News | November 22, 2023

Ricoh Cuts Inspection Time By 94% With RFID Solution From Zebra Technologies

Leading Japanese print and imaging brand replaces longer inspection process to improve operational efficiency

Zebra Technologies Corporation, a leading digital solution provider enabling businesses to intelligently connect data, assets, and people, today announced Ricoh Company Ltd (Ricoh) has successfully introduced Zebra’s radio frequency identification (RFID) solution at its distribution centers in Gotemba, Kawasaki and Osaka in Japan. The deployment enhances the tracking and retrieval of multiple secure digital (SD) cards, typically installed as part of the standard checking procedure, into the multifunction copier and printers sent in for warranty claim processing.

Ricoh is a leading provider of integrated digital services and print and imaging solutions designed to support digital transformation of workplaces, workspaces and optimize business performance.

“Previously, our staff manually inspected and removed SD cards from the printers which was extremely inefficient, prone to human errors and time-consuming,” said Yu Furusawa, Head of Digital Products Business Unit, Ricoh. “After introducing RFID technology, we are now confident all installed SD cards have been removed from the copiers and printers when we are done with the checks. And this can now be done in a fraction of the time needed before.”

The manual inspection process would typically take a total of 223 minutes per month. The RFID-enabled process now takes only 13 minutes, cutting the inspection time by 94% and enabling front-line workers to focus on more strategic tasks. Additionally, the chance of losing SD cards due to human errors, such as forgetting to remove them from the copiers and printers, have also been significantly reduced with the introduction of RFID technology.

The solution implemented by Ricoh includes Zebra’s Bluetooth-enabled RFD8500 handheld RFID reader that can offer high-performance next-generation RFID and 1D/2D barcode scanning interchangeably by pairing it with a compatible Zebra or third-party mobile device. Front-line workers can either attach the mobile device to the RFD8500 sled for a complete one-piece solution or put the mobile device in a pocket and use the sled in standalone mode. Ricoh deployed Zebra’s RFD8500 with its in-house application in just around six months – from development to operation.

“RFID technology provides the most efficient, accurate way for businesses of all sizes to track, trace and monitor their assets and inventory,” said Takanori Furukawa, Sales Director for Japan, Zebra Technologies. “Many businesses assume that moving to an RFID system is a big undertaking filled with challenges. While some implementations may be more complex, RFID implementations are mostly easy and manageable, especially when you work with the right technology partner.”

Key Takeaways

  • Ricoh Company Ltd has improved its operational efficiency and minimized human errors with the implementation of RFID technology.
  • Ricoh’s RFID technology implementation has helped them achieve tremendous operational time-savings by up to 94%.

About Zebra Technologies
Zebra helps organizations monitor, anticipate, and accelerate workflows by empowering their frontline and ensuring that everyone and everything is visible, connected and fully optimized. Our award-winning portfolio spans software to innovations in robotics, machine vision, automation and digital decisioning, all backed by a +50-year legacy in scanning, track-and-trace and mobile computing solutions. With an ecosystem of 10,000 partners across more than 100 countries, Zebra’s customers include over 80% of the Fortune 500. Newsweek recently recognized Zebra as one of America’s Most Loved Workplaces and Greatest Workplaces for Diversity, and we are on Fast Company’s list of the Best Workplaces for Innovators. For more information, visit www.zebra.com

Source: About Zebra Technologies