RFID, BLE, IoT & Drones for Machinery, Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

Overview

Machinery, equipment, and supplies merchant wholesalers are businesses that specialize in the wholesale distribution of various types of machinery, equipment, and supplies to other businesses and retailers. They act as intermediaries between manufacturers and end-users, providing a wide range of products to meet the needs of different industries. Its role is to efficiently distribute products to their customers, offering competitive pricing, timely delivery, and customer support.

GAO’s RFID, BLE, IoT, and drone technologies have helped its customers in machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers’ industry to improve their work processes, their operations and productivity by better management of their staff, materials and operational equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, stretch wrap machines, carts, printers and hand trucks.

Ranked as a top 10 global RFID supplier and based in New York City and Toronto, GAO RFID Inc offers a wide choice of RFID (radio frequency identification) readers and tags at ultra-high frequency (UHF), high frequency (HF, including NFC) and low frequency (LF), BLE (Low Energy Bluetooth) gateways and beacons, and various RFID and BLE systems such as people tracking, asset tracking, access control, parking control, fleet management, WIP (work in progress), traceability. Such RFID and BLE products and systems, together with its IoT and drone technologies, have been widely used in machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers.

Applications & Benefits of GAO’s RFID, BLE, IoT & Drones for Machinery, Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

To satisfy its customers, GAO’s RFID or RFID Systems for sub-industry are offered in 2 versions. One version is that its software is running on a local server that normally is on our client’s premises, and another version runs in the cloud. The cloud server could be GAO’s cloud server, client’s own cloud server or a cloud server from one of the leading cloud server providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud (formerly SoftLayer), Oracle Cloud, RedHat, Heroku, Digital Ocean, CloudFlare, Linode and Rackspace. The above illustrates GAO system for sub-industry with its software running on a local server

The above illustrates GAO system for machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers with its software running in cloud

GAO’s RFID technologies and BLE technologies, consisting of RFID readers, RFID tags, BLE gateways, software, cloud services and their systems, have the following applications in Machinery, equipment, and supplies merchant wholesalers:

  • Inventory Visibility: GAO’s RFID tags can be attached to products and equipment, such as forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyors, hoists and safety gear, enabling real-time tracking and monitoring of inventory levels.
  • Increased Operational Efficiency: Our RFID enables automated data capture, eliminating the need for manual scanning or counting of products like hand tools, air conditioners and heaters.
  • Streamlined Receiving and Shipping Processes: GAO’s RFID tags can be scanned automatically, speeding up the receiving and shipping processes. This reduces manual labour, minimizes errors, and improves the overall efficiency of warehouse operations.
  • Real-time Asset Tracking: GAO’s BLE allows for real-time tracking of assets within a facility or across multiple locations. Wholesalers can easily monitor the location and movement of machinery and supplies, improving inventory management and reducing the risk of loss or theft.
  • Customer Experience: Our BLE can enable proximity-based interactions and personalized services for customers. For example, wholesalers can use BLE-enabled mobile apps to provide location-based offers, product information, and assistance to customers.
  • Data-driven Decision Making: Our BLE-enabled tracking and monitoring systems generate a wealth of data that can be analyzed to gain insights and make informed decisions.

GAO’s drone technologies find the following applications in the machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers’ industry:

  • Scalability and Flexibility: The combination of GAO’s RFID and drone technologies offers scalability and flexibility in adapting to changing business needs.
  • Faster Order Fulfilment: Our RFID technology combined with drones can expedite the order fulfilment process.
  • Warehouse Operations: Drones equipped with our RFID technology can assist in warehouse operations by automatically conducting regular inventory audits, performing cycle counts, and detecting discrepancies between actual and recorded inventory.

GAO’s IoT technologies, consisting of IoT sensors, sensors networks and systems, find the following applications in the machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers’ industry:

  • Integration with Other Systems: GAO’s IoT platforms can integrate with existing systems such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management), enabling seamless data exchange and process automation.
  • Predictive Analytics: Our IoT devices can collect and analyze data on equipment performance, usage patterns, and environmental conditions.
  • Remote Management: GAO’s IoT technology allows for remote management of equipment and supplies. Business owners and managers can access data and control devices from anywhere, enabling remote diagnostics, troubleshooting, and adjustments.

