How Mobile Barcoding is Rewriting the Rules of Logistics

Digital transformation is sweeping across supply chain management. In an age where efficiency and speed are paramount, digital technologies are reshaping how supply chains operate. Today’s logistics operations must optimize processes to enhance value delivery to customers while simultaneously offsetting rising operating costs.

One core technology with a large impact is mobile barcoding. Barcode scanning with advanced mobile capabilities gives companies a major leap forward in digital congruence for inventory handling and manufacturing.

By connecting physical warehouse operations with digital systems, organizations can leverage data-driven insights to catalyze performance and growth.

The Role of Mobile Barcoding in Digital Transformation

Impact on Data Accuracy and Operational Visibility

Mobile barcoding systems use barcode scanning and intelligent automation to drastically reduce human error. Instant, flawless data capture with built-in validations ensures no incorrect information is transmitted to the system of record, such as the ERP system.

Because each transaction is updated in the ERP in a matter of microseconds, the organization benefits from a reliable, trustworthy bank of data. This enhanced operational visibility allows businesses to make informed decisions quickly and effectively.

Comprehensive Mobile Data Collection

The software aspect of a mobile barcoding solution like RFgen enables robust data collection from any device, not just barcode scanners. Integration ensures automated data collection from IoT and IIoT devices, RFID tags, autonomous vehicles (AVGs), industrial computers, scales, and more.

Even delivery drivers and sales reps in the field can be integrated into this holistic data collection network.

Data collection can be used to track any type of inventory. Teams can track distribution stock, raw materials, WIP products, fixed assets, tools, spare parts, and consumables from mobile devices at the point-of-scan.

Items are tracked in real-time as they flow into, through, and out of the four walls and into the field.

In this way, mobile barcoding can help create a unified data environment that informs business operations with crucial insights.

Integration with IT Infrastructure

Mobile barcoding doesn’t require businesses to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it integrates with the existing IT landscape, extending the ERP to mobile devices and machine automation. This integration facilitates the real-time capture and use of data, connecting on-the-ground operations with the company’s digital nerve center.

Bridging Physical and Digital Operations

Perhaps the most transformative aspect of mobile barcoding is its ability to merge the physical aspects of supply chain operations — like warehousing and logistics — with digital capabilities. This synergy ensures that the physical movement of goods is mirrored by real-time digital updates, keeping every stakeholder in the loop.

Significant advancements in speed help close the gap between what happens in the warehouse with delivery to customers, affecting profits.

Operational Benefits of Mobile Barcoding

Statistics on Efficiency, Accuracy, and Productivity

Mobile barcoding generates numerous benefits for logistics operations. Following implementation, organizations typically experience immediate benefits in areas such as:

• +30-42% greater workflow efficiency
• +25-42% higher worker productivity
• 99.9% inventory accuracy or higher
• 10% reduction in inventory loss
• 3-5% lower on-hand inventory levels

The quantitative data paints a clear picture: the improvements gained with mobile barcoding are substantial.

Cost Savings and Customer Satisfaction

Unlocking new levels of performance and transparency is more than operational improvement. These new efficiencies help companies cut out excess overhead expenses and elevate customer service. Increasing customer service boosts satisfaction and enhances loyalty, contributing to an uptick in profits.

For instance, capturing data that’s accurate drives down costs associated with scrubbing incorrect database records, returns from customers, and the negative consequences of noncompliance in labeling and traceability.

Tangible Gains Through Use Cases

Perhaps the best evidence available for the transformative impact of mobile barcoding can be found in case studies.

Gill Corporation, an industry leader in aerospace manufacturing, leveraged RFgen to eliminate manual processes for inventory handling. In addition to gains in efficiency, productivity, accuracy, and throughput, the company experienced:

• 100% digital inventory processes
• Up-to-date real-time data
• High user adoption by frontline staff
• Self-ownership: freedom to configure and innovate in-house

Read the full story here.

Mobile Barcoding as a Catalyst for Further Digital Initiatives

Foundational Technology Enabling Digital Strategies

Scanning barcodes to collect data is by no means new. However, mobile barcoding brings the technology into the 21st century. Integrating barcoding into logistics operations is essential to set the foundation for future digital strategies.

RFgen also equips inventory handling with software-based automation, enabling manufacturers to become more responsive and agile.

Support for a Range of Business Processes

The adaptability of mobile barcoding means it can support diverse business processes. Any aspect of inventory management can be automated and mobilized. As organizations and their priorities change, the natural flexibility of a platform-based mobile barcoding solution offers long-term viability with immense value.

Technological Empowerment Through Mobile Barcoding

Importance of Intuitive Technology Solutions

It isn’t enough to have robust technology. A new technology solution must be adopted by the people who need to use it in order for it to be effective. For mobile software, user adoption is essential to get the most benefits.

Not any mobile software will do. The key is to select a mobile solution with a modern, intuitive UI/UX familiar to today’s mobile user expectations. This will facilitate quick adoption and effective utilization with minimal training.

For example, RFgen’s ease of use helps reduce training for new warehouse employees by up to 80%.

Empowering IT Teams with Low-Code Development Platforms

Another aspect of empowerment is for the IT department. Platforms like RFgen come equipped with a Mobile Development Studio that allows technical staff to modify, create, and deploy mobile apps with visual low-code drag-and-drop. This eliminates the need for reliance on an outside party by bringing mobile application development in-house with tools that are easy to learn and simple to use.

Future Outlook and Continued Advancements

Investments in digital transformation aren’t going anywhere, especially in the supply chain. In fact, supply chain technology expenditure is expected to increase. While technologies like AI and blockchain continue to make headlines, low-risk technologies like mobile barcoding offer a cornerstone element of today’s digital strategies with proven outcomes.

Mobile barcoding continues to empower businesses to meet the evolving demands of the market and maintain a competitive edge in an era where efficiency and responsiveness are key. Waiting to adopt mobile barcoding is no longer an option for today’s inventory operations. The journey towards a digitized supply chain is complex, but with tools like mobile barcoding, businesses will be well-equipped to navigate this landscape successfully.