another top-level focus area for contractors in 2021. The pandemic brought remote work to many industries, including government contracting. Now, many companies either remain remote, or have a blended work environment. Remote implementations are also still common. This makes data security needs more complex, and more pressing.

Look for automation technology that enhances your data security, even across a remote working environment.

For example, RFgen’s mobile barcoding solution for Deltek never allows users direct access to the ERP. Instead, RFgen’s technology simply acts as a proxy that only displays relevant, pre-defined fields on your employees’ handhelds.

You can also add additional security measures like single sign-on (SSO) or traffic encryption for enhanced security.

3. Agility

Fifty-two percent of those surveyed by Deltek say that adjusting to new client projects or new business demands is another top concern. And while President Biden’s American Jobs Plan offers some peace of mind over continued government spending, midterm elections could change this projection.

Government contractors must have technology in place that augments their business agility. They must be able to quickly adjust to demand fluctuations, customer requests, or lingering supply disruptions.

By using a technology like mobile barcoding, you have complete visibility into your inventory numbers, movements, and utilization. This lets you pivot priorities quickly to ensure customer satisfaction—while not sacrificing compliance. It also lets you grow operations without adding additional labor, as your current workers can use technology to be more productive and efficient.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

While the overall outlook for government contractors looks positive, companies must position themselves to attain contractual compliance, boost data security, and increase agility to put themselves at the front of the line for each new opportunity.

Outlooks can change quickly. Prioritizing a foundational technology that can help you do all three of the above will safeguard peace of mind—and your bottom line.

The post Top 3 Challenges Facing Government Contractors Today (And How Mobile Barcoding for Deltek Can Help) appeared first on RFgen.

• Ransomware attacks and security breaches are on the rise.
• SAP users must choose partners carefully and examine all potential security risks.
• RFgen mobile barcoding can make SAP more secure, with security measures like user access restrictions, SSO, and traffic encryption.

Security is always top of mind for large, multinational enterprises. Recent ransomware attacks like the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack, which effectively paralyzed a major U.S. gas pipeline, and others highlight the urgency of effective security prevention measures.

SAP ERP users, especially those operating in the cloud, may be concerned about how to uncover vulnerabilities and mitigate attacks before they begin. This concern may be compounded when partnering with outside vendors and products.

The question becomes: how can SAP ERP users and vendors work together to ensure robust security of selected solutions?

WATCH VIDEO: Grupo Cemento builds secure SAP environment with mobile »

SAP and Security in the Cloud

Starting in 2025, SAP will end development of its legacy platforms in favor of its next-gen flagship products. This includes Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) for S/4HANA. For users of the existing Warehouse Management solution, migration to EWM may be on the horizon. Your entire solution may eventually be hosted in the cloud instead of on-premises servers.

With this move comes new security concerns for both SAP ERP users and vendors with complementary solutions.

DOWNLOAD: 5 Factors That Prove RFgen is Perfect for SAP (Including Security) »

How RFgen Extends (and Improves!) SAP Security

Your selected vendor solutions shouldn’t impair your current SAP ERP security. With RFgen mobile barcoding for SAP, you can make SAP more secure.

Here’s how:

Unlike other data collection solutions, RFgen never allows a user direct access to the SAP system, which would be a potential risk. Instead, RFgen acts as a proxy that only displays the pre-defined forms and fields workers need to complete their tasks—nothing more.

Additional security measures like single sign-on (SSO) and traffic encryption can further safeguard your SAP environment.

The takeaway? RFgen is the most secure mobile barcoding solution for SAP. Period.

LEARN MORE: 3 Ways Mobile Barcoding Helps Secure Remote Access »

A Multinational SAP Security Success Story

Two countries, one goal: to implement mobile barcoding while maintaining a secure data environment across all company operations. Read about this large, multinational RFgen customer with operations spread across the U.S. and Mexico that successfully partnered with RFgen during a recent upgrade to S/4HANA. In addition to mobilizing the ERP, any data collection solution they chose had to have robust security in the cloud environment to prevent cyberattacks and other threats. Now, they can easily expand barcoding to other facilities as well, without worrying about additional security measures.

READ THE FULL STORY: Securely Mobilizing S/4HANA Around the Globe »

 
Security concerns aren’t going away. As more companies prioritize cloud environments, each new SAP vendor or partner poses a potential new risk. It is essential to choose partners with equal, or greater, security measures to maintain a robust and confident cloud environment.

The post Improving SAP Security with Mobile Barcoding: RFgen Can Show You How appeared first on RFgen.