GAO Helps Customers Comply with Standards, Mandates & Regulations of Machinery, Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

GAO RFID Inc. has helped many companies in machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers to deploy RFID, BLE, IoT and drone systems and to ensure such deployments complying with the applicable industry standards, mandates, and government regulations:

RFID, BLE, IoT, & Drone Standards & Mandates:

  • EPC Gen2:
  • DoD RFID Mandate
  • GS1 Standards
  • Zigbee:
  • OCF (Open Connectivity Foundation)
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations
  • Transport Canada Regulations

U.S. Government Regulations:

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulations
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regulations
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Regulations
  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Regulations
  • Department of Labour (DOL) Regulations

Canadian Government Regulations:

  • Competition Act
  • Employment Standards Legislation
  • Tax Regulations

GAO’s Software Provides API

GAO’s RFID and BLE software offers a free trial for both the server-based and cloud versions, and offers an API to the important systems in machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers such as:

Personnel Management:

  • Employees
  • Productive work environment
  • Achieve organizational goals.

Equipment Management:

  • Inventory
  • Reduce costs
  • Minimize downtime
  • Customer demands effectively.

Access Control:

  • Unauthorized access,
  • Safeguard valuable assets,
  • Protect confidential information,
  • Maintain a secure working environment.

Warehouse Management:

  • Inventory levels
  • Minimize order processing times
  • Educe errors
  • Improve customer satisfaction
  • Maximize overall operational efficiency

Supply Chain Management:

  • Improve product availability
  • Enhance customer satisfaction
  • Maximize overall business performance

Other Applications:

  • Operational efficiency
  • Enhance customer service
  • Optimize sales processes
  • Stay competitive in the industry

GAO has enabled its customers to make use of some of the leading software and cloud services in machinery, equipment, and supplies merchant wholesalers. Below are some of the popular software and cloud services in machinery, equipment, and supplies merchant wholesalers, SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle HCM Cloud, Salesforce Sales Cloud, NetSuite ERP, IBM Maximo, Honeywell Access Control Systems, Zebra Technologies Warehouse Management System (WMS), Blue Yonder (formerly JDA Software) Supply Chain Management Solutions, Manhattan Associates Supply Chain Solutions, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Trade GeckDescartes Systems Group.

GAO has worked with some of the leading technology companies in machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers to provide integrated RFID, BLE, IoT and drone solutions to customers. Here are some of the technology leaders in machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers’ industry, Infor, Epicor, Siemens, Schneider Electric, ABB, Panasonic, Rockwell Automation, Omron Corporation, Cisco Systems, Dell Technologies, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), VMware.

Case Studies of RFID Applications:

Below are some RFID application cases in machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers’ industry:

Fastenal Company is a leading industrial and construction supplies distributor. RFID Implementation for Inventory Management at a Construction Supplies Distributor They faced challenges in efficiently managing their large inventory of construction supplies. Manual inventory counting and tracking processes were time-consuming and error-prone and resulted in inventory inaccuracies. The company needed a solution to streamline inventory management and improve overall operational efficiency. And the company implemented an RFID system, including RFID tags, RFID readers, and handheld RFID scanners, to automate its inventory management processes.

Ferguson Enterprises, LLC, is a leading distributor of plumbing supplies, HVAC equipment, and other construction-related products. They faced challenges in accurately tracking and managing its extensive inventory of plumbing supplies and equipment. Manual inventory counts were time-consuming, prone to errors, and led to inefficiencies in replenishment processes. By implementing RFID technology, the company was able to optimize its inventory management, streamline asset tracking, and improve overall operational efficiency, resulting in cost savings and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Motion Industries, Inc. is a leading industrial distributor in North America, providing a wide range of industrial products, including bearings, power transmission components, fluid power products, electrical supplies, and automation supplies. The company needed a solution to improve inventory accuracy, streamline warehouse processes, and enhance overall operational efficiency. By using RFID technology, the industry was able to streamline inventory and warehouse management, improve operational efficiency, and deliver better customer service.

HD Supply Holdings, Inc. is a leading industrial distributor in North America. UHF RFID tags can be attached to products and assets, enabling automated inventory tracking. HD Supply may use UHF RFID to streamline their inventory management processes, including accurate stock counts, real-time updates, and automated replenishment. It can facilitate order accuracy and efficiency. By tagging products and utilizing RFID readers, HD Supply can automate the process of picking, packing, and shipping orders, reducing errors and improving order fulfilment speed.

MSC Industrial Supply Co. is a leading North American distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products and services. UHF RFID technology is commonly utilized in the machinery, equipment, and supplies merchant wholesaling industry for various purposes. UHF RFID tags can be attached to products and assets, allowing for automated and accurate inventory tracking. This enables MSC Industrial Supply Co. to have real-time visibility of their inventory levels, streamline stock counts, and automate the reordering process.

