Scanning Solutions in the Supply Chain

Written By Vika Kolotov

Barcode, RFID and BLE technologies have given industries the invaluable potential to alleviate strains of inventory tracking.

Revolutionary enhancements in inventory tracking technologies have increased efficiency and productivity across a variety of industries. As technological advancements enhance, so does the growing prospect of nationwide warehouse automation. Tracking technologies have generated an easy and efficient way to locate and manage materials in the supply chain. 

Barcode technology has had a lasting impact on the supply chain and inventory management. Since first being implemented on Juicy Fruit gum packs in 1974, barcode technology has been providing businesses with prompt material identification and data implementation. Barcodes are a representation of characters and numbers that may be read by a scanner or other machine reader. They are easily accessible to any industry, being that they are a simpler and cheaper technology. This older player in warehouse automation reduces time and increases productivity by automatically storing item information electronically. Innovation in barcode technology includes QR codes, which have been implemented to store complex data. Upon becoming a detectable feature in a variety of smartphones, industries now give the power of barcode scanners to their consumers through QR codes, allowing data tracking and leading customers to business-boosting URLs. 

As barcode technology continues to reduce time and energy put into tracking and efficiency, automation has led to the invention of more complex visibility-promoting technologies. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips are being utilized nationwide to wirelessly store data in real time. Unlike barcode technology, RFID tags don’t require a visual scan because they emit radio waves through radio-frequency electromagnetic fields. RFIDs allow businesses to manage where their products and shipments are within their warehouses or on the road. RFID technology is utilized to provide data, making the management and tracking of valuable contents nearly effortless. Companies have experienced a jump in visibility and availability from 2% to 20% upon implementing RFID technology. However, RFID technology goes beyond generating location data. This technology provides operational data that serves to inform management of the number of items in storage, how often they have been accessed and the status of the inventory. Data may be accessed at any time using a unique serial number that is designated to each shipment, so operational information can be collected to make beneficial decisions regarding suppliers and distributors. This technology reduces wasted time and the potential for human error. 

The most modern approach to inventory tracking has been the implementation of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) systems. These devices have been utilized in warehouses to provide tracking information too. Bluetooth radio signals travel through most materials, wirelessly extending a data network without need of a sightline. Much like RFID technology, BLE systems do not need to scan each material individually. One of the key differences between this technology and RFID, however, is that even a smartphone can be utilized as a scanning system and a network access point. With these factors simply put into place, workers do not need to use remote workstations. The tracking system can be accessed at any point, anywhere within the vicinity, eliminating the need for bulky and expensive readers. 

As innovation continues to impact businesses, efficiency in inventory tracking will continue to improve with technological solutions. With the continuous enhancement of tracking technologies, industries are sure to continue to adopt modern platforms. 


Vika Kolotov
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