In the medium- and large-scale removals sector, the complexity lies not only in the transport itself. It lies in what happens before and after: collections, temporary storage, waiting periods, and redeliveries. Every stage carries the risk of losing track of an item, leaving it behind in a container, or being unable to answer the customer’s simplest question with certainty: “Where are my belongings?”
UHF RFID tracking using Z Automation’s ZWMS platform transforms this scenario. It is not a question of replacing existing procedures, but of enhancing them, making them automatic and error-free.
The problem with manual management
Many removal companies label each item manually at the time of collection. However, without automatic scanning technology, the processes of checking items in, storing them and checking them out of the warehouse remain manual, slow and prone to error.
The specific risks:
- Disputes and complaints that damage a company’s reputation.
- Losing track of an item whilst it is in temporary storage.
- Leaving a piece of furniture in a container for days or weeks.
- Not knowing the exact location of a customer’s goods.
- Errors during delivery: items swapped or missing.
The solution: an integrated RFID ecosystem
Z Automation has designed a comprehensive ecosystem based on UHF RFID and managed by ZWMS, the tracking software.
Key components:
- ZWMS for recording each scan, including date, time, device and associations.
- Premium UHF RFID tags (4×2″ format) attached to each item upon collection. Reliable readings up to 16 metres, operating temperature range from -40°C to +85°C.
- Zebra ZT231R industrial printer for printing and encoding labels, with reels of 3,000 tags.
- Rugged Chainway handheld readers (Android 11, IP65, resistant to drops from 2.4 metres) for manual searches and container inventories.
- RFID gates for the mass identification of incoming and outgoing goods.
How the process works
- On collection from the customer: the goods are labelled and scanned before loading. A ‘digital passport’ is created for each item.
- On arrival at the warehouse: the metal containers are filled; the system knows exactly which goods have arrived and in which container.
- During storage: it takes just a few seconds to locate a specific item amongst dozens of containers using a handheld scanner.
- At the time of final dispatch: all goods are scanned again. The system confirms that nothing has been left behind.
- Upon return: full traceability of what is being returned, when and in what condition.
Measurable results
- Goods inspection time reduced by up to 80 per cent compared with manual processing.
- Zero loss of goods within warehouses and containers.
- Accurate tracking of every single item, even after weeks in storage.
- Complete confidence from the end customer, who knows their goods are tracked at all times.
- Seamless integration with the existing management system.
- Automatic reports and simplified audits.
Why Z Automation?
For over 10 years, we have been developing bespoke RFID solutions, even in challenging environments such as those involving metal containers. We offer consultancy, installation and support in Italian. RFID systems are eligible for Industry 4.0 incentives.
Conclusion
If you run a removal company, RFID tracking isn’t a luxury: it’s the practical solution to a problem that costs you time, money and your reputation. Contact us for a personalised consultation
Contact us today for a free consultation
Zautomation – Via Mameli, 14 – 21013 Gallarate (VA)
info@zautomation.it | +39 340.635.640