• Manual cycle counts drain resources but offer only moderate accuracy.
• Automating cycle counting workflows with mobile apps built for your ERP increases accuracy to 99.9%+ with less time and labor.
• Manufacturers have seen significant results with automation, including a 20% increase in inventory accuracy, offline counting support, and more.

In most warehouses, cycle counting is a key component of inventory management. Periodic inventory audits are supposed to lead to higher accuracy and ultimately, drive down overhead costs.

But what if they don’t?

Unfortunately, manual cycle counting is often fraught with hidden inefficiencies.

Why Manual Cycle Counting is So Inefficient

Completing manual cycle counts drains resources, wasting time, labor, and money. Each manual cycle count takes approximately 2 seconds per item, at only 80% accuracy.

At the end, you’re not much better off than you were before the cycle count started.

LEARN MORE: How to go 100% paperless for inventory control »

Automating Your Cycle Counting Workflows

Mobile inventory solutions automate your cycle counting workflows through a combination of barcodes, mobile apps, and hardware.

By automating your workflows, you reduce cycle count time to 0.6 seconds per item. You’ll also increase accuracy to more than 99.5%.

Cycle Counting Apps for ERP

RFgen’s inventory management mobile app suites include pre-constructed cycle counting workflows for major ERPs. Automate cycle counts by item, location, fixed assets, and more.

This includes cycle counting mobile apps for:

• SAP
• Oracle SCM Cloud
• Oracle’s JD Edwards
• Oracle E-Business Suite
• Microsoft Dynamics 356
• Deltek Costpoint

How Cycle Counting Automation Works

Take this example of the RFgen cycle counting mobile app for SAP. Via their mobile device, your workers are walked step-by-step through the cycle count workflow:

1. The user scans, enters, or searches for the Inventory Document number. The document will default to the Plant for which the document was created.
2. The user scans or enters the location. The location entered must exist on the document to validate its existence.
3. The user scans, enters, or searches for a material. The material must exist on the Inventory Document and in the specified location.
4. The material’s description is displayed.
5. If the material is Batch-controlled, the Batch field will be visible. If the material is serial-controlled the Serial field will be visible.
6. The user scans, enters, or searches for a batch number that is assigned to the material specified.
7. The user enters the count quantity.
8. If the material is serial-controlled, the Serial field is scanned or entered by the user.
9. A counter to the right of the Serial field will count how many serial scans have taken place. Once the full quantity of serials has been entered, the user taps on the No More Serials button to continue, and the application will display the Submit button.
10. The Submit button will post the count of this material to SAP and reset back to the Material field.

Exact workflow steps will vary by ERP. Tailored options are also available for specialized workflows.

Cycle Counting Best Practices: Real Results

Manufacturing companies across diverse industries have achieved significant results by automating cycle counting.

A global steel manufacturer using Oracle EBS reduced cycle counting labor time by 60%.

In another use case, Grupo Cementos, a global manufacturer of concrete and cement for the construction industry, increased cycle count accuracy by 20% for SAP S/4HANA.

As a supplier of in-hospital consignment inventory, Cryolife is contractually required to complete cycle counts every 6 months. The company was completing these manually, which was inefficient and inaccurate. By automating cycle counting with RFgen’s mobile solutions, Cryolife’s employees can now complete cycle counts faster, with less effort, and with greater accuracy.

During cycle counts, they can now also:

• Conduct them in English, French, or German.
• Be warned if a product is near expiration and take appropriate action.
• Use iPhones to take pictures of inventory to submit with cycle count.

Mobile inventory solutions can even automate cycle counting in disconnected environments, like a walk-in freezer.

Optimizing Your Cycle Counting for Good

Cycle counts are often necessary for effective inventory management. But completing counts manually isn’t an effective use of resources.

Instead, mobile inventory solutions like RFgen automate workflows to boost accuracy and time savings. Your workers simply follow step-by-step directions on their mobile devices to update your ERP.

With automation, you can be confident that inventory levels stay accurate for better oversight, forecasting, and planning.

The post How to Quickly Automate Your Cycle Counting Workflows for ERP appeared first on RFgen.

• Too many utility companies lose track of valuable inventory and assets in the field.
• By mobilizing manual inventory processes, utilities gain crucial oversight of inventory—even in disconnected environments.
• Key benefits of mobile inventory management for utilities include: continuous ERP-connectivity in the field, a 40% increase in technician productivity, an 80% reduction in non-compliance fines and safety violations, and a 50% reduction in maintenance backlogs.

Utility companies provide foundational infrastructure for our everyday lives. But until something goes wrong, as with recent wildfires in California and energy shortages in Texas, most people don’t realize their far-reaching impact.

That’s why utilities must take a proactive approach to all facets of everyday operational oversight. This includes choosing the best inventory management solution that drives inventory visibility and efficiency.

