4 Major Uses Of RFID In The Apparel And Fashion Industry
In today’s increasingly competitive market, it has become necessary for all businesses to be at the forefront of technology. However, while most industries are always in the know about the latest technologies, one sector seems to be having difficulty catching up with others: the apparel and fashion industry. This industry is a complex global network, so various players often encounter difficulties finding the right technologies to maximise in the shortest possible time.
That said, there is a specific technology currently proving its multi-functionality and ease of use in the apparel and fashion sector – radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. RFID utilises radiofrequency waves to transmit data wirelessly. Due to its capabilities, many sectors have already adopted and implemented this technology, such as RFID in retail, logistics and supply chain, automotive, healthcare, and more.
Read on to find out how RFID technology can benefit many apparel and fashion businesses.
1. Preventing counterfeit products
Every year, the apparel and fashion industry suffers enormous revenue losses due to counterfeiting. It is an international problem that seems to have no clear end in sight. Different kinds of accessories and garments, such as shirts and luxury bags, are imitated by items of typically inferior quality and sold under another brand name without the authorisation of the original brand or company.
As a consequence, these knockoffs or imitations compromise the status and revenues generated by the original products. Fortunately, RFID offers brands a foolproof way to ensure their products securely reach their destinations. Manufacturers and distributors can equip their merchandise with RFID tags, while consumers can use an app for scanning the microchips embedded in each product to guarantee the authenticity of the apparel and accessories that they purchase.
2. Efficiently monitoring samples
Many apparel and fashion brands send samples of their products to individuals or businesses – influencers, magazines, online publications, and the like – to review or use them in their events. While this is a good marketing move, it exposes the samples to the risk of being lost or counterfeited. To avoid that, brands can attach RFID tags to their samples so that they can be easily tracked and monitored.
With the help of an RFID asset tracking system, brands can know the exact location of their products and quickly detect delayed or lost items. If the business requests the return of their samples, they can also monitor the movements of the samples and determine their authenticity once they have been returned. Ultimately, with RFID, companies in the apparel and fashion industry can significantly minimise their sample loss.
3. Properly managing inventory
Apparel and fashion brands can also use RFID technology to enhance inventory management practices. An RFID inventory management solution makes it easier for businesses to determine, monitor, count, receive, and re-stock products as needed. It likewise lessens the work of those persons in charge of inventory while still allowing them to maintain accuracy.
In addition, accessories and garments with RFID tags enable employees to identify exactly where they are in a warehouse or storeroom. This then facilitates a quicker search for any products they might need. An improvement in inventory management and control also allows businesses to know exactly what they must order or produce without overstocking or overspending. As a result, they can significantly reduce their waste and save plenty of money.
4. Enhancing the in-store shopping experience
The retail industry is imbued with stiff competition. Because of this, retailers need all the assistance they can acquire to stand out from their competitors and increase their sales. RFID can provide them with the advantages that they need. Retailers can use this technology in many innovative ways to boost customer visits and profits. For one, RFID tags in the garments can provide shoppers with extra information they will likely appreciate knowing, such as what other sizes and colours they come in.
By doing that, retailers can give shoppers all the information they might need without having to sift through racks or aisles, thereby enabling them to reduce the time they spend shopping. Another great way to enhance customers’ shopping experience is to install screens inside fitting rooms and connect them with an RFID system. With such technology, shoppers can see clothes in various sizes and colours and know if they are available.
Conclusion
There are many ways in which the use of RFID can benefit businesses and increase productivity in the apparel and fashion industry. As the market becomes increasingly saturated with stiff competition, it has become necessary for companies across all industries to leverage technologies that can improve their operations and increase their profits. One of these breakthrough technologies that businesses must embrace is RFID. Through RFID, apparel and fashion brands can find it easier to stay ahead of the competition.