How RFID Is Used In Inventory Management: Retail Store
Retailers are increasingly turning to radio-frequency identification (RFID) solutions for inventory management. By attaching RFID tags to products and using a combination of mobile readers, chokepoint readers, and overhead readers to scan them, Retailers are enabling real-time inventory tracking, automated stock replenishment, and data analytics to optimize store operations and improve customer satisfaction.
In this blog post, we will explore how mobile, chokepoint, and overhead RFID readers are providing Retailers with a comprehensive inventory management system that ensures accurate inventory counts, reduces out-of-stock situations, and enables retailers to make data-driven decisions to improve store operations and customer satisfaction.
1) Mobile Readers: Fast & Accurate Stock Counting
2) Chokepoint Readers: Partial Automation
3) Overhead Readers: Complete Automation
Mobile Readers: Fast & Accurate Stock Counting
Mobile RFID readers are handheld devices that allow for faster and more accurate stock counting.
In retail, these devices are used by employees to scan RFID tags attached to products, allowing for real-time updates to inventory levels. Mobile RFID readers are especially useful for retailers who need to conduct frequent stock checks or who have a high volume of inventory turnover.
By using mobile RFID readers, retailers can improve their inventory accuracy, reduce stockouts, and increase sales by ensuring that popular products are always in stock.
Key Benefits (Mobile-Only):
Multi-read stock counts
Item search and find
Tagging support
Chokepoint Readers: Real-Time Visibility
Chokepoint RFID readers are fixed readers installed at key points in a store, such as the entrance, exit, or near the point of sale. These readers are used to track the movement of products and customers in real-time.
By collecting data on which products are moving in and out of the store, retailers can gain valuable insights into customer behaviour and inventory management.
Chokepoint readers can also be used to identify potential theft or loss of products, allowing retailers to take immediate action to prevent losses.
Key Benefits (Chokepoint Readers):
Automated inventory data
Asset-detecting portals
POS and EAS integration
Replenishment prompts
Dedicated asset owners
Overhead Readers: Hands-Free Counting
Overhead RFID readers are mounted on ceilings and are used to automate inventory management. These readers can scan RFID tags on products as they move through the store, providing real-time updates to inventory levels without the need for manual scanning. Overhead RFID readers are especially useful for retailers with large stores or high volumes of inventory, as they can help to reduce labour costs and increase inventory accuracy. By automating inventory management, retailers can spend more time on customer service and other value-added activities.
Key Benefits (Overhead Readers):
Item location by store for (web) sales support
Real-time housekeeping
Assisted counting (handheld and overhead integration)
In conclusion, RFID technology is revolutionizing inventory management for retailers. By using mobile, chokepoint, and overhead RFID readers, end-users can improve their inventory accuracy, reduce labour costs, and increase sales by ensuring that popular products are always in stock.
MiTEQ: Experts In RFID Inventory Management Solutions
MiTEQ has successfully executed decades' worth of technology rollouts. We currently support the management of thousands of mobile devices, hundreds-of-thousands of mobile workers, and soon-to-be millions of intelligently tagged mobile assets across some of the world's leading brands.
The MiTEQ team specialise in asset tracking and automation solutions using RFID technology, and can help you explore fixed and mobile solutions for inventory management, RTI tracking, asset monitoring and more - supporting at every stage of deployment, from initial scoping workshops, to full-scale deployments.