If you currently use manual or outdated inventory processes, now is the time to mobilize and digitize your solution.

Here’s why:

You Need to Collect Data in the Field

You need to track high value inventory in the field across large coverage areas. Delivery, transport, and large spare parts warehouses further complicate effective inventory management.

If you use manual inventory processes, your workers and technicians lose visibility of your inventory as it moves from site A to site B. With no way to transact inventory against your ERP in real-time, even expensive inventory items and assets can be lost or misplaced.

Instead, mobile inventory solutions equipped with offline data collection connect field engineers and technicians to your ERP—no matter the location.

This lets your workers collect accurate inventory data in real-time to reduce lost or missing inventory.

DOWNLOAD: Must-have Benefits of Mobile Digital Inspections »

You Need Mobile Work Order Management

Mobile Work Order Management (WOM) replaces paper in the field with mobile apps. Technicians simply follow step-by-step guided instructions to complete inspections and repairs directly from a mobile device. This digital process reduces errors caused by a lag in reporting. And boosts technician productivity by 40%.

Since you know your inventory records are timely and accurate, you can be more confident in your regulatory compliance as well. In fact, mobile inventory management and WOM for utilities can reduce non-compliance fines and safety violations by 80%.

LEARN MORE: Mobile MRO Solutions »

You Need More Effective Utility Asset Management

Utility companies also need to prioritize Enterprise Asset Management, or EAM. Managing spread out, disorganized warehouses is inefficient, costly, and unsustainable.

Mobile inventory solutions let you monitor essential utility assets in real-time, from anywhere. With mobility, you can reduce your maintenance backlog by 50% while also:

• Reducing last-minute shipping costs for out-of-stock inventory
• Minimizing unplanned downtime
• Maximizing equipment life

Utility Management Solutions in Action

A large California utility company manages a series of small warehouses across a 50,000 square mile radius. Its employees had been using paper processes to track expensive assets and inventory in the field. Inventory would be loaded into a truck and then disappear from the tracking system until delivery. Sometimes, this meant inventory would go missing or be lost.

After integrating a mobile inventory solution, the company can now track all inventory in real time and in the field. When a major capital tool went missing, the manager could easily look-up the date, time, pick-up location, drop-off location, and employee sign-in/out to track it down quickly.

Read the Full Story »

Mobilizing Utility Inventory in the Field

With consumer and regulatory oversight intensifying, utility companies can’t afford to lose inventory and assets in the field.

Mobilizing and automating inventory with an effective utility inventory management solution provides the oversight needed to stay ahead of future challenges.

Additional Resources

Blog: Power Problems in Thailand Highlight Need for Supply Chain Software »
Blog: Top RFgen Case Studies for SAP Mobile Barcoding Software »

The post Why Utilities Need Mobile Inventory Management Solutions Now appeared first on RFgen.

• Zebra’s TC72 and TC52 are two great enterprise touch computers to consider for your organization.
• TC72 Main Features: Ultra-rugged, Android OS, and powerful controls.
• TC52 Main Features: Rugged, Android OS, and easy to sanitize.

When it comes to choosing the best enterprise devices for your organization, Zebra Technologies should be top of the list. But which device is your best fit?

Today, we’ll look at two of my favorite Zebra touch computers: the TC72 and TC52. Both enterprise hardware devices combine the familiarity of Android personal devices with ruggedized features built for the warehouse or manufacturing facility.

Here, I’ll explain why I love talking about these two devices so much and look at some of the similarities and differences between the two models.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: The Ultimate Supply Chain Mobility Buyer’s Guide »

TC72: Ultra-rugged for Every Enterprise Use

The TC72 is part of Zebra’s popular TC70/TC75 series. Basically, you’ll get that smartphone experience you love paired with rugged features built for hard use environments. Also included: superior barcode capture, fast Wi-Fi connections, Gorilla Glass touch panels, and four new Mobility DNA apps.

Overview

Form Factor: Ultra-rugged

OS: Android 10+

Features: High-quality voice, 13 MP rear camera and 5 MP front camera, water- and tumble-proof, restricted mode

Industry Use: Retail, Manufacturing, Warehouse Management

Why I Love the TC72

• It supports an extended Wi-Fi range with cell network flexibility.
• State-of-the-art Bluetooth 5.0 and location support with long battery life.
• Glare-resistant screen is best of class for outdoor use.
• It’s virtually drop, water, and dustproof.

TC52: Advanced Computing for Inside the Four Walls

My customers love Zebra’s TC52 overall user experience—from the large screen to the familiar controls to the high-quality video. The TC52-HC model is purpose-built for the healthcare setting, with an easy-to-sanitize surface, secure text messaging, and mobile alarms.

