Zone24x7 delivers cutting-edge solutions using RFID technology to help businesses streamline operations and get ahead through automation. Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID for short, is a form of encoding data on specialized tags, which can then be transmitted through radio waves. The applications of RFID technology include improving the efficiency and productivity of real-time inventory updates and asset tracking.
“Zone24x7 is one of Sri Lanka’s earliest adopters of the technology, dating back over a decade. Several companies in the US and Australia conduct their core operations with our RFID products and expert consultation in manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and supply chain applications,” shares the Head of Software Engineering at Zone24x7, Dhaminda Siriwardena.
Why choose RFID Technology for your Enterprise?
Data encoded on RFID tags can be read via handheld receivers or transmitted at the push of a button using fixed antennas for the instant collection of data. This presents several economic gains to businesses with a reduction in labor costs and leaves room for automation. “RFID technology can scan thousands of items in a single second. The technology not only saves time but also improves the security of a facility by being able to locate missing items immediately,” highlights the Head of Business Solutions at Zone24x7, Sampath Wickremasinghe.
Elaborating further with a warehousing use case, he states that inventory counting can be done within a matter of minutes, as opposed to several days in absentia of RFID technology. Additionally, he points out that the automated counting process with RFID does not hinder inventory flow in and out of the warehouse. Handheld RFID readers may scan tags from a distance, removing the need for workers to go past each aisle or climb to different levels to locate items. He elaborated on the benefits stating, “By streamlining operations at the backend warehouse level, we have helped a US retailer push real-time data to their eCommerce platform and optimize their customer experience and delivery process, ensuring business continuity and reliability.”
How Zone24x7 helps enterprises embrace RFID
Consultation Services
Zone24x7 has been a pioneer consultant to organizations looking to incorporate RFID technology for the first time and the integration of RFID to 3rd party backend platforms post-implementation. Its consultancy service starts with a site survey conducted by specialized engineers equipped with sample antennas and readers. These surveys help the team at Zone24x7 verify the accuracy of data captured from several angles and better understand the types of items present.
“For a successful RFID implementation, we must fully understand the customer’s requirements before deploying a solution. For example, if metal products are involved, specially designed tags are required to ensure the transmission is not affected,” clarifies Sampath. For some overseas clients, Zone24x7 carries out this survey remotely via virtual visits, with a lot more information required on the environment and products in the vicinity. Once the study is complete, the design and blueprint of the proposed RFID system and integration are provided to the client, should they wish to choose a different implementation partner.
RFID Products and Implementation
While its consultancy arm helps organizations develop a blueprint for RFID implementation, Zone24x7 also has a team of in-house software, electronics, and embedded engineers to implement these solutions. Accordingly, Zone24x7 is an experienced developer of mobile android applications for handheld readers that capture data from RFID tags. In addition, the company is also the authorized partner for the distribution and installation of hardware and tags needed for implementation.
When it comes to RFID technology, however, a common challenge faced by businesses is their integration with existing systems such as ERPs. Zone24x7 helps organizations overcome this challenge by developing an RFID middleware that bridges the RFID antenna agents (mobile and fixed) and existing systems. Thus, the organization can use existing data interfaces to see the data captured via RFID. “Our engineering team comprises individuals from diverse tech disciplines to ensure that the middleware we provide handles different applications accurately, with minimal work effort passed on to the client’s side,” Dhaminda stated.
Zone24x7 and its long-standing experience with RFID
Zone24x7 first entered the RFID space in 2009 and has grown to become an experienced leader in the field. Having worked on numerous useful applications in several parts of the world, Zone24x7’s RFID products and solutions fully comply with international and regional standards. Furthermore, the company takes the extra step in assessing the ROI to the client based on their requirement and the value of products. “Going back to the warehouse case, we showed in numbers that using a fixed antenna solution as opposed to handheld devices will provide their system with real-time and localization features that would benefit their inventory management,” shares Sampath.
As RFID technology gains momentum world-over in the retail industry, businesses have begun exploring its potential in other industries, such as electronics and smart homes. With the maturing of the technology in the upcoming years, companies like Zone24x7, backed with experience in the space, would be an invaluable asset to companies looking to adapt to the change.