Enhanced supply chain efficiencies using RFID-inventory tracking and information accuracy in a warehouse

• Main Author: Dorairaj Kalyankumar
• Other Authors: Shaligram Pokharel
• Format: Theses and Dissertations
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Industrial engineering::Supply chain
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/18844
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

One of the major issues in supply chain management and particularly in outbound logistics is related to the flow of materials or goods between the various partners like manufacturers, regional warehouses, distribution centers and customers. When goods are transferred or stored in warehouses, the information accuracy related to the inventory and the inventory location is very important. Currently warehouses are managed using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and inventory information is stored and tracked in these systems. Warehouse functions typically involve receiving, inspection, storage, order picking and shipping. Keeping count of inventory levels and tracking of inventory within the warehouse requires a lot of resources and time. In addition, the disadvantage is that inventory levels are not accurate. When inventory information is captured in the Warehouse Management Systems, the inaccurate information is propagated to the higher echelons of the supply chain, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs. In this dissertation, the use of Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RHD) is analyzed for improving the accuracy of the inventory in a warehouse. A software application was developed for a WMS. The project describes warehouse operations and how inventory is stored in a WMS. Integrating RFID with WMS is then discussed with the aid of an RFID kit which uses an RFID reader and a set of RFID tags. Inventory information is stored onto RFID tags, and this inventory information is read by the RFID reader and then the inventory information is updated in the WMS. The software provides information like inventory of items, items located at a specific location in the warehouse and items located at a specific warehouse. The software also provides reports such as list of items, category of items, inventory of items, inventory details breakup and inventory movement. The project provides a summary of the benefits obtained by using a RFID enabled WMS.