Can you imagine RFID simplifying how one keeps track of all the rental items with item-level visibility and stock monitoring while removing inaccuracies caused by human errors, as happens with manual methods like spreadsheets, logs, etc.?
Rental companies like car rentals, audio and visual equipment rentals have been using smart RFID labels to keep track of inventory, items coming in and leaving the premises, and it has worked wonders.
Similarly, renting out refrigeration and catering equipment also requires precision, stock accuracy, and clear records of items being rented out, leaving the premises, and coming in on any given day. With RFID technology, this can be streamlined, ensuring accuracy at all levels.
These rental businesses often rent out their refrigeration and catering equipment to events, parties, exhibitions, and even for retail marketing gigs.
Let’s see how tagging this equipment with RFID labels simplifies inventory and renting for firms particularly involved in refrigeration and catering businesses.
How RFID Helps in Tracking Rental Equipment?
Rental businesses face various challenges, such as lost goods, postponed returns, and a lack of visibility into their sizable inventories. For example, a business renting out refrigeration units such as display coolers and portable freezers and catering equipment such as food warmers, serving counters, and beverage dispensers often has an inventory size of 20,000 or more. Having complete visibility of every item in the warehouse or out on rent is a challenging and critical task. RFID labelling of each item simplifies this with a unique ID for each item. Compared to conventional barcode or paper-based tracking, RFID is quicker and more accurate, and it doesn't require a direct line of sight to scan.
1.RFID helps with inventory management, allowing staff to quickly scan all the tags on refrigeration and catering equipment.
2. RFID tagging of each item increases item-level visibility, giving a clear picture of items in the warehouse and those rented out.
3. RFID polyester labels, RFID hard tags, and RFID mount on-metal labels offer a robust tagging solution where these tags can last for a long time, even in harsh, outdoor conditions.
4. RFID technology also allows for a quick audit of the inventory.
5. One can also find a misplaced item in the warehouse by entering the tag number in the mobile app and pressing the trigger on the RFID handheld reader.
RFID Applications for Catering and Refrigeration Rentals
a. Delivery Confirmation with RFID
RFID-tagged refrigeration and catering equipment can be swiftly scanned upon delivery to reduce the possibility of missing or incorrect rental orders being delivered.
b. Asset Tracking on Site
To make sure all equipment is present at a trade show or retail event, use an RFID handheld reader to manually scan the equipment or install fixed RFID readers at entry and exit points. RFID ensures that the event is successful by ensuring that all the necessary rented items are at the event.
c. Monitoring Returns and Inventory
Tracking the return of all equipment and ensuring that there are no disagreements over missing equipment is now simplified with RFID. Just scan all the items using an RFID handheld or an RFID gate and the approved item list of rented items. Since scanning is done very quickly, the whole process takes only a few minutes.
d. Proactive Maintenance
To enable refrigeration assets and food equipment to continue operating in a reactive state, RFID can also be connected to a maintenance schedule. If any item is due for maintenance, notifications can be issued, and the item can be repaired and made available for use promptly.
e. Rental History & Use Tracking
By continuously recording equipment use, the same RFID system can report on customer behaviour and provide accountability for asset performance. RFID labels and the RFID asset management system can offer a detailed report on asset use and their remaining life.
Top Benefits of RFID in Rental Equipment Tracking
Each piece of equipment, such as a food warmer, beverage dispenser, or freezer, is tagged with a hard tag or long-lasting RFID label that has a unique ID. RFID labelling offers the following benefits to rental firms:
a. Automated Scanning
RFID gate systems equipped with fixed readers (Zebra FX9600) automatically read and register the tags on equipment as it passes through a warehouse door, entry gate, or event venue. The good news is that you don't have to move slowly; even when the equipment is stacked, the RFID readers can read tags from a distance.
b. Real-Time Updates
The inventory software receives the tag information directly from the reader, and the equipment status, whether it is "in stock," "in transit," or "on-site", automatically updates in the software system.
c. Remote Access via a Mobile Application
Without the need for heavy scanning equipment, event workers or warehouse managers can swiftly track items while on the go by using RFID mobile apps on their smartphones. For handheld scanners, a dedicated Android app can be developed, allowing users to see each scan and operations, including order fulfillment.
Selecting RFID Tags for Catering and Refrigeration Rentals
It's critical to select the appropriate RFID tags for tracking refrigeration and catering equipment. RFID tags used in the refrigeration and catering industries must be durable enough to withstand weather, work in hot kitchen settings, and be compliant with food standards. Among the RFID tags that are frequently used are:
1.Our Range of UHF RFID Hard Tags
a. Range: Up to 10 meters
b. Use Case: Works best with large metal objects such as freezers and food prep counters.
2. Our Range of RFID On-Metal RFID Tags
a. Range: 2 to 5 meters
b. Use Case: Suitable for metal objects like warmers or ovens in the kitchen.
c. Feature: Designed to reduce signal distortion.
3. Flexible RFID Labels
a. Range: 1 to 3 meters
b. Use Case: Suitable for temporary labelling of small tools, trays, or plastic containers.
To summarize, rental companies that rent out refrigeration and catering equipment can tag all their equipment with RFID labels, ensuring each item has a unique ID, which helps with identification, inventory management, and tracking of the item throughout daily operations.
RFID is an advanced AIDC technology that ensures accuracy in item-level tracking, warehouse management, and inventory visibility. RFID is fast, accurate, and automates various manual operations, replacing them with an accurate and reliable solution, from track and trace to order fulfilment and loss prevention measures.
Frequently Asked Questions on Rental Equipment Tracking with RFID
1. Why should RFID be used by catering and refrigeration rental businesses?
RFID speeds up stock inventory, reduces equipment theft, improves delivery accuracy, and gives real-time visibility of the company's assets at events, retail setups, and exhibitions.
2. Which RFID tags are appropriate for catering and refrigeration equipment?
The most widely used tags are flexible labels, on-metal RFID tags, and durable UHF hard tags. These tags are designed to withstand the high temperatures, moisture, and metal-surface friction that are frequently found in refrigeration and catering equipment.
3. Is RFID a better way to track rental equipment than barcodes?
Indeed. RFID is more effective in crowded events and retail operations because it does not require line-of-sight, can read multiple items at once, and offers real-time visibility.
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