OneProject Background
Background
Warehouse management is the management process of planning, organizing, controlling and coordinating the warehouse and its internal materials. It plays an important role in the overall logistics and economic activities, connecting producers and consumers.
Enterprises of different sizes and product types have different warehouse management processes and needs, but the core parts include warehouse operations (inbound and outbound) and inventory control (warehouse transfer, inventory) and other links. However, with the changes in the production and manufacturing environment, the product cycle is shortened, and the rise of diverse and low-volume production modes, the market demand puts forward higher requirements for warehouse management.
The traditional simple and static warehouse management mode has problems such as huge material inventory, difficult material tracking, low capital and material turnover efficiency, high labor cost, and lagging logistics management information and means, which can no longer meet the new warehouse management needs. In order to meet these challenges, it is necessary to abandon the traditional model, actively explore new information management technology, build a new warehouse management information system platform, coordinate the operation of all links, ensure timely and accurate inbound and outbound operations and real-time transparent inventory control operations, rationally allocate warehouse resources, optimize warehouse layout and improve the level of warehouse operations, improve the quality of warehousing services, save labor and inventory space, reduce operating costs, and enhance the market competitiveness of enterprises.
System requirements
According to the practical application experience of Airlink Technology in the RFID warehousing WMS system and the customer's project requirements, a high-quality warehouse management system needs to achieve optimal warehouse resource allocation, accurate warehouse operation control, and real-time and effective warehouse data flow and transparent transmission. Therefore, the construction of RFID+WMS warehouse management information system platform mainly involves the following six aspects.
Visualized inbound and outbound management
RFID+WMS warehouse management system should be able to realize the visual management of real-time warehouse data in the management center, including the inbound and outbound operations of goods (pallets), and realize the synchronization of physical logistics and data flow through visual management.
Electronic pallet and location management
In the application of RFID+WMS warehouse management, the realization of electronic pallet and location management is the basis for realizing visual and intelligent warehouse management, through the electronicization of pallets, the identity of each pallet can be identified, and real-time tracking of its storage and transfer location, combined with electronic location management, can provide the necessary data basis for visual warehouse management.
By dividing the physical space of the warehouse into different zones and assigning a unique label to each zone, you can effectively locate and retrieve goods in the location.
Real-time inventory
By using RFID handheld terminal or mobile inventory machine, the physical objects in the warehouse are scanned and identified, the physical information is generated, and the inventory information table is compared with ERP data to ensure the consistency of accounts and actual items.
Cargo Finder
When you need to find a specific cargo, you can enter the relevant cargo information in the RFID handheld terminal to scan the goods within a certain range. When the target goods are scanned, the RFID+WMS warehouse management system will send out a prompt sound in order to quickly locate the goods.
Interface with related systems (MES, WCS, SAP).
RFID+WMS warehouse management system should not be an isolated system, it should interact with the existing production management system (MES), enterprise resource planning system (SAP) and customer system (WCS) and other related systems in real time through appropriate interfaces to meet the actual management needs of the enterprise.
Realize the unification of information flow and logistics
Due to the limitations of technical conditions, traditional warehouse management often cannot accurately reflect the storage inventory and logistics situation in real time, resulting in a disconnect between information flow and logistics. At the same time, manual identification of cargo information is inefficient, error-prone and workload-intensive. The ultimate goal of building RFID+WMS warehouse management system is to realize the unification of information flow and logistics in enterprise warehouse management through the introduction of effective technical means, and realize real-time visual warehousing and logistics management.
IITechnical background
2.1 Introduction to RFID technology
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a new type of information technology that enables contactless and fast data transmission. At present, RFID technology has been widely used in manufacturing, anti-counterfeiting traceability, logistics and chain management, etc., bringing significant technological innovation to these fields. In the field of warehousing and logistics, RFID technology can greatly improve the collection speed of logistics information and the efficiency of logistics operations due to its characteristics. RFID is an automatic identification technology that does not require human intervention, which automatically identifies the target object (RFID electronic tag) through radio frequency signals and obtains or records relevant data. It can work in a variety of harsh environments without touching the target object. A typical RFID system consists of a host computer, an RFID reader, an antenna and an RFID electronic tag, and the RFID electronic tag has a data storage area inside it for storing information. RFID readers are used to identify electronic tags, read or write data, and complete data interaction with the host computer. The host computer is the interface that controls the work of the whole system.
2.2 Technical advantages
The biggest feature of RFID technology is non-contact high-speed identification. It transmits data via wireless communication, and the RFID tag can be read without exposing the electrical contacts. Therefore, even if the RFID electronic tag is pasted inside the packaging material, it can be identified, and the RFID recognition system can also identify multiple RFID electronic tags and high-speed moving RFID electronic tags at the same time, so as to achieve the high efficiency of the item circulation process. The specific advantages are as follows:
Contactless reading and writing
RFID technology can realize contactless reading and writing operations, and only need to read the information directly into the database through the reader of the RFID system. Compared with the traditional way of manually entering information, RFID technology has obvious advantages. At the same time, RFID technology can also write various information about the logistics processing status into the label, thereby reducing the information collection time in the next stage of the process.
