Course Overview

What are electronic identification systems used for? Electronic identification systems in the supply chain provide the identity of each physical item in a timely and automated manner. Through these identification systems, information regarding an item is available real time and this helps assess the current situation and future status of a product. Introduction of such systems in the supply chain improves tracking and tracing of goods from start to end, mitigating risks and predicting and eliminating challenges along the way. Such systems aid in better and safer decision making regarding systems and processes of the supply chain. Electronic identification systems are surely changing the face of operations of the supply chain in terms of efficiency and accuracy.

This training course will empower you with the required skill and understanding to effectively introduce and manage technical electronic identification systems in your organization for better security, data management and ease of operations. The topics covered through this course will help you understand the working of most electronic identification systems in the supply chain to be able to choose one that would best suit your purpose for implementation. Building your skill and expertise in working with electronic identification will not only increase your opportunities to secure higher positions and responsibilities in your organization but also contribute to leaner operations and growth of your organization.

Course Objectives

The primary objective of this training course is to empower professionals with—

• The required skills, confidence and capabilities to handle and work with electronic identification systems
• In-depth understanding and experience to introduce and customize electronic identification systems as per the requirements of your organization, thereby building credibility and potential for further opportunities
• The necessary understanding and information to choose the appropriate electronic identification system and related features to suit the purpose
• The skill and confidence to train other professionals on effectively using electronic identification systems
• The ability to contribute to leaner operations for your organization, thus supporting growth
• The potential to mitigate maximum risks through readily available data and information through the identification systems
• Adequate knowledge and a complete skillset to work with different types of electronic identification systems to make optimal use of them, thus increasing scope of opportunities for career growth and progression
• The ability to use the data through these systems for trend analyses and effective decision making with regard to the supply chain
• Sufficient understanding of technical aspects of electronic identification systems and advanced methods used therein for effective use in organizations

Training Methodology

Trainers conduct training in a mixed format, practical and theoretical. The theoretical part of training is delivered by an experienced expert in the relevant domain. The practical aspect of training is ensured through group participation of trainees, experience sharing, assignments and role-plays. Discussion of relevant case studies also helps increase relevance to the study.

Organization Benefits

Organizations of professionals enrolling for this course will benefit in the following ways:

• Optimal introduction and application of electronic identification systems for tracking and recording purposes
• Reduced costs and leaner operations resulting in better capacity to handle a growing business
• Greater employee and/or client satisfaction because of reduction in human/mechanical intervention
• Increased efficiency and accuracy because of readily available, electronically derived data
• Reduced risks and lesser scope for error because of automation
• Organizational growth because of better risk assessment and management, increased investments, leaner operations, greater profit margins, etc.
• Better data maintenance and faster retrieval for reference purposes
• Increased awareness of all employees regarding the benefits of using electronic identification systems
• Competitive advantage with regard to automated, smart and accurate tracking systems in the industry

Personal Benefits

Professionals undertaking this course will derive the following benefits:

• Detailed understanding and experience of electronic identification systems for data tracking and recording purposes
• Increased skill and capabilities to identify suitable electronic identification systems for one’s organization and successfully implement them
• Greater experience and knowledge of advanced tools and methods followed for electronic identification processes, building one’s competency to undertake similar roles in other organizations or industries
• Increased exposure, experience and confidence to train other professionals to work with electronic identification systems
• Enhanced skillset and capabilities to introduce leaner operations for one’s organisation, thereby increasing automation, reducing costs, etc.
• Increased ability, experience and confidence to work with different electronic identification systems and be able to choose the one best suitable to a particular purpose, in turn increasing one’s chances to work with other organisations or industries
• Increased ability and confidence to contribute to organizational growth through various facets of improvement in various aspects of an organization’s functions
• Greater ability to work with real-time data from the identification systems and conduct trend analyses for effective decision making

Who Should Attend?

• Members of the information technology team of an organization responsible for intervening and making all decisions related to any software or automation introduced within the organization
• Senior management of the organization who provide strategic inputs and necessary approvals for procurement and implementation of such systems in the organization
• Other employees who would need to use these systems within the organisation
• Clients, vendors and stakeholders who are likely to be required to use the electronic identification systems
• Investors and shareholders of organizations planning to procure and implement electronic identification within their processes
• Any other professional who would like to know more about effective application of electronic identification systems

Course Outline

The course covers the following topics regarding effective application of electronic identification systems:

Overview of Electronic Identification Systems in Supply Chain Management

• Definition
• Advantages and disadvantages
• Types of electronic identification systems
  • Electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems
  • Radio-frequency identification (RFID)
  • Bar codes

Aims of Electronic Identification Systems

• Specifications for low cost readers and tags
• Global standards for identity numbering scheme and product information specification
• Open, global network specification for interchanging product data

Components of a Barcode System

• X dimension
• Ratio
• Density
• Height

Benefits of Barcodes in Supply Chain Management

• Lesser scope for human error
• Less employee training time
• Inexpensive
• Versatile
• Readily available data

Benefits of RFID-Based Systems Over Barcodes

• Scanned automatically without human intervention
• More accurate data
• Higher speed
• Ease of scanning/reading content of conveyances
• Not influenced by weather conditions
• Can provide rough location information
• Unique identity to products

Components of an RFID-Based Electronic Identification System

• Unique identification number
• Identity tag
• Networked RFID readers and data processing systems
• Networked databases

Type of Information Received through RFID Scanners

• Order ID number
• Product bin location
• Order status
• Serial numbers
• Location logs

Challenges Using RFID Technology

• High costs
• Lack of standards
• Complicated integration
• Security and privacy risks
• Environmental issues