Quality in Manufacturing

Posted by Erin Hodges On November - 18 - 2011

In our Oct. 10th post I provided information about the importance of quality control in manufacturing and how mobile computers improve the speed and accuracy of quality checks across the entire supply chain.  As a follow-up post, today I’m sharing this video from Motorola Solutions that provides additional information about quality in manufacturing processes.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about our end-to-end mobile solutions for manufacturers.

RFID and GPS Provide Detailed Tracking

Posted by Erin Hodges On December - 28 - 2010

Combine RFID and GPS for detailed tracking of itemsRFID and GPS are powerful technologies on their own, but many companies are realizing the benefits of combining these two technologies to enable detailed tracking of items.  Products with RFID tags can be read as they exit the warehouse or distribution center and can continue to be monitored via GPS within vehicles, providing improved visibility.  GPS-enabled RFID readers can also be used to record additional information, such as point of origin coordinates, which can be loaded to the RFID tag.  In the four walls and on the road, combining RFID and GPS can provide end-to-end visibility for food traceability, asset tracking and supply chain management.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about RFID and GPS tracking solutions.

Electronic Product Code (EPC)

Posted by Erin Hodges On November - 30 - 2010

Electronic Product Code (EPC) uses RFID to track inventory at item-levelElectronic Product Code (EPC) is a unique set of numbers or coding schemes that identifies a specific item in a supply chain.  Unlike bar codes that can only distinguish between two product categories (manufacturer and class of product), EPC can identify a specific item by its unique ID number.   This emerging system uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to automatically identify consumer goods.

As products move through the supply chain, from factories, to distribution, to retail stores, EPC tags offer improved information about specific items.  EPC not only indicates the name of the manufacturer and type of product, but can also include specific product information, such as:

  • Manufacture date
  • Expiration date
  • Flavor/Style
  • Recalls
  • Location in supply chain

Because EPC has the ability to track products down to the item level, companies can use EPC-based RFID solutions to track inventory, reduce shortages and increase consumer safety.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about RFID solutions and hardware that supports EPC.

Posted in: Retail, RFID
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Tracking Returnable Transport Items with RFID

Posted by Erin Hodges On November - 24 - 2010

RFID technology enables the accurate tracking of Returnable Transport ItemsReturnable Transport Items or RTIs are durable packaging/containers that are used to transport goods from distribution centers and warehouses and are returned and reused.  Many large retailers and the U.S. Department of Defense actually mandate the use of RTIs.  There are many types, but common RTIs include:

  • Wooden or plastic pallets
  • Bread racks
  • Plastic dairy crates
  • Dollies

According to RFID monthly, most RTIs range in price from $200-$5,000, so it’s essential to make sure these valuable assets are tracked and returned.  RFID technology meets the challenge of tracking these assets and reduces the risk of shrink.

Affixing RFID tags to each RTI enables the real-time tracking of each asset when it leaves your facility to when it is returned.  The RFID tag carries the data about the type of unit and size, as well as the date it was sent out and other important information to monitor the return.  Information on the tags can be automatically read via fixed RFID readers, vehicle mounted RFID readers or handheld readers to capture the data quickly and accurately.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about RFID solutions.

Posted in: RFID
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RFID Enhances the Travel Process

Posted by Erin Hodges On October - 25 - 2010

Increase the accuracy and efficiency of baggage handling with RFIDFor airlines, missing or mishandled baggage greatly reduces customer satisfaction levels and increases costs.  RFID solutions can improve the traveler experience, increase airline efficiency and reduce errors.  No one enjoys when their flight is delayed and the efficient transfer of baggage has a direct impact on this issue.  Applying RFID tags to passenger luggage provides multiple benefits, including:

  • Increased efficiency-automating the tracking and sorting of luggage speeds up the screening process and reduces flight delays
  • Increased security-each bag is associated with a particular passenger
  • Reduces the incidence of lost luggage-accurately transfer luggage from plane-to-plane
  • Improves customer satisfaction-efficient baggage handling and on-time flights will ensure repeat customers

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about RFID solutions that increase accuracy and efficiency.

Posted in: RFID
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DecisionPoint Systems-Who We Are

Posted by Erin Hodges On September - 24 - 2010

In our Aug. 6th post I provided more information about DecisionPoint’s range of services and how we help businesses create operational advantages through wireless mobility solutions.  Today I’d like to invite you to learn a little bit more about DecisionPoint Systems and how we can help you make enterprise software applications accessible to the front-line worker anytime, anywhere.