Overview

Form Factor: Rugged

OS: Android 10+

Features: 5-inch HD display, Active Edge Touch Zone, 13 MP rear camera and 5 MP front camera, ready-to-use voice solution

Industry Use: Retail, Warehouse Management, Healthcare

Why I Love the TC52

• It’s the easiest to sanitize handheld on the market.
• Large, responsive touchscreen.
• Supports high-quality voice calls with three microphones, high-volume speakers, and noise cancellation.
• Enhanced security measures.

The Best Enterprise Device for Your Operation

Choosing the best mobile barcoding device for your operation really depends on daily use. But if you’re looking for a consumer feel device with enterprise power and durability, both the TC72 and TC52 from Zebra are great options.

If you’re looking for handheld mobile computers and tablets instead, check out my review of Zebra’s MC9300 Mobile Scanner and L10 Tablets here.

And feel free to reach out to me at any time if you’d like to chat about the TC72, TC52, or other devices.

The post Tim’s Hardware Review: Zebra’s TC72 and TC52 Touch Computers for Enterprises appeared first on RFgen.

• Enterprises need technologies that increase asset visibility and traceability to drive growth and improve finances.
• Asset tracking software with barcodes and mobile devices are a key component of any Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) plan.
• Automation technology for assets reduces overhead cost, increases productivity, and lowers insurance premiums.

Increasing visibility across the enterprise is key to driving growth and improving financial performance. But although 63% of manufacturers plan to increase tracking in the next few years, only 24% currently have the technological capability.

With today’s supply disruptions, demand fluctuations, and tightening margins, manufacturers must start prioritizing tracking technology now. This includes mobile asset tracking software.

Asset tracking technology replaces paper recording with mobile devices, barcode scanning, and software for real-time, accurate monitoring.

The benefits can be far reaching, including:

1. Less Overhead Cost

Asset tracking software reduces overhead cost across your enterprise in two ways:

First, it helps you meet compliance requirements. With asset tracking automation, your technicians complete inspections or work orders for repairs directly via a mobile device. Once submitted, this updates your ERP instantly, even in the field.

Then, your managers can pull accurate asset reports in minutes to gain compliance, meet regulatory and federal guidelines, and reduce fines.

Second, asset tracking technology eliminates ghost assets for better utilization. Too many companies report assets on their registries that are not physically available. They may not exist, are broken, or are missing parts.

With mobility solutions, your workers can look up the location and condition of each asset from their point-of-work—and be confident that it’s accurate.

DOWNLOAD: 3 Key Benefits of Mobile Work Order Management »

2. 40% Boost in Tech Productivity

By mobilizing your asset tracking, your techs can now complete other asset activities from their rugged mobile devices.

These include:

• On location check-in/check-out by user
• Monitoring or assigning asset status
• Completing reports
• Printing asset labels at point-of-work
• GPS integration

This increases asset tech productivity by 40%, on average.

3. Pay Less Insurance and Taxes

Why pay high insurance premiums on assets you don’t use?

When you mobilize your asset tracking, you can better identify end-of-life assets, retire depreciated assets, or locate assets in disrepair.

With more accurate asset ledgers, you’ll reduce your insurance premiums and increase upkeep on the important assets in use.

Mobilizing Your Asset Tracking

The right asset tracking software helps you make informed decisions to boost your competitive position long term. With the help of mobility, you can eliminate bloat, boost productivity in the field, and stop overpaying on already expensive insurance policies.

If you’ve been hesitant to make a change, you’re not alone. Many companies continue to use outdated processes simply because they’re familiar or because adding new technology seems too expensive. Unfortunately, the cost of “doing nothing” will quickly become untenable.

By integrating cost effective, efficiency-boosting technology now, you will set yourself up for sustainable success.

The post Asset Tracking Software: 3 Strategic Benefits for Your Enterprise appeared first on RFgen.

• Effective work order management (WOM) is critical to success in today’s competitive environment.
• Mobile work order management for MRO helps you streamline maintenance activities to reduce unexpected downtime and cost.
• Key benefits of mobile apps for digital inspections and WOM include: increased technician productivity, reduced costs, reduced maintenance backlogs and increased MRO inventory efficiency.

Work order management for MRO is often overlooked as an area for optimization. However, ineffective management of any MRO component can be devastating to your company’s bottom line.

That’s why many companies are starting to view MRO as a worthwhile investment for long-term reliability and profitability. This includes prioritizing efficient work order management.

You may currently use manual processes to complete work orders out in the field. However, replacing clipboards and binders full of paperwork with mobile apps can help you realize significant time and cost-savings.

