Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) have completely transformed industries, including logistics and supply chain management, by offering timely tracking of assets and inventory. RTLS technologies employ devices like tags, sensors and readers to keep an eye on the current location and movement of objects within a specific area. In logistics and supply chain management, RTLS applications offer numerous benefits, enhancing efficiency, visibility, and security. 

Here are some of the key applications of RTLS in logistics and supply chain management;

Asset tracking

One of the most significant benefits of RTLS is the ability to track assets accurately. This encompasses a range of items, including products, shipments, containers and vehicles. When businesses employ RTLS to monitor their assets, they gain access, to real-time updates, on the whereabouts, condition and overall status of those assets. This valuable data allows businesses to streamline their logistics and enhance their supply chain management, resulting in cost reductions and improved operational efficiency.

Inventory management

Real-time location tracking technology (RTLS) can enhance inventory management within the supply chain. By monitoring the whereabouts of products, businesses gain visibility into the locations of each item throughout their supply chain operations. This enables them to optimize inventory flow resulting in cost savings on logistics and increased inventory accuracy.

Safety and security

Real-time location tracking systems (RTLS) have the added advantage of enhancing the safety and security of assets throughout the supply chain. By monitoring the whereabouts of trucks, trailers and shipments, companies can effectively safeguard their resources from theft, loss, or potential harm. This valuable data can be utilized to enhance safety measures, for instance, by monitoring refrigerated trucks to ensure that the temperature of goods is maintained within a range in real-time.

Predictive analytics

RTLS in logistics industry offer data that can enhance analytics models in the supply chain domain. Through analyzing RTLS collected data, companies can uncover insights into their supply chain operations, enabling them to optimize their logistics and supply chain management strategies. This optimization leads to visibility throughout the supply chain, minimizing waste and heightened efficiency.

Productivity

RTLS technology can be used to improve productivity within the supply chain. Businesses can streamline operations, optimize resource allocation, and reduce labor costs by accurately tracking logistics assets. With RTLS technology, businesses can manage their supply chain more effectively, increasing productivity and profitability.

Warehouse Management

The warehouses are the primary source of supply for manufacturers, distributors and retailers. They are responsible for storing raw materials, semi-finished products, finished products and parts for delivery to production lines. Warehouses also serve as storage locations for inventory and equipment. Most of the work is done in a warehouse management system (WMS) in the storage area. Warehouses are equipped with automated picking and packing machines which an operator can control through a computerized control system based on bar codes or magnetic strip cards.

Yard management

Many companies use RTLS technology for yard management, tracking vehicles and trailers as they move from one location to another. This helps with planning, fuel management and reduces waste. Yard management systems allow organizations to track the location of vehicles and equipment on their property or in transit via GPS technology. Managers can use this information to make decisions regarding how they want their fleet operating at any given time, such as whether or not they need additional fuelers during rush hour traffic conditions.

Returnable asset tracking

Companies can track the returnable assets within their supply chain using RTLS tags attached to items such as packaging or pallets returned from customers who have opened them but have yet to return them for credit or refund purposes (such as damaged goods). The tag’s unique ID number is linked back to its original owner via RFID technology, providing real-time information about where each item is located in the supply chain at all times.

Workforce management

RTLS for supply chain management have the ability to monitor employees’ daily activities and assess their productivity levels. Additionally, they offer insights into team dynamics and collaboration on projects. Workforce management systems (WMS) leverage radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to track employees as they navigate within or between facilities. Utilizing GPS tracking WMS allows managers to keep tabs on employee whereabouts in time efficiently. This technology also enables companies to optimize workforce management by monitoring hours worked and calculating overtime compensation for each individual.

Supply chain visibility

In a supply chain, it is crucial to have visibility into the whereabouts and appearance of our products at every stage. This concept is known as supply chain visibility. To accomplish this, we can rely on RTLS sensors, which provide real-time information about product location. This enables us to effectively manage inventory, track deliveries, and ensure product arrival.

Conclusion

RTLS logistics and supply chain management applications transform how businesses optimize their operations. By monitoring assets optimizing inventory control, enhancing safety measures utilizing analytics, and increasing productivity, businesses can lower expenses enhance operational effectiveness and provide outstanding customer satisfaction. Using real-time location systems, companies can consistently ensure that the correct product is delivered to the destination at the required moment.