Rfid Implementation Issues at Metro
Question 1 – Examine the process flow in Metro’s grocery supply and identify how these processes would improve with the implementation of RFID at the pallet level and at the case level. Major process improvements for pallet-level implementations are derived from basic RFID functionality. The major functional difference between barcodes and RFID tags is that RFID tags do not require a direct line of sight for scanning and processing. This translates to major process automation where ever the process requires scanning: “scan barcode on pallet”, “scan storage barcode to verify location”, “forklift driver scans barcode on pallet”, etc. Whenever a pallet comes within read range of an RFID reader, the scanning automatically takes places, so an employee doesn’t have to physically locate and scan the tag (See Exhibit 3). Also, since RFID tags are able to store information about the object it is affixed to (location, case counts, etc.), the picking and truck loading processes will see major improvements. Whenever the pallet is created, the number of cases and pallet location can be stored in the tag and placed on the pallet. Pallet movement can then be detected by readers placed within the warehouse for improved warehouse visibility. This allows for employees to locate pallets quicker and reduce time required to move pallets to outgoing docks for shipment. Also, inbound and outbound pallet inspection during the truck loading process will be faster, more accurate, and require fewer resources. RFID readers at the loading docks will be able to automatically check the identity of a pallet when it is moved onto or off the truck, eliminating the need for manual scanning. Therefore, less supervision would be required throughout the loading process (See Exhibit 3).[ Implementation of RFID tags at the case levelreduces the need for forklift readers to count cases on the pallet during receiving at both the Metro DC as well as the Extra Store, as the case tags