Multiple tags can be read at the same time
RFID readers can recognize multiple RFID electronic tags at the same time and transmit the data to the computer network system at one time. Compared with scanning barcodes one by one, the data collection and item acceptance speed of RFID electronics can be increased by more than ten times. In addition, compared with the traditional acceptance method that relies on document entry, the multi-readability of RFID readers can realize the efficient and rapid circulation of items.
Good penetration
Items with RFID electronic tags can be recognized by readers even if they are placed in non-metallic or non-transparent packaging materials (such as paper, wood, plastic, etc.). RFID technology has good penetration, and it can be identified without taking the item out of the packaging material, which is convenient and fast.
The tag stores a large data capacity
Compared with barcodes, RFID electronic tags have a larger data storage capacity. Barcode technology can only represent the type of item to which it belongs, and cannot express the individual information of each type of item, while RFID electronic tag has a large storage capacity and can store information that describes the item in detail.
Strong ability to adapt to the environment
In some special environments, such as dirty paper, dark environments, or loss of magnetism on magnetic cards, traditional recognition technologies may not work properly. The RFID technology has strong environmental adaptability, RFID electronic tags have anti-fouling and immunity, and can easily collect the electronic information in the tag in a dirty environment or a dark environment.
Labels are reusable
RFID technology uses an electronic chip as a data storage carrier, which can repeatedly write data to achieve the reuse of tags. This feature reduces the one-time input cost of the project and improves the sustainable use of the label.
Miniaturization and diversification of label shapes
The reading of RFID electronic tags is not limited by size and shape, and does not need to rely on fixed size and printing quality paper. Compared with barcode technology, which needs to be adapted according to the shape and size of the item, the application of RFID technology on the item is more flexible and diverse. In addition, the miniaturization of RFID electronic tags also makes it more flexible to control product production on the production line.
System and data security with RFID technology
Storing product data on RFID electronic tags can provide system security and avoid reading data directly from the system, thereby improving the security of the system. In addition, RFID technology can use encryption methods to protect the data inside the electronic tag to ensure that the data is not read without authorization.
2.3 The significance of RFID+WMS warehouse management
The application of RFID technology in warehouse management is of great significance. After years of development, RFID technology has been widely used at home and abroad, and has made great progress in the field of logistics and warehousing. RFID technology has a high degree of standardization, high technology maturity, and with the reduction of costs, it is becoming one of the standard application technologies of modern and efficient warehousing and logistics.
RFID technology not only plays an important role in warehouse management, but also is one of the key technologies in the development of modern Internet of Things technology. With the support and promotion of national policies, the Internet of Things has made great progress in many fields, and has become an inevitable choice to solve the information management problems in the production, manufacturing, warehousing, logistics and other links of enterprises.
Airlink's warehouse management system (WMS) solution adopts RFID technology as a key technology, which can significantly improve the technical level of warehouse and logistics management. By adopting RFID technology, enterprises can obtain a good return on investment and avoid repeated investment in information upgrades. Airlink's solution is of exemplary significance, providing reference for other enterprises and promoting the development of the entire industry.
IIIRFID+WMS warehouse management system solution
3.1 Design principles of RFID+WMS warehouse management scheme
The actual effect is applicable, and the application is personalized
According to the actual situation of different warehouses, factors such as on-site site, operation mode, management mode and actual storage requirements should be considered when designing RFID+WMS warehouse management scheme. Ensure that the solution can be applied and effective, and avoid unnecessary functional design. Especially in the development of RFID+WMS warehouse management software system, it is necessary to fully meet the actual management needs of the warehouse, realize personalized application, and avoid unsuitable and impractical situations.
The management mode is replicable
The design of RFID+WMS warehouse management system should focus on the main clues of warehouse management, while considering the needs of future warehouse expansion and expansion. The management model should be simple to replicate and define to accommodate the management needs of other warehouse areas.
The investment cost is controllable
On the premise of satisfying management needs, it is necessary to control investment costs and maximize investment benefits. Avoid unnecessary investment waste, avoid repeated investment in the future, and avoid high investment but little improvement in management efficiency. Ensure that the construction cost of RFID+WMS warehouse management system is controllable.
Application risks are controllable
When designing an RFID+WMS warehouse management system, it is necessary to ensure that the application risk is controllable. Application risks mainly include the management risks brought about by the changes of new technologies and new management models to existing management models. It is necessary to fully study the existing management mode, operation process, personnel quality and information level, and try to make a gradual and smooth transition while improving operational efficiency and management effectiveness. Avoid the negative impact of changes in management methods on business operations.
Support for future expansion
In terms of equipment configuration, technical application and software system, it is necessary to fully consider the future management development needs. When the management demand increases, the RFID+WMS warehouse management system should be able to support the expansion of system functions and achieve a smooth transition.
