Logistics
Logistics
Logistics
Picture Index
1. Figure 1- Barcodes
2. Figure 2- Types of RF
3. Figure 3- Graph on Errors in RFID
4. Figure 4- Graph on Errors in Barcode
5. Figure 5- How DHL uses RFID
1. Introduction to Logistics & SCM
Logistics and Supply Chain Management (SCM) are critical components of modern business
operations, ensuring that products move efficiently from suppliers to consumers. Together,
they involve a network of processes, systems, and organizations working collaboratively to
source, produce, and deliver goods to the end customer.
Key processes in logistics and supply chain management (SCM) involve several critical
stages.
First, sourcing and procurement focuses on identifying reliable suppliers, negotiating
contracts for raw materials or components, and ensuring that the materials meet both quality
and cost expectations.
Next, production and manufacturing involve transforming these raw materials into finished
products while managing production schedules and capacity to meet the fluctuating demand.
Inventory management plays a key role in balancing stock levels to avoid overstocking or
stockouts, using warehousing solutions for efficient storage and distribution.
In the transportation phase, goods are moved from suppliers to warehouses or
manufacturing sites, and later, finished products are distributed to retailers or consumers via
various modes such as road, rail, sea, or air.
Finally, order fulfilment and distribution ensure that customer orders are processed
accurately and delivered on time, maintaining the reliability of the supply chain.
Additionally, SCM includes inventory management, which involves tracking and controlling
stock levels; demand forecasting, which aims to predict future product demand; and reverse
logistics, which manages returns and recycling processes. These interconnected processes
form the backbone of modern supply chains, ensuring that products are available at the right
time, in the right place, and in the right quantity to meet customer demands while optimizing
costs and efficiency throughout the entire supply chain network.
2. Passive Tags:
o Do not have a power source and rely on the reader’s signal to activate and
transmit data.
Fig. 2 o Commonly used in retail for inventory tracking, offering shorter range but
lower costs.
3.Battery-Assisted Passive (BAP) Tags:
o Equipped with a battery that powers the tag when it is within range of a reader
but does not continuously transmit signals like active tags.
o These are used for more specific tracking needs with a moderate range and
power requirement.
How RFID Works:
RFID systems function through communication between a reader and a tag. The
reader sends out a signal that is captured by the tag's antenna, which then activates
the integrated circuit. In passive tags, this signal is used to power the tag temporarily.
The IC processes the information and sends it back through the antenna to the
reader, which interprets the data and communicates with the database for
identification, tracking, and record updates.
The integration of bar code and RFID technologies into supply chain workflows has
revolutionized sourcing, procurement, inventory management, and distribution processes.
Both technologies offer distinct advantages, and in many cases, they are used in tandem to
optimize operations.
Bar code databases enable fast and accurate data collection, which is essential for
inventory management and tracking in supply chains. By scanning bar codes on
products or materials, companies can immediately retrieve item information, such as
SKU, price, and location, from the database. This process simplifies stock control, helps
avoid human errors, and facilitates real-time updates in inventory levels.
In inventory management, bar code systems help maintain the right stock levels,
preventing overstocking or stockouts. By tracking each product movement from supplier
to warehouse, bar code databases allow companies to optimize stock holding, minimize
wastage, and streamline order fulfilment. Retailers and manufacturers frequently rely on
bar code scanning for processing goods at checkpoints, accelerating the movement of
materials through the supply chain.
RFID technology has a broader range of applications and capabilities compared to bar
code systems. RFID allows for automated, long-range scanning without line-of-sight,
making it ideal for tracking large volumes of items in real-time. In procurement and
inventory management, RFID tags provide more detailed information, enabling
businesses to track items throughout the supply chain with greater accuracy.
For example, RFID can improve sourcing and procurement by automatically tracking
shipments, verifying authenticity, and reducing delays caused by manual data entry. In
inventory management, RFID systems provide instantaneous updates on stock levels
as items move through warehouses or distribution centres. RFID tags attached to pallets
or individual items can automatically update the database as products enter or leave a
facility, reducing time and labour costs associated with manual scanning.
In distribution, RFID improves accuracy and visibility. By tagging items with RFID,
companies can automate processes like sorting and packing, ensuring that the right
items are sent to the right customers. RFID systems also improve order accuracy and
reduce shrinkage by providing real-time monitoring of goods throughout the distribution
network.
Bar code and RFID technologies are often complementary in supply chain
operations. While bar codes are well-suited for simpler, lower-cost applications, such
as retail checkout or basic stock-taking, RFID offers greater flexibility and automation
in more complex workflows. For example, a company may use bar codes for general
stock identification and RFID for high-value items requiring enhanced tracking
capabilities.