DOWNLOAD: 3 Key Benefits of Mobile Work Order Management »

 
Some of the key benefits of mobile work order management technology include:

1. 40% Increased Productivity with Digital Inspections and Work Orders

Mobile work order solutions extend ERP information into the field and eliminate paper recording. Technician productivity increases 40% as a result.

With paper processes, your maintenance workers must find the appropriate forms, print them out and lug everything with them. Even if they have everything they need, can they tell how many parts are available and where they are located?

Instead, mobile and digital inspections use mobile apps to guide techs. Simple forms walk workers step-by-step through completing inspections and repairs. Techs report directly from their mobile device.

For example, RFgen’s mobile maintenance solution prompts you to follow seven steps to walk you through the entire process on a mobile device:

1. Work Order Selection: Enter the work order ID to determine location, task description and equipment ID.
2. Preparation: Scan barcodes of required parts and tools to check out and update ERP. Enter notes/images as needed.
3. Documents: Access repair manuals, guides or special instructions.
4. Repair Tasks: Check off repair/inspection tasks as completed. Mark parts as used.
5. History/Notes: Enter notes/reminders for future inspections, including safety information.
6. Take Pictures: Take pictures of equipment with mobile device, label as needed, and save to report.
7. Close Work Order: View summary of work order parts used, tasks completed, check in parts and obtain completion signature.

Once completed, send the entire work order back to your main facility directly from the device.

2. Drive Down Maintenance Costs

Traditional MRO management is expensive, cutting into already razor-thin profit margins. On average, mobile WOM can help you reduce MRO costs by:

• Reducing rushed shipping costs due to missing parts or out-of-stock inventory
• Decreasing equipment downtime due to missing parts
• Reducing regulatory and non-compliance fines by 80%
• Reducing safety violations by 80% or more

And more.

WATCH VIDEO: How VSE Corporation mobilized maintenance and repair »

3. Reduce Maintenance Backlog by 50%

In addition to accelerating the rate of work order completions, mobile work order solutions help reduce maintenance backlogs by half. Your technicians are both equipped with accurate, up-to-date information and can work faster with mobile.

This combination helps you better plan for both:

Preventative Maintenance: Stay on top of planned repairs and plant equipment inspections. Maintain accurate, accessible records and view from mobile device, anywhere or anytime.

Predictive Maintenance: Accurate data enables powerful AI and analytics to predict repairs before they can shut down production, increasing uptime across your operation.

Taken together, an effective mobile work order management solution helps you streamline plant maintenance activities and prevent future bottlenecks.

Asset tracking software can enhance WOM further by:

• Eliminating ghost assets and identifying end-of-life assets
• Increasing asset ledger accuracy
• Reducing insurance premiums

With mobile work order management, you apply the same traditional inventory management principles to optimize your MRO inventory. For example, a coal mining operation automated MRO inventory and increased accuracy by 40%.

The Future of Digital Inspections

With complex global supply chains, multisite operations and competitive markets, you can’t afford to let assets sit underutilized or in disrepair. High-performing maintenance operations use mobile work order management software to efficiently process work orders.

With digital inspections, workers and technicians follow step-by-step procedures to view, complete and submit work orders. Stay connected to critical ERP data even in the field to significantly increase accuracy and visibility and optimize MRO inventory.

By driving down MRO costs and increasing uptime, you’ll be better prepared to overcome unexpected challenges and secure a profitable future.

The post 3 Key Benefits of Mobile Work Order Management for MRO appeared first on RFgen.

Overview

• Next-gen ERPs, like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, need high-quality data collection to function optimally.
• Mobile inventory solutions for Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management boost data accuracy, increase workflow efficiency and support digital transformation with barcode software.
• RFgen’s Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management offering includes open source app suites across purchasing and receiving, sales and shipping, inventory management, and inquiry and reports.

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As a Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management ERP user, you already know the importance of unified data, connected business systems and powerful AI.

But too many companies with next-gen ERPs still use manual processes at the line-level. Unfortunately, this invites low-quality, error-prone data into your ERP. Even the best AI can’t generate useful predictions with inaccurate data.

Many Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management users have overcome this challenge by implementing cost-effective mobile inventory management solutions that incorporate barcode scanning.

Here are some of the reasons why:

Why Mobilize Your Microsoft Inventory Management?

Built specifically for modern Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management users, the right mobile barcode solution supports accurate data collection, efficient workflows and increases visibility.

Solutions like RFgen’s Mobile Apps for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management extend inventory transactions to the point-of-work with mobile barcoding technology and wireless hardware. By removing paper and manual data entry from your workflows, your workers can quickly collect perfect data by scanning a barcode.

