Improve Operations, Sustainability & Bottom Line with Automated Data Collection

Moving products is the name of the game for most companies. The challenge lies in doing it consistently, efficiently, and sustainably.

It’s a tall order, but not insurmountable when automated data collection helps keep “eyes” on your assets—from products to returnable transport items (RTIs). But, with so much moving around so quickly, consistent visibility is a pipe dream.

Or is it?

Barcoding systems and RAIN RFID are the driving forces behind meaningful 3PL data capture. In turn, that data serves as the basis for monitoring assets—and that which can be seen can be tracked automatically and autonomously, regardless of industry.

In the hands of 3PL providers, automated data collection through barcoding systems and RAIN RFID technologies augment transparency in key focus areas.

Efficiency: Streamlined data management reduces errors

Data is only as useful as its accuracy. Too much information parsing across applications can dilute results. That’s where barcoding systems and RAIN RFID technologies help companies gain—and maintain—efficiencies.

Automated data collection can pull information from several sources in real time quickly and accurately. Relying on analytics, sensors, production logs, etc., virtually removes human error from the mix. Findings gathered can be confidently evaluated, applied, and scaled to improve operational efficiency.

3PL providers such as 2023 Innovator of the Year Jillamy recognize how using data solutions to focus on efficiencies also aids in continuous improvement in one or multiple locations.

Consistency: Data monitoring keep perishable goods from losing their cool

Supply chains—especially in today’s uncertainty—can spell trouble for frozen and refrigerated foods. Disruptions and delays could mean perishable product damage and spoilage, or ruptured cold chains that introduce additional issues in warehouse logistics. Inconsistency is a risk that no company can afford to take.

Two forward-thinking 3PL providers in this arena illustrate the benefits of automated data collection for perishable food warehousing and distribution:

• Dot Foods, the largest foodservice redistribution organization in North America, turned to Barcoding for solutions that addressed real-time visibility into transportation trailer climate control. Wireless sensors, software customized specifically for Dot, and IoT-enabled information distribution to dashboards on computers and mobile devices were game changers. Barcoding supported the launch and ongoing performance of the solution by establishing the process for consistent use of the equipment and application of data
  
  
• H&M Bay, Inc., the premier logistics provider for frozen and refrigerated Less-than-Truckload (LTL) goods, tapped into Barcoding expertise to reimagine their RFID system for pallet tracking. In this instance, a barcoding scanning system combining scanners, printers, computers, and labels was found to be the best fit. The result? Consistent product loading, unloading, scanning, and management across the four H&M receiving stations

Sustainability: Tracking RTI damage and loss

Returnable transport items (RTIs) are the backbone of supply chains. Pallets, racks, kegs, and crates are dependable and reusable—until they aren’t. Theft, damage, or misplacement turns RTIs into single-use containers, which is costly and undermines their sustainability potential.

RAIN RFID solutions keep RTIs from disappearing before the end of their natural lifecycle, returning again and again to protect and transport products. Embedded RFID tags or custom labels are the key to assigning unique digital IDs to every RTI, ensuring better circulation and higher return rates. As a result, the pallets, racks, kegs, and crates remain reusable—and an eco-conscious asset.

Customization: Tailored solutions that combine people, processes, and technology

Barcoding systems and RAIN RFID are powerful technologies that boost efficiency, consistency, and sustainability. However, technology is only part of the formula. People and processes impact how well that technology is leveraged. It’s why Barcode incorporates all three into our approach to tailoring custom solutions that work for our customers.

Discover how automated data collection transforms visibility, productivity, and profitability for businesses across industries—including yours—in our guide, Maximize Benefits of Mandatory RAIN RFID Investments Across Operations.