Vision of the Future Supply Chain with RAIN RFID
Vision of the Future Supply Chain
When RAIN RFID was first introduced, many companies were hesitant, recalls James Goodland. In the meantime, the performance as well as the ROI of RAIN RFID has improved considerably and connectivity, data storage and data processing have become more prevalent. "Now is the time to implement RAIN RFID in logistics and parcel delivery". James Goodland explains the benefits of RAIN RFID deployment in global supply chains in an interview.
INTERVIEW WITH JAMES GOODLAND
1. Why is RAIN RFID transparency crucial for the supply chain?
With RAIN RFID, it is possible to react quickly to current and future market trends. Higher delivery volumes and increasing customer expectations require accuracy and transparency within the supply chain. Increased visibility for each individual product is in turn crucial for making intelligent and quick decisions.
RAIN RFID is the technology of choice to track items accurately through every stage of the product life cycle. Optimal visibility and inventory accuracy, cost reductions as well as on-time deliveries and increased flexibility are achieved.
2. How do companies benefit from the flexibility they have gained?
Among other things, the companies are able to react promptly to fluctuating delivery quantities. In addition, changes can be forecast based on the accurate visibility of goods movements. Goods can then be redistributed immediately if necessary. This is not only possible from the central warehouse, but also between smaller locations, individual shops or third parties. At the same time, companies are able to adapt to customer requirements.
3. How is optimal dispatch from the central distribution center or warehouse ensured?
A good example is cross-docking with RAIN RFID. In cross-docking, goods are delivered from the supplier already pre-picked. With RAIN RFID, it can be ensured at goods receipt that the right items are delivered and quickly taken to the right place for the continuation of their journey.
The idea behind this: Keeping goods in the warehouse for as short a time as possible. RAIN RFID technology can speed up this process. The high speed maximizes on-time shipping. Staff can easily ensure that each item has been loaded onto the right truck at the right time.
RAIN RFID ensures that shipping errors are eliminated. In addition, shipping time is significantly reduced. Every item that leaves the warehouse is automatically checked. This ensures the satisfaction of the supply chain stakeholders as well as the end consumer.
4. What role do customer expectations play in the supply chain?
Customer expectations have increased enormously. And so has the pressure on companies to provide consumers and end users with the requested items in a timely manner – at the right place, at the right time. The principle applies not only to retailers, but to all stakeholders in the supply chain. Transparency within the supply chain allows the flexibility to get the items where they are needed when they are needed.
5. What complementary technologies to RAIN RFID can be used in supply chain tracking?
RAIN RFID pairs very well with Sigfox as a key enabler in IoT. Sigfox can be used to track items when they go beyond the traditional bounds of RAIN RFID infrastructure due to Sigfox using a global IoT network. Usage can increase visibility in hard to reach places such as when in transit on ships, planes or trucks.
6. How do you assess the developments and challenges for supply chains in 2021?
The logistics industry has changed over the past two years due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. We are seeing an increase in online orders from all age groups. Older generations in particular have discovered the benefits of e-commerce. Many ordered products online for the first time during the lockdowns and found an alternative to brick-andmortar retail.
This trend will not fade away in the future. Therefore, this change must also be reflected in the supply chain. However, the supply chains of today do not yet generate the complete transparency that is required for this. Further development must take place, because too many processes are still carried out manually and generate too many errors. Incorrect goods movements, high time expenditure for inspections and error rectifications as well as a high error rate of manual executions are the result.
With an automated system based on RAIN RFID technology within the connected supply chain, availabilities are detected at an early stage and timely reactions to impending bottlenecks are possible.
7. What is your personal vision of the supply chain of tomorrow?
There is a growing trend in the RAIN RFID industry towards embedded tags. This is becoming more and more prevalent in numerous products such as car tires, clothing and electronics. This means that the RAIN RFID label is directly connected to the product and not to the packaging. I therefore anticipate a future where these so-called 'digitally born' items can be tracked throughout the supply chain without the need for manual or secondary tagging.
Once the number of embedded tags reaches its peak, it will be possible to track items from the beginning to the end of the supply chain – regardless of corresponding nodes within the chain. Especially for returns and reverse logistics, flexibility, efficiency and authenticity of delivery will be increased. Exact and early transparency will then also be the result of RAIN RFID use here.