Many applications of RFID by GAO can be found here:

Case Studies of IoT Applications

Below are some IoT application cases in the machinery, equipment, and supplies merchant wholesalers’ industry:

Smart Inventory Management an IoT system implemented by a machinery wholesaler in the USA to track inventory levels in real-time, optimize restocking processes, and reduce stockouts.

Predictive Maintenance a supplier of industrial equipment in the USA deployed IoT sensors on their machinery to monitor performance metrics and predict maintenance needs, resulting in reduced downtime and improved customer satisfaction.

Asset Tracking a large equipment wholesaler in the USA utilized IoT-enabled asset tracking solutions to monitor the movement of high-value machinery through the supply chain, improving security and visibility.

Cold Chain Monitoring a supplier of perishable goods in Canada integrated IoT temperature and humidity sensors into their shipping containers to ensure the quality and safety of products during transportation.

Energy Efficiency an industrial equipment wholesaler in Canada implemented IoT devices to monitor energy consumption and optimize equipment performance, leading to reduced energy costs and environmental impact.

Real-time Product Insights a machinery wholesaler in Canada deployed IoT-enabled devices on their products to gather real-time usage data, providing valuable insights for product improvements and customer support.

Case Studies of Drone Applications

Below are some drone application cases in machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers’ industry:

Inventory Management and Warehousing a machinery wholesaler in the USA implemented drones equipped with RFID technology to conduct regular inventory counts in their warehouses. The drones autonomously flew through the aisles, scanning RFID tags on equipment and supplies, providing real-time inventory data, and reducing the need for manual stock-taking.

Remote Site Inspection a construction equipment wholesaler in the USA utilized drones to inspect machinery at remote construction sites. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal sensors allowed for efficient and safe inspection of equipment, identifying potential issues, and streamlining maintenance processes.

Equipment Delivery and Logistics a supplier of heavy machinery in the USA experimented with drone deliveries for smaller, high-value spare parts and supplies. Drones were used to deliver urgent items quickly to customer sites, reducing delivery times and improving customer satisfaction.

Mining Equipment Inspection a Canadian machinery wholesaler serving the mining industry deployed drones to inspect large mining equipment, such as excavators and haul trucks. Drones equipped with specialized cameras and sensors enabled more efficient inspections and reduced the risk to human inspectors in hazardous environments.

Agricultural Machinery Monitoring a supplier of agricultural equipment in Canada integrated drones with precision agriculture systems. Drones equipped with multispectral cameras surveyed fields, providing valuable data on crop health and equipment performance, aiding in precision farming techniques.

Environmental Monitoring a supplier of industrial supplies in Canada used drones to monitor environmental parameters around industrial sites. Drones equipped with gas sensors and air quality monitors provided real-time data to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and identify potential hazards.

Remote Equipment Management a Canadian supplier of heavy machinery utilized IoT technology to remotely monitor and control equipment in remote locations, optimizing operations and reducing on-site visits.

GAO RFID Systems & Hardware for Machinery, Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers

GAO RFID Inc. offers the largest selection of BLE gateways, BLE beacons, RFID readers, tags, antenna, printers, and integrated RFID systems for various industries, including machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers.

BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy)

GAO offers advanced BLE gateways:

As well as versatile beacons with such important functions as temperature, humility, vibration, and panic button:

GAO’s BLE technology is suitable for many industries, including machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers:

UHF (Ultra High Frequency) RFID

GAO offers the largest selection of UHF RFID readers for various industries, including machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers.

GAO RFID offers the widest choice of UHF RFID tags, labels, badges, wristbands for various industries, including machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers:

and an array of antennas to address different applications:

HF (High Frequency), NFC (Near Field Communications) and LF (Low Frequency) RFID

GAO offers the largest selection of HF, NFC, and LF RFID readers for various industries, including machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers:

HF, NFC and LF RFID tags, labels, badges, wristbands for various industries, including machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers:

and antennas:

GAO also offers RFID printers:

Digital I/O adaptar:

and relay controllers:

For embedded applications, GAO offers UHF, HF and LF RFID reader modules:

The RFID systems by GAO are highly popular for clients in machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers.