In a typical workflow, bar codes are used to manage product identification during
sourcing and procurement stages, while RFID tags are applied for more efficient
tracking during production, warehousing, and distribution. In this integrated approach,
companies can streamline operations across the entire supply chain, ensuring that
materials and products are sourced, produced, stored, and delivered with maximum
efficiency.
Bar codes and RFID technologies, while both used for identification and tracking, differ
significantly in their operation, capabilities, and advantages.
Functionality:
Bar Code:
o Bar codes are optical, machine-readable representations of data using
patterns of lines (1D) or geometric shapes (2D).
o To function, a scanner must have a line-of-sight to the bar code, meaning
the scanner must directly face the bar code to capture its data.
o Each bar code represents a unique identifier, linking the product to
information stored in a central database. However, bar codes can only carry a
limited amount of data, typically identifying just one item or SKU at a time.
RFID:
o RFID technology uses radio waves to communicate between a tag and a
reader. It does not require a direct line-of-sight, allowing multiple tags to be
read simultaneously, even when out of view.
o RFID tags can store significantly more information than bar codes, such as
product origin, specifications, and tracking history. Active and battery-assisted
passive tags even have the capacity to update data dynamically, such as
changes in condition or location.
RFID technology plays a critical role in automating and optimizing warehouse operations,
significantly improving efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. Here's how RFID is utilized
in warehouse automation:
8. Inventory Control: The Role of Bar Code and RFID in Maintaining Accurate
Inventory Levels
Maintaining accurate inventory levels is a crucial aspect of supply chain management, and
both bar code and RFID technologies are instrumental in achieving this goal. Here's how
each contributes to effective inventory control:
Real-Time Updates:
o Bar codes are scanned during key inventory operations—receiving, picking,
packing, and shipping. These scans trigger updates to the inventory
management system, ensuring that stock levels are always current.
Preventing Stock Discrepancies:
o Frequent scanning reduces the likelihood of human errors and discrepancies
between actual and recorded stock. Bar codes also help businesses monitor
when stock levels fall below a certain threshold, enabling timely reordering to
prevent stockouts.
Efficiency in Small-Scale Operations:
o For smaller businesses or operations with relatively low SKU counts, bar
codes offer a cost-effective and simple solution to manage stock levels.
However, bar codes rely on manual scanning, which can limit scalability and
speed.
10. Cost Implications of Implementing Bar Code and RFID Systems in India
Implementing bar code and RFID systems involves several costs, which can vary depending
on the size and complexity of the supply chain operation. Below is a breakdown of the cost
factors associated with each technology:
Costs Associated with Bar Code Systems:
Bar Code Printing:
Bar code printers and labels are relatively inexpensive. On average, a basic printer
costs between ₹10,000 and ₹25,000, with the cost of individual labels being minimal
(₹0.50 to ₹2 per label).
Bar Code Scanners:
Handheld bar code scanners range from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 per unit. Scanners
integrated into point-of-sale systems or warehouse operations may be more costly,
depending on their sophistication.
Software and Integration:
Off-the-shelf software solutions for bar code inventory systems are available for
₹10,000 to ₹30,000 depending on functionality. Custom software integration with
existing systems (e.g., ERP or WMS) can increase costs further, ranging from
₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 or more, depending on customization needs.
Total Cost:
For a small-to-medium business, the initial cost of setting up a bar code system in
India may range between ₹1,00,000 and ₹3,00,000, depending on the number of
devices, software requirements, and label volumes.
Costs Associated with RFID Systems:
RFID Tags:
Passive RFID tags, commonly used in supply chain operations, cost between ₹10
and ₹50 per tag. Active tags, which have a built-in power source, can range from
₹500 to ₹1,000 per tag.
RFID Readers:
Fixed RFID readers, which are used in warehouses or shipping docks, cost between
₹50,000 and ₹1,50,000 each, depending on the range and capabilities. Handheld
RFID readers are priced between ₹25,000 and ₹75,000.
Software and Integration:
Custom software for RFID integration with supply chain management systems may
cost upwards of ₹1,00,000, with additional expenses for advanced features like real-
time tracking, data analytics, and automated reporting.
Total Cost:
The initial implementation cost for an RFID system in India can range between
₹5,00,000 and ₹20,00,000 or more, depending on the scale of the operation and the
required number of tags, readers, and software.
11. Security Concerns in Logistics and SCM Using Bar Codes and RFID
While bar code and RFID systems offer substantial benefits for tracking and managing
goods in logistics and supply chain management (SCM), they also present certain security
concerns that businesses need to address.
Security Issues with Bar Code Systems:
Data Manipulation:
Since bar codes are visible to anyone, they can be easily copied or altered. For
example, a fraudulent bar code can be printed and placed on a product, leading to
counterfeit goods entering the supply chain or incorrect pricing at retail points.
Lack of Encryption:
Bar code systems generally do not use encryption, which means the data is not
secure. Anyone with a scanner can potentially access product details, making bar
codes vulnerable to tampering or unauthorized use.
