Application of RFID technology and Internet of Things technology in logistics and warehousing management

RFID technology was born during World War II, but its development has been slow for more than 50 years since then. In recent years, as its application technology environment has become increasingly mature, IoT technology based on radio frequency identification (RFID) has suddenly emerged, attracting the attention of many industries. With the rapid development of information technology, the management of logistics, warehousing and supply chain must keep pace with the times and develop towards industrial digitalization and intelligence. RFID-based Internet of Things technology is an IT hotspot that has attracted worldwide attention in recent years. RFID technology has been widely used in China, with prominent applications in logistics, second-generation ID Cards, electronic ticketing, highways, property management and public transportation. RFID-based Internet of Things technology has become the focus and breakthrough point of logistics and warehousing informatization. On the basis of introducing the connotation of RFID-based Internet of Things technology, this article preliminarily explores the practical application of RFID-based Internet of Things technology in logistics and warehousing management by analyzing the impact of Internet of Things technology on various levels of logistics and warehousing management.

Introduction to Internet of Things Technology

1. The connotation of the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IOT, Internet of Things), also called "sensor network", refers to the use of various information sensing devices such as radio frequency identification to connect the information of all items with the Internet in real time to achieve intelligent management and identification. The Internet of Things assigns an identification to each item, and obtains the information in the item identification through radio frequency identification devices, infrared sensors, global positioning systems, laser scanners, etc., so as to achieve the purpose of identifying items and tracking the supply chain in real time. The Internet of Things consists of three elements. One is the sensing equipment, which uses QR codes, radio frequency tags and sensors to identify "things". In China, low-frequency RFID is the main one; the other is the transmission network, which uses the existing Internet, radio and television network, communication network or future NGN (Next Generation Network) network to realize data transmission and calculation, such as the M2M (Machine-To-Machine) business actively promoted by China Mobile; the third is the processing terminal, which refers to the input and output control terminal, mobile phones, Computers, communication base stations and other mobile terminals. Therefore, we can give a definition to the Internet of Things, that is: through radio frequency identification, infrared sensors, global positioning systems, laser scanners and other information sensing equipment, according to the agreed protocol, any item is connected to the Internet to exchange information. and communication to achieve intelligent identification, positioning, tracking, monitoring and management.

2.RFID technology

The full name of RFID is Radio Frequency Identification, which is called radio frequency identification in Chinese. It is a technology that uses radio frequency signals to achieve contactless information transmission through spatial coupling (alternating magnetic field or electromagnetic field), and achieves identification purposes through the transmitted information. The most important advantage of RFID technology is non-contact identification. It can penetrate snow, fog, ice, paint, dirt and harsh environments where barcodes cannot be used to read labels, and the reading speed is extremely fast, less than 100 milliseconds in most cases, especially in The field of identifying unique objects has unparalleled advantages over other identification technologies.

The complete RFID system includes RFID data collection terminal (tag, reader, antenna), middleware or interface, application system and management platform, etc. The RFID application system reference architecture generally takes the form of a four-layer structure, which is the reader layer, edge layer, integration layer and application layer from bottom to top. The working principle of the RFID system is: the reader sends a radio frequency query signal of a certain frequency through the transmitting antenna. When the electronic tag enters the working area of the transmitting antenna, an induced current is generated. The tag obtains energy and is activated and automatically sends its own code and other information through the built-in card. The antenna sends out; the system receiving antenna receives the carrier signal sent from the tag, and transmits it to the reader through the antenna regulator. The reader mediates and decodes the received signal, and then sends it through a computer host, wireless PDA or card issuer and other equipment. Go to the background management system for corresponding processing and control, and finally send out command signals to control the reader to complete different reading and writing operations.

3.RFID and logistics warehousing management system

Based on a simple RFID system, combined with existing network technology, database technology, middleware technology, etc., we can build an "Internet of Things" (Internet of Things) that is composed of a large number of networked readers and countless mobile tags, and is larger than Internet. ) has become the development trend of RFID technology.

