The most frequently used tool in any warehouse are scanners. They are used for almost all operations right from receiving to picking/packing and finally shipping. It is important to understand how to use an RF scanner in order to operate efficiently in a warehouse. (If you haven't already, we recommend you first go through our basic training for picking and packing operations)
Radio frequency scanners typically store all the order information as well information of all the SKUs in the inventory. The RF scanners are used to read the barcodes and transfer product information, quantities and location information directly into the WMS via wireless networking.
Product is identified with bar codes that are attached to the pallet and in some instances on each box, case or piece.
Locations within the facilities are identified with a barcode for each row, shelf, slot, bin and rack position.
The barcode for each picked item is scanned as is the barcode of the storage location it was picked from.
Scanning the item bar code and location barcode ensures that the picker is filling the order with the correct quantities of the correct item.
The WMS (Warehouse Management System) determines the picking sequence of the items and knows the location of each item stored so orders can be picked according to customer policy, such as FIFO (First In – First Out).
When the pick is complete, the system generates a packing list containing the information on what was physically picked.
The process is quicker and more accurate than the use of paper reports. Using RF scanners for counting eliminates writing down product numbers and counts and then manually entering count information in the computer.
Watch this quick video to understand how to use a RF Gun/scanner