RFID in stores and points of sale - inventory, availability and less waste
Retail is all about product availability here and now. RFID speeds inventory, facilitates inventory control and reduces waste. With automatic reading of UHF tags, you can detect shortages faster, improve displays and streamline admissions and returns.
What does RFID bring to retail?
RFID is most often implemented to have better visibility of inventory in the store (sales floor + backroom) and to reduce inventory time. UHF allows multiple products to be read simultaneously and without eye contact with the label.
- Quick inventory - even daily/weekly without closing the store.
- Better availability on the shelf (OSA) and fewer shortages.
- Control of admissions, transfers and returns.
- Reduce losses and improve detection of noncompliance.
- Preparation of data for analysis (goods movement, turnover, exposure).
Processes: from reception to inventory
RFID works best when it is embedded in a process. A typical flow starts with product tagging, followed by receipt control, and regular handheld scans in the store.
- Labeling: UHF label (EPC) + possibly 1D/2D code.
- Acceptance: verification of delivery and batch compliance.
- Store: scanning the sales floor and backroom (handheld).
- Returns/transfers: quick identification and assignment to the process.
Selection of tags and labels - the key to stable reading
The biggest difference in practice is the choice of inlay, format and mounting. In retail one encounters different materials (film, metallized packaging, liquids) that affect the reading. That's why it's always a good idea to test 2-3 label options on a real assortment.
- UHF labels for standard packaging and cartons.
- Solutions for difficult surfaces (metallization, liquid).
- Serialization and coding of EPCs under the system (ERP/POS).
Integration with POS/ERP system
RFID does not replace the system - it feeds it with better data. The most important thing is the mapping of EPCs to SKU/product and consistent serialization. This feeds reports and processes into POS/ERP automatically.
- EPC mapping ↔ product SKU/ID.
- Consistent serialization rules and encoding report.
- Ability to integrate with WMS/OMS in the supply chain.
FAQ
Najczęstsze pytania dotyczące tego zastosowania RFID – jeśli potrzebujesz doboru tagów lub testów pilotażowych, napisz do nas.
Masz podobny projekt?
Opisz materiał nośnika (metal/ciecz/tekstylia), warunki pracy i oczekiwany zasięg. Dobierzemy tagi RFID UHF lub HF/NFC, zaproponujemy proces i przygotujemy wycenę B2B.