Limited Information Protection:
Because bar codes contain only limited information, they do not pose a significant
privacy risk. However, the lack of security in bar code systems can still lead to
operational disruptions and inaccuracies in inventory data if bar codes are
manipulated.
Security Issues with RFID Systems:
Data Theft and Eavesdropping:
RFID tags transmit data via radio waves, which makes them susceptible to
unauthorized interception by hackers. Eavesdropping attacks can allow malicious
actors to capture sensitive product data, including item descriptions, locations, or
even proprietary supply chain information.
Cloning and Spoofing:
An RFID tag can be cloned or spoofed, allowing counterfeit goods to be introduced
into the supply chain or for tags to be replaced with fraudulent ones. This poses
significant risks, especially for high-value or regulated goods.
Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks:
RFID systems can be targeted by DoS attacks, where the attacker overloads the
RFID readers or tags with fake signals, disrupting the tracking process and rendering
the system temporarily useless.
Mitigation Strategies:
Encryption:
Businesses can implement encryption protocols for RFID systems to prevent
unauthorized access and ensure that only authorized readers can interpret the data
from the tags.
Authentication Mechanisms:
Both bar code and RFID systems can be equipped with additional layers of security,
such as authentication checks, to verify that the scanned item is legitimate before
updating the system.
Data Management Policies:
Strong data management policies, such as regular audits, access control, and robust
cybersecurity measures, can help mitigate risks associated with data theft and
system tampering in both bar code and RFID-based systems.
The compliance by regulatory mechanisms in India provides a smooth and efficient way to
manage logistics and SCM in a legally proper manner. Various domestic and international
standards govern the deployment of barcode and RFID technologies in SCM for
functionality, interoperability, and security of such systems.
One of the most important bodies for setting standards for technological
implementations, including barcodes and RFID systems, is the Bureau of Indian
Standards. In respect of the standards related to the barcode in India, these get
aligned with the rest of the world through GS1 standards represented locally by GS1
India. GS1 India ensures that Indian manufacturers and retailers use globally
compliant barcodes to ensure seamless integration into global supply chains. Since
barcodes have turned out to be one of the most widely implemented methods of
product identification, a set of standards would need to be followed for maintaining
consistency, accuracy, and interoperability across supply chains in different countries.
It is overseen by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, which regulates the use
of the radio frequency spectrum on which RFID systems operate. RFID systems work
on specific frequency bands, and in India, these are allocated as part of international
standards. The Ministry of Communications, working together with TRAI, assigns
frequency bands, making sure that regulations on preventing interference with other
wireless technologies such as mobile networks and Wi-Fi are adhered to.
Companies deploying barcode and RFID technologies in India are also required to
conform to the Information Technology Act of 2000 regarding data security and
privacy enforcements. In a nutshell, both barcodes and RFID systems continuously
generate massive volumes of information related to goods and inventory, and product
details. Companies therefore need to adopt the appropriate guidelines for data
protection against loss of critical data. Data protection laws will get tighter-the new
Data Protection Act in India has included the regulations on data collection, storage,
and processing even further stringently for the companies involved in the RFID and
barcode systems.
Also, barcode and RFID usage needs to meet environmental requirements. The
waste-generating active electronic parts for energy and information, in the case of
RFID, pose a threat to the environment. E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 require
that the electronic waste generated by any product, in this case, RFID tags and
readers are required to be collected, disposed of, and re-cycled by the producer. This
demands high penalty and operational obstacles on firms failing to meet these
standards.
What it implies is that much will depend upon how seriously Indian businesses get their
barcode and RFID implementations in conformance with the somewhat complex
regulatory framework. Inadequate steps in this direction might lead to supply chain
disruptions, penalties, and foreclosing international trading opportunities—a major
element in the successful SCM operations.
As India continues to grow as a manufacturing and export hub, the environmental impact of
technology offerings such as barcode and RFID systems becomes a growing concern. Both
barcode and RFID technologies offer clear benefits in terms of efficiency, accuracy and
visibility in SCM, but their use creates environmental impacts that need to be addressed,
especially in a country facing sustainability challenges
Barcodes are not environmentally friendly compared to RFID tags. They are usually
printed on paper, which means that the environment is still impacted while using eco-
friendly materials. But the sheer number of printed barcodes, particularly in industries
such as retail, manufacturing and logistics, means that companies that still need to
think about sustainability are encouraged to take products recyclable or
biodegradable materials are not used to write barcodes, reducing the burden on the
environment.
In contrast, RFID tags have a significant environmental impact. RFID tags contain a
microchip, an antenna, and often a plastic cover, raising concerns about electronic
waste (e-waste). With the rapid adoption of RFID in industries such as retail, logistics
and manufacturing, lifecycle management of RFID components has become a major
environmental concern. By 2021, India is the third largest producer of e-waste in the
world, producing more than 3 million tonnes per year, according to the Global E-
Waste Monitor. RFID products contribute to this growing problem, as they contain
electronic components that must be properly disposed of and recycled.
