> RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification; it is a technology which allows for traceability of products and goods from the manufacturer until consumer and beyond.
> RFID systems are part of a modular system consisting of three major parts.
- The application layer or dashboard
- The middleware layer
- The hardware
All the above layers in conjunction to the raw data transmitted in between and stored on the products are all pre-defined by standards.
> RFID systems enable the user to have access to an abundance of data and information from the supply chain or retail business. This raw data mixed with some business intelligence located at the hardware and at the middleware are able to filter some information and report back to the application layer where this is displayed to the user.
This functionality allows the user to take quicker and more accurate decisions about the state of the supply chain allowing:
> Lower inventories.
> Increased order accuracy.
> Reduce shrinkage drastically.
> Manage assets more effectively.
> More automation, less staff required.
> Real-time assessment of the supply chain.
> Product re-route based on real current supply status across all the supply chain.
> Enhanced security.
> Intelligence pushed to the edge.
> Automated alarms & notifications to concerned people as soon as a situation occurs in the supply chain or manufacturing process or in the retail shop.
