How AssetPulse’s RFID Solutions Achieved 30x Faster Inventory in Outdoor Yard Management

Imagine managing a vast outdoor yard filled with hundreds, even thousands, of assets. Keeping track of this inventory is crucial, especially when it comes to performing inventory on a regular basis. This blog post explores the challenges faced by one of our customers and how they achieved a remarkable 30x improvement in outdoor yard management through AssetPulse’s RFID Solutions tailormade for outdoor asset tracking.

The Challenge: Manual Inventory – Time-Consuming and Error-Prone

The company, with their extensive yard housing a massive inventory of assets, faced similar issues like many manufacturers and rental companies. Performing a manual inventory of these assets was a daunting task that consumed a significant amount of time and resources.

Now, let’s explore the challenges they faced:

• Time-consuming Process: Manually counting and recording hundreds of similar-looking assets spread across acres of land took days to complete. It was happening only twice a year due to the sheer effort involved.
• Prone to Errors: With inventory done manually, there’s a high chance of human error, leading to inaccurate inventory data. Missing or misplaced assets could go unnoticed for long periods.
• Inaccurate Inventory: Further, just the day after manual inventory was completed, it was already out of sync with reality, because assets had been moved around almost immediately. So, the location of assets in the inventory database would no longer be accurate. This resulted in hundreds of hours spent searching for assets in the yard.
• Inefficient use of Resources: The manual inventory process required a significant allocation of manpower, taking their attention away from other crucial tasks.

AssetPulse’s RFID Solution for Faster, More Accurate Inventory

AssetPulse’s RFID Solutions became a real game-changer for this customer. RFID tags were affixed to each asset, transforming them into trackable assets.  The company then deployed a combination of mobile and fixed scanners to leverage the power of RFID for inventory management.

• Fixed Scanners: Fixed scanners were strategically mounted on a vehicle, enabling them to drive through the yard and scan thousands of assets efficiently. This significantly reduced scanning time compared to manual methods.
• Handheld Scanners for Precision: In conjunction with fixed scanners, handheld scanners were employed for situations requiring more precise scanning, such as verifying the location of specific assets. Further, they were used to locate assets within sections of the yard.

The Impact: 30x Improvement and Streamlined Operations

The implementation of AssetPulse’s RFID Solutions revolutionized the way the customer managed their outdoor yard. Here’s how RFID brought about a significant improvement in outdoor yard management:

• Reduced Inventory Time: What previously took days to complete was now achievable in a matter of hours. The combination of mobile and fixed scanners accelerated the inventory process significantly. Because it took so little time to inventory, the customer is performing inventory scans dozens of times a year, thereby keeping the inventory database updated on a regular basis.
• Enhanced Accuracy: RFID technology eliminates human error from the equation, ensuring accurate and reliable inventory data. Real-time tracking provides a clear picture of the assets and their locations.
• Boosted Customer Service: Faster and more accurate inventory translates to better customer service. The customer can now locate assets quickly, fulfilling their customer requests efficiently.

Beyond Inventory Management: Additional Benefits of RFID

The benefits of RFID extend far beyond just streamlining inventory management. Here are some additional advantages of RFID:

• Improved Asset Tracking: RFID allows for real-time tracking of assets, providing valuable insights into their location and usage patterns. This information can be used to optimize equipment allocation, prevent potential losses, and improve sales and rental strategies.
• Reduced Theft and Misplacement: RFID tags act as a deterrent against theft, as tagged assets can be easily tracked and monitored. Additionally, the technology helps identify misplaced assets, minimizing downtime and inconvenience for both the company and its clients.
• Simplified Maintenance Scheduling: With accurate asset data, preventive maintenance schedules can be planned more effectively, ensuring assets are serviced on time to prevent breakdowns and extend their lifespan, reducing overall maintenance costs.

A Winning Formula for Outdoor Yard Management

AssetPulse’s RFID Solutions demonstrated the transformative power of RFID technology in outdoor yard management. By embracing RFID, they achieved a remarkable 30x improvement in efficiency and accuracy. This not only saved them time and resources but also empowered them to deliver better customer service and optimize their sales and rental operations. As RFID technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative solutions that will further revolutionize asset management across various industries.