View the DecisionPoint Corporate Video below for more information

Learn more about DecisionPoint Systems, Inc.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about our range of services, support and the latest wireless, mobility and RFID technologies.

Thermal Printing and Traceability

Posted by Erin Hodges On September - 9 - 2010

Thermal printers, like Zebra's high performance Xi printer family help enhance track and trace solutions.In our post yesterday we discussed various track and trace solutions that utilize bar codes and RFID to increase patient safety and satisfy regulatory requirements.  Thermal printing is the preferred technology to create bar codes and RFID labels for track and trace solutions.  Thermal printing provides secure labeling and ensures that you can meet traceability and labeling requirements.  In fact, thermal printers are the only technology that offers on-demand unit-level bar codes and RFID labels.  With thermal technology you’re able to:

  • Print on a variety of secure media
  • Encode RFID chips
  • Produce numerous bar code symbologies
  • Process variable data
  • Produce on-demand high quality labels quickly

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about thermal printers and how they enhance track and trace solutions.

Posted in: Hardware
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Bar Code and RFID Track and Trace Solutions

Posted by Erin Hodges On September - 8 - 2010

Improve patient safety and productivity with bar codes and RFIDTrack and trace solutions in the pharmaceutical supply chain ensure product safety and security.  From production to dispensing, bar code and RFID track and trace technology and applications satisfy regulatory requirements and increase patient safety.  Track and trace solutions have numerous benefits and the use of bar codes and RFID enable:

Recall Management-encoding lot numbers, expiration dates and other detailed information into bar codes allow manufacturers and distributors to trace specific products throughout the supply chain.  This enables the quick recall of specific shipments and quantities.

Product Authentication-printing unit-dose bar code labels on secure media reduces potential fraud.  Numerous methods are used, such as encrypted RFID chips and the recording of lot numbers to deter return fraud and to limit the possibility of counterfeit drugs entering the supply chain.

Inventory Management-RFID tagging speeds up the inventory process and provides increased visibility, enabling the tracking of product whenever and wherever it is moved.  An Accenture study found that improved visibility from RFID could allow manufacturers to reduce their safety stock by up to 30%.

Efficient Sample Distribution and Recording-pharmaceutical sales reps equipped with mobile devices that feature bar code scanning and signature capture can automatically record the samples given and even record the signature of the receiving physician.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about the benefits of bar codes, RFID and track and trace solutions.

Item Level RFID Tagging for Retail

Posted by Erin Hodges On August - 30 - 2010

Increase accuracy, efficiency and better serve your customers with RFID retail solutionsAccording to a recent Aberdeen Group study, 57% of retailers using or planning to deploy RFID prefer to employ the technology at item level.  Item level RFID enables the accurate tracking of inventory and prevents out-of-stocks.  In addition, it also provides item level security.  Item level RFID technology will not only tell retailers exactly what items have left the store, but also send an alert if a high number of items were removed from the shelf at once.  This kind of tracking is particularly important for retailers with high value goods that face a greater risk of theft.  Item level RFID has become quite popular in a number of retail segments, including:

  • Fashion and Apparel
  • Jewelry
  • Pharmaceutical

Item level RFID has the ability to improve inventory accuracy and efficiency is easily increased with handheld RFID readers.  The Aberdeen Group reported that 17% of respondents are currently using handheld RFID readers and 24% plan to deploy handhelds in the next 12 months.  You can check out the Motorola MC3090-Z handheld RFID reader in action in our March 15th post.

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. to learn more about RFID solutions for retailers.

Posted in: Retail, RFID
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DecisionPoint Systems’ Range of Services

Posted by Erin Hodges On August - 6 - 2010

Contact the experts at DecisionPoint to learn more about our full range of servicesDecisionPoint Systems exists to create operational advantages for businesses.  We offer a range of services designed to increase productivity, drive out costs and increase sales.  Our core competencies include:

With over 30 years of experience, we’re experts in mobile software and wireless integration and have a proven track record of making our client’s businesses run more smoothly and more profitably while minimizing frustration.  We also provide nationwide coverage with offices in New Jersey, Connecticut and California and we’re always just a phone call away at 800.336.3670. 

Let’s Get Mobile!  Contact DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. for additional information about our full range of mobile services and solutions.