Scanned information transacts instantly with your Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management ERP in real time. This puts crucial data into the hands of your workers when and where they need it. No second guessing or recounts.

And with high-quality data, you can be confident in the accuracy of your Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management system.

LEARN MORE: Mobile Barcoding for D365: What You Need to Know »

 

Microsoft Mobile Inventory Case Study

Brabant Alucast, an automotive parts supplier, upgraded its legacy ERP system to Microsoft Dynamics AX. They also integrated a Microsoft-approved mobile inventory solution with barcode scanning at the same time. With a primary focus on shop floor automation, the company saw its stock reliability increase from 70% to 96% in just six months. The more efficient workflows also allowed Brabant to reallocate two full-time positions.

Users running the latest Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management version may see even greater upticks.

READ THE FULL STORY: Brabant Alucast's drive to success »

 

Adding Mobility to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management with RFgen

RFgen Mobile Foundations for Microsoft Dynamics 365 mobilizes your Supply Chain Management platform, and other ERPs. Its flexible, lightly coupled architecture operates independently of your ERP version, allowing for easy upgrades and migration.

RFgen extends Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management to end-users using handheld devices like barcode scanners and tablets through the power of mobile apps.

Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Mobile App Suites

RFgen’s Dynamics 365 mobile apps for Supply Chain Management automate common inventory workflows. Each open source app can be easily and quickly tailored for company-and industry-specific needs. The first release of mobile apps include:

Purchasing and Receiving Suite

• Purchase Order Receiving

Sales and Shipping Suite

• Sales Order Pick
• Sales Order Pack
• Transfer Order Pick
• Transfer Order Pack

Inventory Management Suite

• Inventory Adjustment
• Inventory Counting
• Inventory Transfer

Inquiry and Reports Suite

• On-hand List by Item
• On-hand List by Location

With additional mobile apps to come each month. You can read the full list here.

How Does RFgen Integrate with Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management?

RFgen integrates with Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management through web services and Microsoft’s Azure LCS. The solution also supports cross-platform compatibility with Android, iOS and Windows 10 Mobile and barcode label printing.

Hosting is available on Azure, with cloud subscription or on-premise licensing. Managed hosting is also available.

Adding Flexibility with Low-code

RFgen’s solution offering includes a low-code Mobile Development Studio, designed to increase customer autonomy and reduce IT burden. Mobile Development Studio equips you with a development environment to develop your solution in-house. With the low-code environment, you can quickly create and edit mobile apps using drag-and-drop principles and pre-made logic. Bridge custom functionality gaps and gain self-sufficiency in the future for solution. Even junior programmers can easily design and build tailored supply chain workflows.

Mobilizing Your Dynamics Future

Digital transformation starts at the foundation—with accurate data collection. Even the most state-of-the-art ERPs can’t function optimally without accurate data.

Mobile inventory solutions simplify inventory handling by automating manual processes and eliminating transcription errors and tedious paperwork. With one barcode scan, your workers can capture flawless data that automatically transacts against your Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management ERP in real-time.

Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management users can get off the ground faster with RFgen mobile apps built specifically for the Microsoft ERP. With extensive prebuilt Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management app suites, you can simplify common tasks to achieve impressive results with quick ROI.

The big question remains: why not mobilize Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management today?

The post Mobile Inventory Management Solutions for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management appeared first on RFgen.

• Aerospace and defense contractors face strict oversight and compliance requirements.
• Existing and emerging technologies may help with complex inventory management, including 5G, blockchain, AGVs, AI and mobile inventory.
• Some technologies are more hype than substance. Other tried-and-true solutions can be transformative while supporting future initiatives.

Aerospace and defense contractors are no strangers to complex inventory management. You may face tightening oversight, stringent compliance requirements or counterfeit part mitigation. Prioritizing effective materials management can help you overcome these challenges to stay ahead.

For many, a key strategy includes digitizing processes and material movements on the shop floor. Automation solutions like mobile inventory, barcode scanning, 5G, AGVs and other technologies offer ways to overcome common inventory challenges.

But what are these technologies? How do they fit into your organization? Let’s examine a few of these stand-out options.

Watch Video: Game-changing technology solutions for aerospace & defense:

At the Cutting-edge: Hyped Technologies

Hyped technologies include emerging tech solutions that have yet to be widely adopted. For aerospace and defense, this includes 5G and Blockchain.

5G

5G succeeds 4G as the latest generation of high-speed wireless tech. Its lightning-fast speed and greater bandwidth have significant implications for other co-dependent technologies. Once implemented, we could see the rise of IoT and IIoT devices that increase part traceability, automate counterfeit part identification, reduce an overburdened workforce, increase workplace safety and more.