The logistics warehousing management system uses RFID radio frequency identification technology to capture information, connects it to an open network system through wireless data communication and other technologies, and automatically identifies and real-time tracks the information of each link in the supply chain, thereby building a huge logistics system. A highly intelligent physical Internet covering all items in the warehouse, and even between items and people.

The RFID-based Internet of Things will fundamentally change the management level of flow monitoring in all aspects of item production, transportation, and warehousing within the scope of global logistics and warehousing. A product with an electronic tag. The electronic tag contains the unique code of the product. When the product with the tag passes through a reader, the product information will be transmitted to the designated computer through the Internet. This is a Fully automated product flow monitoring network. Through the logistics warehousing management system, items with electronic tags can be identified, tracked and monitored on demand anytime and anywhere, thereby achieving real-time sharing of information, facilitating overall management, and thus better promoting the generation of enterprise production capabilities.

Application of Internet of Things technology in logistics and warehousing management

1. Procurement link

In the procurement process, companies can achieve timely procurement and rapid response procurement through RFID technology. Through RFID technology, the management department can understand the supply status of the entire supply chain in real time, thereby better grasping inventory information, supply and production demand information, etc., formulate and manage procurement plans in a timely manner, and generate effective purchase orders in a timely manner. By applying RFID technology, accurate materials can be purchased at the accurate time without causing a backlog of inventory, and the production plan will not be affected by the lack of materials, thereby realizing the transformation from "simple purchase" to "reasonable procurement", that is, at the right time. , choose the right product, at the right price, by the right quality, and through the right supplier.

Based on the information resources integrated through the Internet of Things technology, enterprises can realize the informatization of internal procurement business and external operations, achieve paperless procurement management, increase the speed of information transmission, speed up the response speed of production decisions, and ultimately achieve work goals. The unification of the flow means using the purchase order as the source to accurately track all aspects of the purchase order flow from supplier order confirmation, shipment, arrival, inspection, warehousing, etc., and can select a variety of procurement processes, such as Orders are placed directly into the warehouse, or are inspected and put into the warehouse after passing through the arrival quality inspection process. At the same time, during the entire process, the planning status of the purchased inventory, the status of the order in transit, and the status of the arrival pending inspection can be monitored and managed. Through the unified control of capital flow, logistics and information flow in the procurement process, the optimal matching of the total cost and total efficiency of the procurement process can be achieved.

2.Production link

The starting point of the traditional enterprise logistics system is the entry or exit of the warehouse, but in the RFID-based logistics system, all materials should have started to implement RFID tags (Tag) during the production process. Since in general commodity logistics, most RFID tags are used in the form of self-adhesive labels, you only need to affix RFID tags to the packaging of the items.

The most important thing in the enterprise material production process is the information entry of RFID tags, which can be completed in 4 steps:

(1) Describe the corresponding item information, including production department, completion time, each production process and responsible person, period of use, target department, project number, safety level, etc. The comprehensive information entry of RFID tags will become a powerful Tool for process tracking support.

(2) Enter the relevant information of the item into the corresponding RFID tag item in the database.

(3) Edit and organize the items and corresponding information to obtain the original information and database of the items. This is the first step in the entire logistics system and the first link where RFID begins to intervene. It is necessary to absolutely ensure that the information in this link and the accuracy and security of RFID tags.

(4) After completing the information entry, use the reader to confirm the information and check whether the information corresponding to the RFID tag is consistent with the item information. Data entry is performed at the same time, and the completion time and person handling the RFID tag information entry for each item are displayed. In order to ensure the uniqueness of RFID tags, the information of the same products can be sorted and coded to facilitate the inventory of the same items.

