Although generally thought to be the most common method of applying RFID labels in DCs, slap-and-ship (slap a printed label on the case manually then ship) is not as prevalent as once believed.

A study recently conducted by ARC Advisory Group indicates that automation for RFID application is becoming more common. Meanwhile, slap-and-ship techniques are being revamped. The study concludes that traditional slap-and-ship is proving a costly practice for many DCs. To address the labor expense, certain DCs are moving the process to more logical stages of the order fulfillment process. Some use conveyors to move product to value-added stations where a tag is applied. Elsewhere, tags are applied immediately after cases are filled in pick-to-light areas.

For more information on "RFID Deployment Best Practices," contact ARC at 781-471-1000 or visit www.arcweb.com.