Sounds like an application for RFID tags. Like Gen2 RFID.
The tags are often used at the Pallet Level. As pallets are unloaded from the truck's trailer (with maybe a forklift or pallet jack) and into the warehouse or distribution center, the tags are read at the portal (the big door into the warehouse). The system, after reading the pallet's tag, will tell the forklift driver where to store the materials (inventory tracking, shelf location, etc)
RFID tags are often used on the individual boxes that are on the pallet. And then, where in the warehouse the boxes are located (often sing an RFID tag for the shelf). Later, as boxes are moved from "inventory" in the back of the store to the retail floor, the box is read at doorway between inventory and the retail shelf. This tracks inventory as it's consumed within the establishment. Monthly "Inventory" operation can then be changed to every 2 or 3 months.
Huge savings in the above, even in a low margin retail application. Which pays for the RFID tag (less than 10 cents)
RFID Gen2 tags are more expensive than simple EAS tags that the consumer sees on the individual retail items. That tag, on the
individual item, is simpler & cheaper (a penny or two) than the RFID labels on the "box" or "Pallet".
One tidbit I remember: A pallet of dual blade razors for shaving can cost approx a quarter million, yes $250,000. Retailers don't want to have a "missing" pallet stored somewhere in the warehouse. "Lost Sales" due to not finding warehouse-stored items to replenish retail shelves is the nightmare scenario for retailers. ie: They have the stuff to make the sale, they can't find it. Or due to inaccurate inventory data, they can't quickly find it.
The military, with massive amounts of material to ship/store/distribute/track was very, very appealing.
Where's our stuff? Where's that ammo pallet?
Hey Indiana, where's the Lost Arc?
For you, if a
shopper anti-theft system is needed at the individual level (vs pallet or box), RFID may be too expensive and overkill. EAS tags may be adequate. (see: Checkpoint)
Good luck!
Fastb