3. Warehousing link

There are three basic elements of warehousing in traditional logistics systems that are strictly controlled: handling personnel, items, and records. This process requires a lot of manpower, time, and generally requires multiple layers and multiple inspections to ensure accuracy. In the RFID warehousing system, these three links can be controlled efficiently and accurately through the RFID information exchange system. In the RFID warehousing system, the RFID tag of the item is identified through the reader at the warehousing entrance channel, and the information of the corresponding item is found in the database and automatically input into the RFID inventory management system. The system records the warehousing information and verifies it. If it is qualified, the inventory information will be entered. If there is an error, an error message will be prompted, an alarm signal will be sent, and warehousing will be automatically prohibited. In the RFID inventory information system, through function expansion, the radio frequency terminals on the equipment of forklifts and stackers can be directly guided to select empty cargo slots and find the best way to reach the empty slots. After the reader confirms that the goods are in place, it updates the inventory information. After the materials are put into storage, the storage list can be printed through the RFID system printer, and the responsible person can confirm it.

4. Inventory management link

After the items are put into storage, the RFID system needs to be used for inventory inspection and management. This process includes regular inspections of classified items through readers and analysis of inventory changes; when items are shifted, the RFID of the goods is automatically collected through the reader. Tags, find the corresponding information in the database, and automatically enter the information into the inventory management system to record the item name, quantity, location and other information, check whether there are any abnormalities, and with the help of the RFID system, traditional inventory can be significantly reduced Reduce the manual workload in management and achieve safe and efficient inventory management of items. Since RFID automates data entry, there is no need for manual inspection or barcode scanning during inventory, which can reduce a lot of manpower and material resources and make inventory faster and more accurate. Using RFID technology for inventory control can accurately grasp inventory information in real time, and understand the demand pattern of each product to replenish goods in a timely manner, change inefficient operations, improve inventory management capabilities, and reduce average inventory levels. Through dynamic real-time inventory Control effectively reduces inventory costs.

5. Outbound management link

In the RFID outbound system management, the management system automatically determines the pickup area and optimal pickup path according to the outbound order requirements of the items. After scanning the RFID tags of the goods and cargo locations, the outbound items are confirmed and the inventory is updated at the same time. When the items arrive at the exit channel, the reader will automatically read the RFID tag, call up the corresponding information in the database, and compare it with the order information line. If it is correct, it can be shipped out of the warehouse, and the inventory of the goods will be reduced accordingly; If an abnormality occurs, a prompt message will appear in the warehouse management system to facilitate staff to handle it.

6. Yard management link

Items need to be inspected regularly after they are shipped out of the warehouse to the cargo yard, and traditional inspection methods consume a lot of manpower and time. With the help of the RFID system, the inspection of found objects in the yard is much more convenient. The high-frequency radio frequency system using UHF can automatically identify RFID tags with a radius of 10 meters. The reader of the RFID system first identifies the RFID tags of the same batch of items, and at the same time calls up the corresponding tag information from the database; then compares this information with Compare the database to see if there are any abnormalities in various items in the yard.

Conclusion

Nowadays, the "Internet of Things" is regarded as an important driving force for the recovery of the world economy, and its core technology RFID has also attracted much attention. RFID technology has the advantages of non-contact and automatic identification, and is widely used in Logistics Management. However, the development of RFID still faces many problems. Issues such as technical standards, implementation costs, and information security all constitute major obstacles to the comprehensive application of RFID. When a unified international standard for RFID is formulated, the implementation cost of RFID is reduced to an acceptable level, and the information security issues that may be caused by RFID are solved, RFID will usher in a rapid global development in many industries including logistics. spring.

For RFID application scenarios, the warehousing environment will be much more complex than transportation. Passive RFID is used to upgrade warehousing. The pallet is just a carrier. It also needs to cooperate with the warehousing system platform, including the management of incoming and outgoing warehouses and the reservation of cargo spaces. , cooperation with automation equipment, etc., the combination of these is the real smart warehouse. The introduction of automation equipment is relatively simple, but the function development of the management platform and the realization of managing goods through the platform are the focus and difficulty.