Mobile hardware and software stand to benefit the most from 5G.

Currently, 5G’s use is hindered by slow roll-out and infrastructure needed to realize its full potential. Because of this, 5G remains a technology of the near future.

Blockchain

Blockchain has the potential to be a powerful and secure supply chain traceability technology. As an encrypted data repository, or “ledger,” blockchain can be configured to automatically maintain a record of transactions even across the most complex supply chain.

It may even help detect widespread use of counterfeit parts more effectively and on a global scale. Absolutely secure end-to-end traceability could be a reality.

However, its current use remains limited—only 3% of organizations currently use blockchain on a wide scale. Cost, complexity and access are current barriers to adoption. The greatest hurdle may lie in the fact that all members of the supply chain must come together into a single consortium to make a blockchain ledger viable.

SEE ALSO: 3 Ways Blockchain Could Fuel Supply Chain Innovation »

Emerging: Promising Technologies

Promising technologies are used more often, though still not broadly across the industry. With transformative potential, expect to see more companies adopt them soon.

AGVs and LGVs

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Laser Guided Vehicles (LGVs) boost delivery time, maximize labor efficiency and support sanitation. These autonomous vehicles (which include helper robots, or “co-bots”) can take over repetitive time-consumer tasks for workers, such as picking and put-away.

For example, one food product company uses LGVs to reduce the time its workers waste commuting, or walking back and forth, to pick inventory. This one small change resulted in a 20% increase in worker productivity. The LGVs also integrate with their Oracle’s JD Edwards ERP to record transactions in real-time.

Autonomous vehicles can also be used to combat COVID-19 challenges. One Boston food bank uses similar robotic technology to sanitize its warehouse in between shifts.

AI and Machine Learning

Machine learning, a subset of AI, uses statistics and algorithms to identify patterns and then makes inferences, judgments, or predictions about a data set, similar to the way humans already do. This means it can both consume and analyze far greater amounts of data than any single employee or department. This process can also uncover important patterns a person might overwise overlook.

AI and machine learning are integral to the newest generations of ERP software, such as SAP’s Intelligent Enterprise.

Some organizations are also embedding existing applications within these algorithms to generate valuable predictions.

The potential result? Unparalleled opportunities for optimization and ultimately, significant competitive advantage.

But organizations must have the basic technical infrastructure to leverage AI and machine learning advantages (more on that below).

Proven Outcomes: Foundational Technologies

To effectively use any of the above technologies, you must first have the supporting tech landscape. This is a step that many supply chain companies overlook when creating wish lists for new software solutions. Jumping to the latest technology may offer few benefits without the appropriate infrastructure. At the foundation of that tech stack is automated data collection, such as with barcode scanning.

Failing to start with the basics can lead to budget overruns or implementation failure for other technologies.

RELATED: 3 Reasons Aerospace Needs Mobile Barcoding Now »

Mobile Inventory Solutions

Mobile inventory solutions with barcoding are one versatile technology that can help build this critical foundation. Through a combination of barcodes, handhelds and software, your workers scan and transact to update your ERP in real-time. This process supports the error-free data collection that other technologies need to run properly. It’s also key to standardizing your inventory processes—a requirement for large government contracts.

Mobile barcoding streamlines cycle counting, picking, pulling, inventory adjustments and more. Each transaction is recorded automatically in your ERP with a quick barcode scan, effectively automating traceability. Your workforce can view this path directly from a mobile device, anywhere or time, to stay compliant.

Mobile inventory solutions also generate big upticks in accuracy, efficiency, throughput, and so on. Once implemented, inventory control software can facilitate more advanced technologies.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Mobile inventory success stories in aerospace & defense »

Prepping for a Technologically Diverse Future

Digitization will be required for any aerospace and defense contractor to stay on top of increasingly complex inventory needs. All five of these established and emerging technologies can help you achieve greater efficiency, traceability and compliance at lower cost.

These technologies require high-quality data in order to deliver benefits. Mobile barcoding for inventory management can deliver flawless automatic identification and data capture (AIDC). This gives you exacting control and oversight with a low cost to entry.

With the foundation in place, your organization can seamlessly integrate Industry 4.0 devices and other technologies mentioned in this article. Now you can gain confidence that you’re adopting a worthwhile investment that isn’t just all hype.

The post 5 Technologies to Boost Efficiency, Traceability for Aerospace and Defense appeared first on RFgen.

• Food and beverage manufacturers face new FDA traceability regulations and consumer expectations.
• End-to-end supply chain traceability is achievable through mobile inventory solutions and barcoding.
• Digital agility extends benefits to field services, maintenance and talent acquisition while reducing costs.

