RFID Perishable Inventory Tracking for Expiration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing perishable product inventories is challenging due to the difficulty in tracking expiration dates and preventing the inclusion of expired products in orders, leading to inefficiencies and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
A product inventory management system using RFID tags to track expiration information for perishable products, with an electronic communications device that scans the tags to identify expired products and performs mitigation actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If barcode scanning is used to track products, then product location can be identified, but manual scanning may be overlooked or performed inconsistently leading to tracking errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual barcode scanning with RFID (radio frequency identification) technology. RFID tags attached to products and vessels enable automatic identification and tracking without manual intervention, eliminating human error in scanning while maintaining product location tracking capability.
2Productivity
If RFID tags are used to track product location, then product location can be automatically identified, but expiration information management remains challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines location tracking and expiration date management into a single integrated RFID system. The RFID tags store both location data and expiration information, allowing simultaneous automatic identification of product location and verification of expiration status during order fulfillment processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where RFID readers automatically verify expiration dates against order requirements. When expired products are detected, the system provides feedback alerts to prevent their inclusion in orders, ensuring continuous monitoring and correction of expiration management.
3Device complexity
If manual inventory management is used, then system complexity is low, but expired products may be inadvertently included in orders causing resource waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary verification of expiration dates during the order fulfillment process. RFID readers automatically check expiration information before products are packaged or shipped, preventing expired products from being included in orders and eliminating the need for post-shipment returns or replacements.
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 proper order fulfillment by automatically identifying and addressing expired products, reducing waste and resource inefficiencies through proactive management.
Implementation Method 1
radio frequency identification (RFID) tags storing information specific to a particular product (e.g., an identifier) and coupled directly to a particular product
Data Source
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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.