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) implemented
the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016, which mandates that companies using
electronic systems such as RFID dispose of their equipment responsibly at the end of
their life They are responsible for the preservation, recycling and disposal of their
electronics This is especially important for companies that use large RFIDs, such as
retail, logistics and manufacturing, because RFID disposals have improper method
can cause environmental hazards, including soil contaminated with heavy metals and
toxic chemicals -Electronic parts contaminated with water.
Another environmental concern is the energy consumption associated with the
massive use of RFID readers and accessories. The widespread use of RFID in
warehouses, distribution centres, and retail establishments requires high power
consumption for readers, antennas and ancillary equipment. To mitigate this, many
companies have solar RFID readers energy work with energy-efficient technologies
to reduce their carbon footprint They are a face.
In recent years, a growing trend in India is environmentally friendly RFID tags. These tags
use biodegradable materials or reduce the size of the chip antenna to reduce electronic
waste. This move towards sustainable development is in line with global developments and
government initiatives such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), which
emphasizes sustainable industrial practices.
Bar codes are commonly used in retail for inventory management and
point-of-sale systems, providing a cost-effective solution for tracking
and sales operations.
o Other Industries:
2. Barcode Errors:
The barcode system primarily faces issues with missing labels (45 errors) and
illegible labels (24 errors), leading to a significant risk of data inaccuracy. Although
barcode technology is generally more mature and less expensive than RFID, these
common errors highlight the need for constant maintenance to ensure label
readability and proper scanning. Scanner errors (17 errors) and user errors (5 errors)
show that technical compatibility and employee training are also required to ensure
the effective use of this technology.
3. Cost of Mitigation:
The cost of mitigating these errors further increases the overall expense of
integrating these technologies. For example, addressing missing or illegible barcode
labels requires additional resources, such as better-quality control or enhanced label
durability, while fixing RFID device and scanning issues may demand more costly
technological upgrades. Both systems require investment in employee training to
reduce user errors.
4. Technical Compatibility and Complexity:
As shown in the RFID error data, integrating these systems with legacy software and
handling environmental interferences—such as those affecting signal transmission in
RFID or label readability in barcode systems—pose additional technical challenges.
Upgrading legacy systems and addressing environmental factors add complexity to
the overall system design and implementation process.
5. Scalability and Data Management:
As error rates suggest, increasing the scale of these systems, whether for larger
inventories or a wider range of products, can magnify the challenges of data
accuracy and system reliability. Ensuring proper data management throughout the
supply chain is critical, as is addressing any privacy or security concerns linked to
RFID tags, particularly regarding unauthorized data access.
2. Operational Efficiency
o Unified Supply Chain Identifier (USCI) harmonizes product tracking globally.
3. Data Accuracy
o GS1 Standards improve error-correction for more reliable data capture.
4. Regulatory Compliance
o Global RFID Encryption Standards simplify cross-border data compliance.
5. Global Trade
o RFID for Customs Clearance speeds up international shipments.
o Blockchain fosters secure partner collaboration.
7. Consumer-Centric Standards
o Product Provenance via Blockchain builds trust by verifying authenticity.
22. Conclusion
The fields of logistics and supply chain management have seen an increase in the usage of
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and barcode technologies. By enabling businesses to
track and manage inventory more, these technologies have the potential to increase the
efficiency of supply chain operations greatly. There are a variety of possibilities and
obstacles involved with applying these technologies in various situations. Bar codes have
proven effective in managing inventory and tracking products at various stages of the supply
chain, providing cost-effective solutions for businesses. RFID technology, while more
expensive, offers enhanced automation, real-time tracking, and improved accuracy, making
it ideal for larger operations and complex supply chains. The future of logistics is shaped by
trends toward automation, blockchain for increased transparency, and sustainability
practices that align with global environmental goals. As these technologies continue to
evolve, they promise to further streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and drive
innovation in supply chain management.
23. References
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https://www.abetech.com/blog/best-practices-for-2d-barcode-and-rfid-adoption-and-
adaption-0
2. Blume Global. (n.d.). Real-time tracking technology.
https://www.blumeglobal.com/learning/real-time-tracking-technology/
3. Coustasse, A., Cunningham, B., Deslich, S., Willson, E., & Meadows, P. (2015).
Benefits and barriers of implementation and utilization of radio-frequency
identification (RFID) systems in transfusion medicine. Perspectives in Health
Information Management, 12(Summer).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4558481/
4. DHL. (n.d.). Best practices for 2D barcode and RFID adoption and adaptation.
https://www.abetech.com/blog/best-practices-for-2d-barcode-and-rfid-adoption-and-
adaption-0