Physical asset or operational equipment tracking system:

Assets that can be effectively tracked using GAO’s technologies include

  • Forklifts: Forklifts are essential for lifting and moving heavy equipment and machinery within the warehouse or distribution center. They help in loading and unloading trucks, organizing inventory, and ensuring efficient material handling.
  • Pallet Jacks: Pallet jacks, also known as pallet trucks, are used for moving palletized goods within the warehouse. They are ideal for short-distance transport and can handle heavy loads on pallets.
  • Conveyor Systems: Conveyor systems automate the movement of goods within the warehouse. They are used to transport equipment, supplies, and materials between different areas, such as loading docks, storage areas, and assembly lines.
  • Racking Systems: Racking systems provide efficient storage solutions for machinery, equipment, and supplies. They include pallet racks, cantilever racks, and shelving units, allowing for organized and space-saving storage of inventory.
  • Packaging Equipment: Packaging equipment such as shrink wrap machines, strapping machines, and stretch film dispensers are used to securely package equipment and supplies for shipping and distribution.

People or workers tracking system:

Personnel or people access control system:

Parking or vehicle control system:

GAO Has Served Machinery, Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers Extensively

GAO’s products and technologies have helped its customers in machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers’ industry to achieve success in e-commerce, digital transformation, IoT, artificial intelligence and augmented reality.

GAO RFID Inc. has deployed RFID, BLE and IoT projects for many companies in machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers, including many in its various divisions such as:

  • Construction Equipment: Wholesalers specializing in construction machinery, tools, and equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, concrete mixers and bricks used in building and infrastructure projects.
  • Industrial Machinery: Wholesalers dealing with industrial equipment, such as manufacturing machinery, processing equipment, and automation systems.
  • Agricultural Equipment: Wholesalers focused on agricultural machinery, including tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems, and farm implements.
  • Material Handling Equipment: Wholesalers specializing in equipment used for material handling, such as forklifts, conveyors, pallet jacks, and storage solutions.
  • Plumbing and HVAC Equipment: Wholesalers providing plumbing fixtures, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, and related components.

Here are some of the leading companies in machinery, equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers’ industry:

  • W. Grainger, Inc.: Grainger is a Leading distributor of industrial and maintenance supplies, including Machinery, tools, safety equipment, and cleaning products.
  • MSC Industrial Supply Co: MSC Industrial Supply offers a wide range of industrial products, including cutting tools, abrasives, machinery, and safety equipment.
  • Fastenal Company: Fastenal is a distributor of industrial and construction supplies, offering products such as fasteners, tools, and machinery.
  • HD Supply Holdings, Inc: HD Supply is a distributor of maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products, including machinery, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC supplies.
  • Motion Industries, Inc. (A Genuine Parts Company): Motion Industries distributes industrial parts and equipment, including bearings, power transmission products, and automation systems.
  • Anixter International Inc: Anixter supplies a wide range of products, including electrical and electronic components, networking equipment, and security systems.
  • Ferguson Enterprises, LLC: Ferguson is a wholesale distributor of plumbing, HVAC, and waterworks supplies for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
  • Wesco Distribution, Inc: Wesco Distribution offers electrical, industrial, and communications products, serving various markets, including utilities and construction.
  • Lawson Products, Inc: Lawson Products offers a diverse range of industrial supplies, including fasteners, tools, and safety equipment.
  • Border States Electric (BSE): Border States Electric is an electrical supplies and equipment distributor serving commercial, industrial, and utility customers.
  • Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.: Applied Industrial Technologies provides industrial fluid power, bearings, and maintenance products for various industries.
  • Kaman Distribution Group (A subsidiary of Kaman Corporation): Kaman Distribution Group provides a wide array of products and services, including automation, fluid power, and bearings.
  • Interline Brands, Inc. (A subsidiary of The Home Depot): Interline Brands offers maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products for facility maintenance, including plumbing, HVAC, and electrical supplies.
  • Fastline Media Group, LLC: Fastline Media Group is an agricultural equipment and machinery marketplace connecting buyers and sellers in the farming industry.
  • Crescent Electric Supply Company: Crescent Electric Supply is an electrical products distributor, supplying electrical and lighting solutions to residential, commercial, and industrial customers

Carell Corporation

Canal Equipment Incorporation

VenTek Systems Incorporation

Hiab USA Incorporation

Pactogo Incorporation

M&R Solutions Incorporation

Anixter International

Graybar Electric Company

Valmet Incorporation

Dun & Bradstreet Company

The Entwistle Company

Lee Stevens Machinery Incorporation

Fastenal Company

Grainger Company

MSC Industrial Supply Corporation

HD Supply Holdings Incorporation

Ferguson Enterprises Company

Motion Industry Incorporation

E&B Horsman & Son Company

Wajax Corporation

Wolseley Canada

Rona Incorporation

McRae Integration Limited

Guillevin International Corporation