Key Steps for Enhancing Inventory Accuracy and Efficiency
In today’s retail environment, rising customer expectations and the growing complexity of omnichannel operations make accurate inventory management a must-have. Poor inventory accuracy doesn’t just impact operations—it results in lost sales, shrinkage, and a diminished customer experience.
As a result of these challenges, retailers are turning to advanced technologies that deliver real-time visibility and precision. Two approaches are gaining momentum: pairing ubiquitous barcode systems with AI-powered machine vision and adopting RFID technology for real-time traceability. While RFID has been around for years, it has evolved into a mature, widely adopted solution—offering a range of devices and applications to suit various operational needs.
Step Into Action: Start with RFID
Retailers across the globe are achieving measurable success with RFID. So, the question isn’t just why RFID, but how to get started.
It enables fast, non-line-of-sight batch scanning, drastically reducing manual effort and cycle time. Leveraging RFID not only allows better stock control but also the implementation of advanced fulfilment strategies. In short, RFID turns inventory strategy into an executable reality. RFID is powerful—but only when deployed with purpose. The two foundational steps can help build a scalable, results-driven approach:
1. Define Your Inventory Scenario
Before choosing devices or software, clarify your inventory goals and workflows:
- What are you tracking? Items, cartons, or pallets?
- When will it be used? At what stage of inventory management?
Align these metrics with strategic outcomes such as improved fulfilment speed or sales lift.
2. Select the Right Tools for the Job - Inventory Management
Whether in-store or in the distribution centre, the right RFID solutions make all the difference in inventory management:
| Tool/Element | Purpose | In-Store | DC |
|---|---|---|---|
| RFID Label | Identify things at the item/carton/pallet level and enable tracking. | Standard labels, on-metal labels | |
| RFID Mobile Printer | Encode and print RFID labels for on-the-go and occasional tagging. | Suggested model(s): Alpha-40L RFID | |
| RFID Desktop Printer | Encode and print RFID labels at fixed locations with moderate volume requirements. | Suggested model(s): TH240 RFID, T800 RFID | - |
| RFID Industrial Printer | Encode and print RFID labels at fixed locations with high-throughput and/or special RFID tags. | Suggested model(s): MB241 RFID, T4000 RFID, T6000e RFID | |
| RFID Handheld Readers | Pair with mobile computers for on-the-go inventory checks and cycle counts. | Suggested model(s): RFR900, RFR901 | |
| RFID Fixed Readers | Automate scans at entry/exit points with a longer reading range. | Suggested model(s): FR900, FR901 | |
These tools integrate into everyday workflows, enabling businesses to act faster, reduce errors, and maintain visibility across the supply chain.
From Visibility to Unified Execution
Inventory accuracy is a competitive advantage—but only if you act on it. When inventory data is reliable, stores can fulfil with confidence, warehouses can ship with accuracy, and leadership can plan with clarity. Real-time inventory visibility empowers faster replenishment, improved customer experiences, and fewer errors across stores and DC operations. Accuracy and efficiency aren’t just operational wins—they’re enablers of unified commerce.
Check out our Solution Guide for more information on how to start your unified commerce journey. Discover purpose-built RFID solutions designed to help organisations execute inventory management accurately and efficiently with precision and confidence.