A RFID Device to Improve Shelf Replenishment Efficiency

This paper presents a feasibility analysis of radiofrequency identification, RFID, applied to item level inventory, specifically for smart shelves systems, in order to improve shelf replenishment efficiency, preventing stock-outs. As a proof of concept, a smart shelf prototype was developed to investigate the performance of the state-of-the-art RFID. Some technology fundamentals are explained to ease the understanding of the case study. The challenges of a retailer-oriented application are discussed, as well as the architecture proposed as a solution. The equipments acquired for the tests and the experimental procedures applied to choose the best arrangement are described in a concise form. The results are presented as tables and comparative graphics comprising performance and the conditions in which those equipments worked. The conclusion of this paper shows the achieved performance ratings, summarizing the feasibility of this technology to systems of smart shelves.