RFID-based Smart Warehouse Management Platform

ZedIoT
May 23, 2023
2:37 pm
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A customized IoT solution with RFID technology for warehouse management that can reduce dependence on employees, and enhance operational efficiency.

Project Background

Our overseas client requires asset and warehouse management, as well as tracking and locating items, using RFID devices in conjunction with electronic tags and a cloud server system. After detailed discussions with the client regarding their business logic requirements, we recommend a customized solution that utilizes standardized, standardized, and intelligent system capabilities to reduce dependence on employees, enhance operational efficiency, and enhance the competitiveness of the enterprise.

Project Requirements

Multi-Warehouse Operations and Management:

The system supports the management of multiple warehouses. For logistics warehouses, it supports managing multiple suppliers for the same consignor (shipper).

Seamless Integration with Supply Chain Systems:

The system offers open interfaces and seamless integration with other supply chain systems, such as order management, trade, freight, transportation, and finance. It has strong scalability.

External Service Platform:

In addition to internal warehouse management, the system provides an external service platform for customers, partners, etc. This platform enables online functions such as inbound and outbound operations, inventory inquiries, and alert notifications.

Main Function Modules

（1）System Maintenance: This includes user permission management, password settings, operation logs, data backup, and print settings.

（2）Basic Information Management: This module is responsible for managing the system's basic information and initial data setup. It includes warehouse definition, geographic information, product information, supplier information, customer information, employee information, as well as inbound and outbound information and category management.

（3）Warehouse Management: This module focuses on managing the core warehouse operations and is vital to overall warehouse management. It includes functions such as product receiving, product dispatching, location management, inventory control, stock movement management, transfer management, alert management, packaging management, and quality inspection.

（4）Query, Statistics, and Reporting: This module enables queries and statistics for various processes such as inbound, outbound, assembly, disassembly, damages, stock movement, and inventory. It also allows for the generation of reports such as outbound plans, transfer orders, transfer requests, customer instructions, contracts, and various other output reports.

（5）Financial Management: This module facilitates simple accounting and manages financial transactions related to warehouse and logistics operations. It includes functions such as account setup, accounting entry, accounting management, accounting queries, summary tables, and voucher printing.

（6）Others: This category may include auxiliary modules and interfaces with terminal programs or other systems.

System Hardware Configuration (ZedIoT is responsible for the integration)

（1）Main Control System: The main control system consists of a main control computer, network controller, reader for inbound/outbound doors with corresponding identification antennas, wireless network connectors, and shelf navigation indicators. The main control computer is connected to the network controller, and it communicates with the wireless network connectors, reader for inbound/outbound doors, identification antennas, and shelf navigation indicators via data cables.

（2）Vehicle-mounted Unit: The vehicle-mounted unit includes a vehicle-mounted control computer, display monitor, wireless network connector, reader with identification antenna, standard pallets with attached electronic tags, and vehicle-mounted electronic tags with vehicle identification codes. The vehicle-mounted unit connects to the main control system via wireless network connectors.

（3）Handheld Unit: The handheld unit comprises an integrated mobile handheld device and a handheld electronic tag with a handheld device identification code. The handheld unit accesses the main control computer via wireless network connectivity.

（4）Warehouse Facilities: The warehouse is divided into different storage locations with corresponding identification codes, including the warehouse, storage areas, shelves, and individual storage zones for each specific item. Management personnel write the storage location's electronic code on the storage location identification electronic tag, which is then placed in the corresponding location's navigation indicator. The entire warehouse, including the areas near the doors, is covered by a wireless LAN network for information sharing.

Application Scenarios

Warehouse Scenario

When goods arrive at the warehouse, warehouse personnel will affix individual electronic tags to each item or batch-pack items and attach electronic tags accordingly. They will then scan the tags and associate them with the corresponding goods in the system, marking the quantity and unit. When tagged goods enter or leave the warehouse, the RFID device antennas scan the electronic tags, and the system records the corresponding increase or decrease in quantities of the goods. When goods leave Warehouse A and arrive at Warehouse B, the system can track the goods' arrival time, quantity, and warehouse location through antenna scans.

Asset Tracking Scenario

When a company needs to track internal equipment, electronic tags can be attached to the devices. The cloud service can then track them based on scan records.

If a device with an attached electronic tag attempts to leave a specific area, the RFID antenna will scan the electronic tag, triggering lights and alarms as a warning. The system will automatically perform predetermined actions based on the logic set.

1）When a device leaves Location A and arrives at Location B, the system can automatically update and track the device's location based on the scan records.

2）In case of loss or damage to a device, the cloud service can facilitate the replacement or cancellation of the corresponding electronic tag.

Rental Scenario

This solution supports scenarios such as libraries, yacht ports, car rental companies, and container shipping yards.

Taking car rental as an example, when a vehicle completes the rental process and exits the parking lot, the RFID antenna will scan the electronic tag, allowing the cloud service to retrieve the corresponding license plate and rental contract information and start recording time-related data. When the renter returns the vehicle to the parking lot or a different location, the system can automatically calculate and track the rental status and fees based on the data scanned by the RFID antenna.

Other Applications

When integrated with handheld devices, operations such as quick locating of imported vehicles in a port parking lot or rapid identification and retrieval of items from storage shelves can be accomplished.

Results: By adopting our intelligent warehouse solution, the client successfully managed the inventory and tracking of their enterprise assets and warehouse items. The solution resolved long-standing challenges in asset and inventory management.