How RFID technology become the benchmark for retail reform

How RFID technology become the benchmark for retail reform



How RFID technology become the benchmark for retail reform


A British study shows that more than a quarter of British apparel retailers are using #RFID technology in their stores. These retailers include Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Tesco F & F, ASDA George and others.

Apparel retailers are using RFID technology in their stores

These studies were conducted last year and found that 20% of companies are testing RFID tags点击打开链接 and 15% will try the technology in the coming months. GS1 UK says inventory accuracy is a major driver of RFID adoption. Other drivers include inventory visualization and availability, loss prevention, supply chain automation and innovation. The use of RFID is expected to reduce retailers' 50% inventory and save 80% -90% inventory management time.

The results also show that small brands are also enjoying the benefits of RFID, especially in supply chain visualization and inventory accuracy.

Case Study: Gieves & Hawkes Install RFID System to Prevent Loss and Track Inventory To improve inventory visibility and prevent damage, Gieves & Hawkes, the men's clothing retailer, deployed an RFID system at its Birmingham store. The program can track the stores and stores inside the house clothing to prevent unpurchased items out of stores and update inventory data. The store will also expand RFID deployment at its new store. The technology is provided by the RFID solution company Catalyst.

Gieves & Hawkes A London-based high-end, tailor-made and ready-to-wear clothing retailer with 200 stores in China and eight stores in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1771, the company is one of the first tailor shops in the world. Over the past centuries, British royals and royal armies have crossed the brand's custom suits and clothing.

The store ran into a problem when it came to deploying RFID technology: how to ensure that there is no out-of-stock items. Stores want to have stock at any time. However, there is no storage for each size in the store. Therefore, timely replenishment has become very important.

In 2015, the company began installing RFID technology at the new store. According to Lee Adams, marketing manager, the company's goal is to ensure item safety and optimize inventory management. The RFID-based EAS not only triggers alerts when uncollectible items leave the store, but also knows the item's information. In addition, RFID can also provide replenishment information and inventory analysis. Because stores have records of items removed, stores can then call actions to prevent them.

When receiving the item, the company attaches a UHF passive RFID tag to each item (including cufflinks, socks, jackets, shirts). These data are stored in a cloud-based platform. Store staff use RFID readers weekly inventory. After the reader reads the tag ID, the tag ID is transmitted to the cloud server through the WiFi connection. The software compares the results with the inventory and sends a replenishment report to the store manager indicating which items need replenishment.

In addition, the cashier also installed a desktop RFID reader点击打开链接. After the customer checks out, the employee reads the RFID tag, and the tag is disabled so that the reader will not read the tag anymore.

Three readers are installed at the door: one main reader and two secondary readers for data transfer. All three readers are mounted on wooden ceilings and are 3.2 meters tall. Therefore, they also act as an EAS device. The store has configured the reader antenna to read only when items pass through the gate. The reader will sound a warning when it reads the tag ID and alert the store manager. With the RFID system, the store's inventory accuracy increased to 98.5%.

"The adoption of RFID technology in the retail market is approaching a critical point, Gieves & Hawkes is just one example, and is being deployed at other retailers."

Once RFID tags are used, the retailer can identify the item at each retail stock location. Survey respondents said inventory accuracy, on average, has risen from 63% to 95%, making it easier for consumers to get the goods when they need it, thereby increasing brand affinity and sales.