RFID Perishable Inventory Tracking for Expiration-Based Order Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inventory management systems struggle to efficiently track and manage perishable products, particularly in terms of expiration dates, leading to potential inclusion of expired products in orders and wastage of resources.
Innovation Solution
A product inventory management system using RFID tags to store unique identifiers and expiration information, coupled with an electronic communications device and server, which actively scans and performs mitigation actions for expired products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If barcode scanning systems are used to track products, then product location and inventory tracking is improved, but reliability deteriorates because workers may overlook or perform scans inconsistently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual barcode scanning with RFID technology. RFID tags passively or actively transmit product identification and expiration information without requiring manual scanning, eliminating worker-dependent inconsistency while maintaining precise product tracking throughout the supply chain
Solution Approach 2:
RFID tags automatically transmit their information when encountered by readers, enabling self-identification of products without human intervention. This ensures consistent data collection across inventory checks, order fulfillment, and delivery without relying on worker memory or attention
2Productivity
If manual inventory tracking is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual processes and potential expired product inclusion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically tracking and monitoring product expiration dates throughout the supply chain. Expiration information is continuously updated and accessible to all system participants, enabling proactive identification and removal of expired products before they affect order fulfillment
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID system provides continuous feedback on product location, status, and expiration information to all authorized users. This real-time information flow enables automated decision-making for order fulfillment while maintaining simple operational processes through centralized data access
3Loss of information
If RFID tags are used to track products, then product location and inventory visibility is improved, but loss of information worsens if expiration information is not properly managed
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tags serve multiple functions: they provide product identification, track location throughout the supply chain, store expiration information, and enable automated inventory management. This multi-functionality ensures that expiration data is captured at every stage without requiring separate tracking systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors and provides feedback on expiration status to all users involved in order fulfillment. Expiration information is automatically updated and accessible in real-time, ensuring that any changes in product status are immediately reflected in the system and communicated to relevant parties
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures accurate tracking of perishable products throughout their lifecycle, preventing expired products from being included in orders and reducing resource wastage through automated alerts and replacement processes.
Implementation Method 1
use radio frequency identification (RFID) tags storing information specific to a particular product
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for managing perishable product inventory at a facility. One system includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, the RFID tag associated with at least one perishable product and storing a unique identifier of the at least one perishable product. The system further includes an electronic communications device including an RFID scanner and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to receive, via the RFID scanner, the unique identifier from the RFID tag, identify, from the received unique identifier, expiration information for the at least one perishable product, and perform a mitigation action in response to identifying the at least one perishable product is expired based on the expiration information.