Matrics RFID

Matrics, RFID tags enable unique identification and "people-free" tracking of containers, pallets, boxes, and totes in distribution centers to support real time inventory management, faster inventory turns, less shrinkage, and reduced labor costs. Data from tags attached to these items can be collected automatically at various locations, such as at dock doors for rapid inbound and outbound confirmation, and from shelf locations when inventory is stored and retrieved without need for human intervention.

With traditional systems, every time items are moved from one point to another, the pallets on which they are loaded have to be stopped to enable labels to be read or barcodes to be scanned, often taking as much as 30 minutes. With a Matrics, RFID system installed, data is collected in milliseconds as the goods move. Traditional systems may also require operators to key information into a computer system. Since data is collected automatically from Matrics, RFID tags, no human error is introduced thus maintaining the integrity of the database. The most significant benefit is that vital data is available at every step in the distribution process, ultimately providing tremendous improvements in customer service.

Matrics, RFID advanced performance helps automate the following:

Confirmation of Inbound Shipments through Bay Doors: Boxes and goods are transported on pallets moving from trucks into the distribution center through bay doors. The Matrics, RFID reader with readout antennas located at the bay door is linked to the company's computerized ordering and stock control system. All of the tags on the shipment are read simultaneously in milliseconds. This data is compared to the information of the anticipated deliveries held in the system. If everything tallies the pallet passes quickly into the production storage area. If there are discrepancies, a flashing red light alerts receiving bay personnel to any problems that require immediate attention.

With traditional systems, when pallets are received, they have to be stopped for long periods of time to enable labels to be read or barcodes scanned. When Matrics, RFID tags are used, the information is automatically read in milliseconds without the need to stop the pallets. Traditional paper-based systems that require operators to read information from labels, copy the details onto paper and then transcribe the data into the computer network are prone to errors that are difficult to recognize and costly to put right. All of this can be eliminated with Matrics RFID systems.

Storage of Pallets of Goods in the Warehouse for Easy Retrieval: Location areas, such as bins, are uniquely ID'd with tags. As the fork-lift truck enters the storage area, the driver refers to a radio data terminal (RDT) mounted on the truck to check where the pallet of goods should be dropped off. When the pallet has been put away, the RFID reader on the fork-lift marries up the pallet tag ID with the location area tag ID to confirm the drop off. Data (relating to the pallet and all its contents) plus its current location are transferred to the company's computer system.

Drawing Materials from Store, and Manufacturing Finished Products: As pallets of raw materials are moved to the production area, the unique tag ID's are read and the manufacturing system's computer database is alerted to their arrival. All the raw materials and packaging information provided by the manufacturer's suppliers, including lot numbers, use/sell-by dates and detailed product descriptions follows these supplies through the manufacturing process.

Matrics, RFID -based tracking systems enable mistakes to be easily identified at various stages in the process, allowing them to be rectified at little cost and before they can damage customer relations. In the event of every manufacturer's nightmare a product recall due to quality problems occurs all data are available to enable the faulty production lots to be precisely identified and to ensure the recall is limited only to those products likely to be affected. This allows manufacturer and retailer to work together to withdraw faulty product while allowing the retailer to keep selling product that is not part of the faulty batch. So, they can contain the problem with absolutely no risk to the consumer.

How Matrics, RFID Works: RFID tags is in the form of thin, flexible smart labels containing a silicon chip are attached to or embedded in products, boxes and pallets to create a "people-free," wireless environment for tracking items as they travel through the supply chain. As a tag moves past a "read point" in a distribution center or retail store, its unique ID is automatically communicated back to a central database, allowing managers to make real-time logistical decisions. RFID overcomes the limitations of other data collection methods because it does not require line-of-sight to communicate, and tags can survive in harsh environments where extreme temperatures, moisture and rough handling often destroy optical bar codes. Matrics is already piloting applications with Fortune 50 companies, and is involved in the standards committees where end users are active participants, like the MIT Auto ID Center.