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BellHawk
is compatible with the latest supply chain RFID technology.
BellHawk
works with BarTender RFID to automatically generate combination RFID
tags/barcode labels on barcode printers equipped with RFID encoder. In
doing this it takes data from its internal database and automatically
encodes the RFID tag with the correct data for the DoD, WalMart and
other customers and agencies requiring RFID tagging of shipments.
BellHawk
works with RFID portals, such as those from Symbol, to automatically
record the loading of pallets and other containers onto trucks. As
each pallet is being loaded, the portal reads the RFID tags on the
pallet. BellHawk then automatically checks the pallet contents against
the orders being loaded at that dock and can warn the material-handler
if they are not correct using a warning light over the dock. At the
completion of loading, BellHawk also automatically generates the
required Bill of Lading and Automatic Shipment Notice (or WAWF
submission) based on the pallets or other containers it has recorded
as being loaded on the truck.
The big
advantage of RFID in this application is that it avoids the need for
fork-lift truck drivers to scan pallet barcodes and barcodes by the
truck door to record the loading of trucks. This speeds the loading of
trucks and also minimizes mistakes in data recording and in loading
the wrong materials on trucks.
BellHawk
can also be used with electronic loading-door portals to automatically
record the receipt of pallets or other containers with RFID tags. In
this case, the organization shipping the pallets sends an advanced
shipment notice (ASN) describing the contents of the pallet, together
with any tracking barcodes on intermediate boxes or on serialized
products. This ASN data is stored in the BellHawk database until the
shipment arrives. Then, as each pallet is offloaded, the RFID tag on
the pallet is read and the corresponding ASN data is looked up in the
database. If the shipment has been pre-approved then the materials are
automatically received into inventory. If not, then the material
handler is directed to place the materials in a receiving quarantine
area.
Electronic
portals consist of one or two pairs of antennas located on either side
of a "gate" plus an electronics box that connects the portal to its
controlling computer over the local area network. This gate may be at
a loading or shipping dock door but in may also be at an entry of exit
door of buildings or a room in the building, such as a laboratory or
stock room. In this latter case, BellHawk is able to track the
movement of equipment and other assets inside a building and out of
the building.
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