Checking goods shipment and movement of product through the manufacturing chain can all be helped by the use of RFID. Systems can let businesses know the whereabouts of tools, components, part finished items and finished goods. RFID offers significant improvements over bar coding for control of goods in the supply chain by allowing systems not only to identify the type of item but to identify the specific item itself. The hard-to-replicate characteristics of RFID tags also make them suitable for helping to combat counterfeiting, whether in automotive spare parts or luxury goods.

To enable these applications the standards organisation GS-1 and EPC Global, the GS-1 subsidiary responsible for RFID standards, have developed numbering systems to ensure that different organisations do not duplicate the use of numbers. CoreRFID is a member of GS-1, so gaining insight into the development of standards.

RFID is not only used to manage the products themselves in the supply chain. It can also be used to manage the whereabouts of packaging. Crates, pallets, bins, kegs, carboys can all be tracked using RFID tags selected to cope with the materials involved. And of course RFID is not only used to support original manufacturing but can help control repair and warranty cycles too.

As part of a range of solutions for manufacturing and supply chain CoreRFID has developed the CheckMate™ portal system. CheckMate brings together RFID readers, antennas, and software to create a system that can be adapted to a range of needs. More details can be found in this CheckMate™ fact sheet.