3.2 Architecture of RFID+WMS warehouse management system
Warehouse physical layer
This includes entities such as warehouses, locations, pallets, forklifts, cargo, and field operations. On-site operations include warehousing, warehousing, inventory, sorting, allocation, splitting, and transfer of goods. In the warehouse, RFID electronic tags are installed in each effective storage location (storage area) and pallet to achieve refined management of individual storage locations (storage areas) and pallets.
Acquisition and interaction layer
Including a variety of on-site data acquisition and user interaction equipment, such as RFID handheld terminals and fixed RFID readers. These devices are primarily used to provide user guidance, real-time data collection, and data entry. Through this layer, the RFID+WMS warehouse management system can collect on-site data in real time and provide interactive operation guidance.
RFID data service layer
Manage RFID equipment and related equipment in the RFID+WMS warehouse management system, including data collection, data caching, data filtering, and the collection and distribution of control instructions and related data. This layer runs on the system server in the form of system software services, and provides RFID data and related control instructions for the user application layer and the data acquisition interaction layer.
Enterprise application layer
The computer software user interface provided to the warehouse scheduling management center and the remote management center also provides report and data query services. Through the enterprise application layer, the RFID+WMS warehouse management system realizes the functions of planning, management control and data monitoring of warehouses and goods.
3.3 System topology diagram
In the system topology diagram, RFID fixed readers are installed in the passage at the door of each warehouse, and detection antennas are installed on both sides of the door or passage to automatically detect the pallets and driver identities in and out. In the warehouse area, each location is installed with an electronic tag for the location to uniquely identify the identity of the location; Each pallet is equipped with a pallet electronic tag for uniquely identifying the identity of each pallet; Each single product can be installed with an electronic tag for the identification of the goods. In addition, the driver can carry an electronic tag that identifies the driver (optional). According to the on-site terrain layout, it can also be assisted by the use of infrared, vehicle detector and reader pairing and other equipment to achieve vehicle entry and exit detection.
3.4 RFID+WMS warehouse management software architecture
3.5. RFID+WMS warehouse management process design
3.5.1 Warehousing process
1. When the goods are purchased and received or the finished products are put into storage, the RFID electronic tag is made, and the label is written into the enterprise definition information such as the purchasing unit, specification and model. Paste the electronic label on the goods to complete the initialization of the goods information. At the same time, a pallet electronic tag is installed on the pallet to identify the information of a specific pallet.
2. In the process of warehousing the goods, the forklift transports the goods through the warehouse gate, and the reader installed at the warehouse gate will automatically collect the RFID tag on the goods and the electronic tag information on the pallet. This information will be read and sent to the data center, and the back-end system will automatically bind the cargo information with the pallet information to complete the inbound scanning and binding operation. In this way, automatic scanning and binding can be realized, without manual intervention, and the warehousing operation can be completed automatically.
3. The forklift will continue to transport the cargo pallet to the free shelf. The shelves are installed with shelf RFID electronic tags. During the process of putting goods on the shelf, the RFID reader of the forklift will read the pallet labels and shelf labels and send the information to the data center. The back-end system will automatically complete the binding of pallet information and shelf information, that is, complete the shelving operation of all goods on the pallet. This allows for shelf-accurate management.
3.5.2 Cargo transfer process
When the goods are moving, the forklift client can directly initiate the transfer operation. The forklift will remove the pallets that need to be moved from the racks. When the RFID collection system of the forklift reads the pallet label information of the goods, the RFID+WMS warehouse management system will automatically unbind the pallet information from the previously bound shelf information. Then, the forklift forklifts the goods onto the new rack to complete the shelving operation. In this process, the forklift reads the new shelf information in the RFID+WMS warehouse management system and uploads it to the data center. The system will complete the binding of new shelves and update the inventory information in real time.
3.5.3. Outbound process of goods
1. When the goods are out of the warehouse, the forklift first takes the cargo pallet off the shelf. The forklift reads the pallet information from the system and sends it directly to the data center. RFID+WMS warehouse management background system will check the outbound information. If the information is correct, the removal operation is completed, and the pallet information and shelf information are automatically unbound. If the information is incorrect, the system will give an alert.
2. After the removal is successful, the forklift will transport the goods through the warehouse gate. The warehouse gate is equipped with a reader, which can automatically collect RFID tags on goods and label information on pallets. This information is read and sent to the data center. RFID+WMS warehouse management background system will complete the verification of goods labels and pallet labels. If the verification is correct, the outbound operation is completed and the inventory information is automatically updated. If the verification is incorrect, the system will give an alert.
3.6 RFID+WMS warehouse management forklift deployment scheme
In the RFID+WMS warehouse management system, we will use the industrial PC as the forklift client, which is used to dock with the data center, control the RFID reader on the forklift, and interact with data.
The RFID reader on the forklift is different from the ordinary situation in the application environment. Forklifts have more stringent requirements for RFID devices, including dustproof, waterproof and vibration-proof designs. These devices need to be able to withstand fluctuations in voltage and current, as well as have rugged, corrosion-resistant housings. In addition, these devices need to have good temperature adaptability to withstand a variety of harsh operating environments.