Zebra takes the pain out of RFID compliance

Zebra Technologies has launched a guide to help companies implement risk-free RFID and ensure a successful deployment of the technology throughout their operations.

The guide, called ‘Riding the RFID Wave’, provides UK companies with top tips to help them fully take advantage of the potential of RFID technology, such as real time visibility of stock, improved inventory management, product authentication against counterfeiting, and customer satisfaction enhancement. RFID is an automatic identification method that relies on storing and remotely retrieving data, by means of RFID tags and readers.

Zebra has worked with partners and suppliers to help launch RFID technology in their operations. As a result, the guide draws from Zebra’s experience of working with Wal-Mart and its suppliers in the US to provide UK companies with top tips as they prepare for possible mandates. These include thoroughly researching the various options before investment, taking a step-by-step approach by starting with a manageable pilot that incorporates feedback from warehouse tests, and factoring in flexibility to accommodate deployment. 

Zebra’s ten top tips to help ensure successful implementation of RFID technology are:

1.         Ensure there is plenty of time for planning and research

2.         Plan RFID from the ground up

3.         Thoroughly research RFID offerings

4.         Get the right supplies

5.         Choose the right partners to ensure your RFID system runs smoothly

6.         Take a step-by-step approach

7.         Carry out thorough testing to avoid issues as the implementation scales up

8.         Analyze the data to drive ROI

9.         Extend RFID internally, to make the most of the technology

10.       Plan for flexibility during the implementation

Further detail can be found in the guide, which is available to download from www.rfid.zebra.com/rfid_top_ten

‘Wal-Mart’s RFID requirements are just the tip of the iceberg,’ said Clive Fearn, manager RFID supply chain and logistics at Zebra Technologies. ‘Zebra has been working with RFID technology for nearly ten years and gained a broad experience of RFID across many industries. We believe RFID compliance has enormous strategic implications, not just for retailers, but also for manufacturers and suppliers.

’The ripple effect of any mandate will cause RFID costs to drop, making the technology more affordable for smaller companies and industries that to this point haven't been able to justify the costs of an RFID implementation. However, our experience shows many companies are unsure what RFID involves, se we hope our guide and tips will help them make sensible business decisions around testing and implementing the technology.’