The next generation of stocktaking is here.
1Logic are changing the landscape of daily stock and inventory.
Gone are the days of allocating days dedicated to stocktaking. Now you can do it in a matter of minutes.
1Logic directors Paul Heel and Jim Whelan discovered many businesses were experiencing recurring issues with manual counts, barcode checks and point of sale problems.
To solve these issues, they built a patent-pending ‘middleware’ solution called AIMS (Asset Inventory Management System) that combines RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) with software applications to simplify stock control and speed up stock checks.
“Together, we quickly confirmed existing RFID technology limitations when dealing with stacked, bulk items, which would severely limit the system’s effectiveness.
“We had to design a technology approach from scratch that would mitigate RFID’s limitations. The result was the patent-pending system we have today,” said Jim.
Jim said to solve a global RFID technology limitation and develop a product built by a team of people here in Mackay was incredibly rewarding.
“To do so with a business partner who empathises with staff demands and understands business challenges is just as rewarding. Technology may assist, but people and teams make the real difference.”
In 1974, barcodes were introduced and revolutionised the retail industry. Think back to when scanners were introduced at the check-outs. No more ‘Price check on Aisle 3’ calls.
RFID is the next evolution of stock and inventory control which is used in most industries, such as retail, heavy machinery, mining, sports, and tyres.
Unlike barcodes which need to be scanned, RFID uses radio signals, where passive or active RFID tags will respond from ranges of up to 500 metres plus.
“RFID systems rely upon a clear signal path to the tag. When items are stacked, as in the case of A1 Batterypro’s main warehouse, this signal is either weakened or undetectable.
“In the simplest terms, 1Logic’s hardware and software intelligently tracks all RFID tags and automatically updates and balances stock levels any time a tag is scanned.
“For example, a battery’s last known location is reported as the main warehouse. If the battery is moved and we scan it in an alternative location, 1Logic confirms it is the right battery type, but alerts that it is physically present in the wrong location. We then adjust the origin and destination stock levels accurately.”
Jim said because their hardware can poll hundreds of tags per second, they are seeing stocktakes taking minutes, rather than previously taking hours or days.
“We demonstrate a live, stock-check within A1Batterypro’s retail shop and main warehouse to illustrate the dramatic improvements in time and accuracy that we provide.”
Jim and Paul said they are very close to finalisation of an MVP (Minimum Viable Product), developed in conjunction with their primary client A1Batterypro. 1Logic’s technology encompasses retail, warehousing, and deliveries.
“Access to A1Batterypro’s entire logistics chain has been incredibly helpful. We can develop, test, and confirm business functions from national distribution to retail shop operations.”
For 1Logic, Mackay is the heart of support for engineering and technology and the response from industry and business for their technology has been very encouraging.
“Regional areas are often painted as ‘lagging behind’ in tech adoption, yet we have met extremely positive responses to our current build demos in the mining, retail, tyre and technology industries”.
Jim and Paul said the Greater Whitsunday business community are pragmatic, well connected, and honest, the perfect combination to be leading groundbreaking innovations in the digital age.
“We need to continue to develop and implement local and federal technology programs initiatives, and funding. Government policies are the catalyst for regional success.
“Some of the smartest people I’ve ever met hide in plain sight in the farming, logistics and support industries here, and they apply common sense to difficult problems,” Jim said.
To discover more visit: https://www.1logic.com.au/