Plugging identification gaps

But it’s not just inaccurate stock data that’s causing logistics issues, it’s also slow receiving and shipping processes, and having to relabel goods or pallets. Barcode labels that are unreadable, have inconsistent formats or manual mistakes cause delays with both shipment and reverse logistics. Indeed, without validating barcodes before they leave warehouses, organisations put themselves at risk of rejected deliveries or even compliance fines.

Consumer safety, sustainability reporting, regulations and omnichannel fulfilment all rely on effective traceability, and that depends on readable barcodes, reliable RFID encoding and consistent identification standards. Inspection of label quality is critical, especially as automation increases, as all its benefits are negated if barcodes are unreadable or occluded, or RFID tags are weak.

A lot of these issues could be preventable with reliable identification infrastructures that connect stores, distribution centres and last-mile operations. TSC Auto ID’s barcode printers, along with its RFID encode-during-print capabilities and verification technologies, ensure accuracy of data as labels are created. 

Add in TSC’s enterprise mobile computers (EMC) for real-time scanning and validation and retailers, especially, benefit from stronger inventory accuracy, faster returns processing and improved buy online pick up in store (BOPIS) reliability. Successful track and trace starts with data integrity, and that starts with printed tags and labels.

AIDC’s role in enabling real-time inventory visibility

Research suggests that over 60% of inventory records contain inaccuracies. Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technologies—especially RFID and barcode scanning-are at the heart of inventory visibility.

These technologies work together to deliver precise, timely inventory insights, allowing organisations to operate with agility and responsiveness. Instead of scaling delivery operations, many leading retailers are investing in visibility tech like RFID systems and mobile platforms. They yield higher ROI by enhancing customer satisfaction and in-store efficiency. Brands like Macy’s, Zara and Walmart lead the way, using RFID to convert stores into agile fulfillment hubs. 

Proximity is also becoming a new priority, fulfilling orders from nearby stores is often faster than relying on distant warehouses. Real-time data enables this shift. TSC’s solutions support hyperlocal fulfillment by equipping staff to pick, pack, and deliver efficiently from store stock.

The future of retail fulfillment lies at the intersection of real-time data and geographic proximity. With the aid of AIDC technologies, retailers can create agile, transparent, and customer-centric fulfillment ecosystems. And, as consumer expectations continue to shift, those who invest in visibility and responsiveness will lead the next wave of retail transformation.

Protect margins with warehouse validation

Some of the most expensive errors can happen after dispatch if goods are rejected because of inadequate labels. Unreadable barcodes can halt production, cause shipments to be rejected, and damage supplier scores. And risks are not uncommon. Some 28% of operations managers’ have lost a full day of productivity due to label printing issues; 3 out of 4 have had rejected deliveries due to barcode quality.

And small issues can have a big impact. A 0.1% error rate means 100 faulty labels/month are passing through in high-volume environments. If you’re producing 5,000 labels a day, this means 100 defective labels a month are getting into the supply chain, each one capable of stopping a JIT supply chain.

Upgrading to smart industrial printers with integrated barcode inspection consolidates multiple functions into one: real-time barcode verification, instant reprinting of failed labels, RFID encoding, and compliance grading. Such automation reduces the need for separate devices and manual intervention, it lowers hardware costs, and prevents costly interruptions.

Barcode validation gives a good ROI too, in months rather than weeks, especially in automotive JIT manufacturing; it comes as standard in TSC Auto ID enterprise printers. 

If you’re visiting LogiMAT this month, stop by TSC’s stand and see demonstrations of how reliable identification technologies help logistics operations close their ‘gaps’ and build scalable, data-driven supply chains.