Digitization is transforming every aspect of our lives, including the food and beverage industry. Modernization opens new opportunities for increased oversight and growth.

Despite this, some food and beverage manufacturers continue to be slow to adopt. They hold onto manual processes or balk at technology costs. With increased regulation and consumer awareness, however, the old status quo is unsustainable.

Efficient technologies for inventory management may provide the answer.

QUICK READ: Why Food Companies Need Mobile Inventory to Survive »

Here are four ways going digital with mobile inventory technology can help food and beverage industry modernize:

1. It Enables Farm-to-fork Tracking

The FDA’s new FSMA guidelines expand both the scope and intensity of food product and ingredient tracking. Manufacturers must be able to trace each required ingredient from harvest to production to delivery as a final product.

Such granular oversight is impossible with paper processes. This necessitates digital tracking technology. Mobile inventory technology uses barcodes to track inventory movements at key points through the supply chain. Each time an ingredient or product is scanned, that data instantly updates the ERP.

With traceability software and barcoding, this effectively automates traceability (“track-and-trace”). Material records are always up to date, making locating products or ingredients at any point in your supply chain accurate and efficient.

You may also like this farm-to-fork traceability use case:

2. It Extends Traceability to Delivery, Field Services

Demand for food and grocery delivery services has exploded thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. To avoid shortages and stockouts, suppliers must now deliver food products faster than ever, with greater transparency.

This means traceability can no longer be a passive or reactive process. Manufacturers and suppliers must instead provide real-time insight into all inventory movements. Track-and-trace inside the four walls may not be enough. Extending traceability into field services is crucial.

As with the barcode scanners, field mobility solutions equip field services personnel with mobile devices to replace paper printouts. Using tablets, smartphones or mobile computers, delivery drivers and maintenance techs can access and update critical data in the ERP.

Flexible online and offline solutions connect offsite workers, even in areas with limited network connectivity. Field services mobility is a must for consignment inventory and vendor-managed inventory (VMI) in food and beverage. Users also gain signature capture, GPS and Google Maps integration, Direct Store Delivery and other capabilities.

Together, mobile inventory enhances customer service and compliancy.

3. It Increases Operational Agility

In today’s rapidly evolving political and economic climate, you must incorporate technologies that increase your ability to pivot priorities when needed. Customers may suddenly need more or less of one product due to changing customer demand. Contaminated food items may necessitate a rapid and total recall.

Recall readiness ensures your company’s ability to enact a recall without undue loss.

Mobile inventory solutions provide this needed agility. Barcode scanning helps with:

• Prevention: Safeguard against recalls of contaminated food items. Support compliance with audits and federal regulations without cumbersome paperwork or added labor. Save labor with digital processes.
• Projection: Anticipate and satisfy demand fluctuations quickly. Adjust production schedules quickly to avoid stockouts and meet customer expectations. Increase profit margins in competitive markets.

In one example, a manufacturer saw demand skyrocket overnight for its DIY garden kit thanks to pandemic stay-at-home orders. The company added a mobile inventory solution to enable quick shifts in production to satisfy customer expectations.

4. It Attracts a Longer Lasting Workforce

The employment landscape is shifting. As more digital natives enter the workforce, they expect to work with the latest technology, even at the warehouse operations level. Companies that rely on cumbersome manual processes simply won’t be as attractive to potential talent: Why work harder for the same wages when another company uses simple, intuitive mobile technology to do the same work?

Workers who can accomplish more in less time feel the satisfaction of a job well done. This makes them more likely to stay longer. The longer workers stay, the lower your company’s onboarding and training costs will be.

Mobile inventory technologies also create new employment opportunities in data science and cross-departmental collaboration. Attracting and retaining this digitally knowledgeable workforce can lead to more opportunities for growth and market security.

RELATED: Labor Challenge or Labor Opportunity? How to Augment Your Workforce »

Mobile Solutions that Grow with You

Entering into the modern digital landscape can be daunting. But resistance to change is no longer tenable. New regulations and rising customer expectations require a quick pivot to digital transformation. Competitiveness and compliancy demand it.

To ease the transition, focus on cost-effective technologies that can support you now and also grow with you. Mobile barcoding for inventory management is one such technology with low TCO and short ROI.

Digital inventory solutions can help you automate supply chain traceability. You can then build on this same platform to increase operational agility, digitize field delivery services, and attract and retain more talent. Each step lowers overhead costs and increases efficiency, bringing you closer to a more profitable future.

The post How Digital Mobile Inventory Modernizes Food Manufacturing appeared first on RFgen.