RFID/EPCIS in the supply chain

Breaking down the (data) silos

While retail is changing fast, the lines between logistics, e-commerce, and pure store operations are blurring. In an omnichannel world, it is necessary to ‘orchestrate’ stock across a highly connected distribution network. Finally, the objective is to bring the products to the channel where they are most needed to make customers happy. However, the situation in many retailer organizations is still characterized by many different data- and stock-silos.

Consequently, achieving total stock visibility is the foundation for routing the right products at the right time to the right channels. An EPCIS repository, holding all read events from various RFID read points along the whole supply chain, is the easiest and most efficient solution to aggregate stock information from all possible locations.

Not just for the sake of technology

Undeniably, RFID helps to identify individual products seamlessly. It is hardly efficient just to replace barcode-processes with RFID. Instead, it has been proven to be successful in finding bottlenecks when RFID read points are integrated with the flow of goods. This is because RFID technology can easily track any movement or status change. Because of this, the following benefits can be realized:

Shipment verification

The automated accuracy checking at the item-level of all deliveries and shipments enables distribution centres to operate with accurate stocks.

Shipment validation

An RFID-based validation of shipments ensures all deliveries go to the correct destinations. It also enables the user with full traceability (e.g., for return logistics).

Unique Item Tracking

The ability to know exactly what you have and exactly where it all is can reduce overstocks and enable better timing of replenishment. This ability also provides better data to forecast future demand.

Five invincible benefits of RFID/EPCIS

To be able to react to shifting demands, brands and retailers need to understand the flow of their products fully. This will allow real-time insights into their processes, stock levels, and locations. This is where RFID and EPCIS (the ‘Electronic Product Code Information Service’ standard) can create end-to-end stock visibility, assuming the products are source-tagged and logistics facilities are equipped with read-points.

1. Connecting the silos

An EPCIS repository is connecting the various silos of stock-keeping systems along the supply chain, such as WMS, SCM, ERP, or POS.

2. Real-time insights

By covering all product movements and status changes with RFID read-point, an EPCIS repository provides a true real-time perspective on the actual stock situation.

3. Item-level traceability

Each product carries its unique identity and can thus be tracked and traced along its whole life-cycle.

4. Sub-location view on stocks

Another valuable insight for retailers is the sublocation of an item within a store. Only RFID can associate the registered items with their location and manage the stock among various sub-locations.

5. Interoperability

With the EPCIS standard, it is possible to exchange data from one EPCIS with others  – having the EPC as the unique access key to the data.

Make merchandise simply available

In today’s omnichannel world, product availability is a relevant source of value to customers. To respond to customer needs, brands and retailers must know where specific products are along the entire supply chain. Deployment of RFID technology, especially within the fashion industry’s supply chains, provides access to real-time item information anywhere within the network.

Are you interested in learning more? You can either visit the iD Cloud page or contact Tom Vieweger to learn how to improve stock accuracy using RFID.

RFID business expert

Tom Vieweger

Share article

Tags

EPCIS

Inventory Visibility

Omnichannel

RFID