All About Forklift-Mounted RFID Readers By Michael Smith, LXE Inc.

As industrial use of RFID grows, so does our knowledge regarding the best ways to implement the technology in order to deliver the greatest possible benefit. Installing RFID readers on forklifts instead of at dock doors is emerging as a best practice in the warehouse. These new vehicle-mounted systems reduce RFID implementation costs while improving accuracy and efficiency for shipping, receiving and other operations.

Pete Rector, senior vice president, strategic initiatives, of GENCO Supply Chain Solutions was recently quoted in a magazine as saying that they've totally abandoned portals. He estimates Genco will save $250,000 per facility by installing a forklift-mounted RFID infrastructure instead of dock door readers.

Steve Rehling, previously director of RFID systems at Procter & Gamble and co-chair of EPCglobal's Software Action Group was recently quoted as saying that they came to the realization that the way to make money is to put the reader on the forklift.

Forklift-mounted RFID readers (FMRs) have the same basic components as other RFID systems: one or more antennae for transmitting and receiving RFID signals that is connected to a processor for decoding tags and communicating with the host computer or software application. Typically, a mobile computer on the forklift gives the operator instructions associated with a given operation.

About Michael Smith
Michael Smith has over 20 years of manufacturing and supply chain execution experience. In his role as Business Development Manager at LXE Inc., Michael has been active in defining and positioning LXE's emerging technologies including mobile RFID and voice-ready mobile computers. In this capacity, he works with partners, clients and prospects on developing solutions that call on his knowledge of manufacturing and warehousing processes, data collection and RFID technology. Michael has also served as LXE's representative within key EPCglobal Business Action Groups (BAG) including Healthcare and Life Sciences (HLS) and Transportation and Logistics Services (TLS).