Although all industries are always at the forefront of technology, there is one sector that often has a hard time catching up with the others: fashion.
The fashion and apparel industry is a complex worldwide network. Because of this reason, different brands and players usually encounter challenges in finding the right technologies to adopt and implement in the shortest time possible.
However, there is one technology proving its ease of use and multifunctionality in the fashion and apparel industry that many businesses have no difficulty adopting: RFID.
Radio frequency identification or RFID technology uses radiofrequency waves to transfer data wirelessly.
This technology allows users to identify and track assets and inventory with RFID tags automatically.Moreover, the processes become quicker and more efficient since RFID readers can read these chips without a line of sight, up to a range of over 20 meters.
These features make RFID in Dubai a popular solution for many businesses in the fashion and apparel sector.
RFID Technology Applications in the Fashion and Apparel Industry
At present, RFID technology is used in various ways that offer several benefits to businesses in the clothing sector. These applications include:
1. Preventing the counterfeiting of products
Each year, the fashion and apparel industry suffers from immense revenue losses due to counterfeiting. It is a global problem that does not have any clear end in sight.
Various types of garments and accessories, including luxury bags from established local and international brands, are replicated with ones with a usually inferior quality, and sold under another name or company without the original brand owner’s authorization.
As a result, these knockoffs undermine the status of and profits generated by the authentic products.
RFID systems offer brands a failsafe way to ensure their products reach their destination securely.
Manufacturers and authorized distributors can attach RFID tags to their merchandise. Consumers can then ensure the authenticity of the apparel and accessories they purchase by using an app to scan these microchips embedded in the product.
These chips also allow manufacturers and consumers to monitor their products throughout the supply chain.
2. Tracking samples efficiently
Many fashion and apparel brands send samples of their prototypes or products to companies or individuals, such as magazines, online publications, and influencers, to review or use in their events.
These samples are also at high risk of being counterfeited and lost.
Brands can embed microchips in their samples to track them. Because of this, they will know exactly where their products are, whether they are on their way to the recipient, delayed, or lost.
If the company requests their samples back, they can also track the movements of the samples and check their authenticity once they get those back.
With RFID technology, fashion and apparel companies can reduce their sample loss significantly.
3. Managing inventory properly
Fashion and apparel labels can also use RFID technology to improve inventory management practices.
An RFID solution makes it easier for persons in charge of inventory to identify, count, receive, track, and re-stock items on an as-needed basis. It also reduces their work yet still allows them to maintain accuracy if they use a scanner that does not require a direct line of sight for the tags to be read.
Additionally, garments with RFID tags permit employees to know exactly where they are in the storeroom or warehouse. This facilitates a faster search for products they need, even with conducting scheduled inventories.
An improvement in inventory control and management also enables companies to know exactly what they need to produce or order without overspending and overstocking. This, in turn, can help them reduce waste and save a lot of money.
4. Improving the in-store shopping experience
Retailers need all the help they can to stand out from their numerous competitors and boost customer traffic and sales. An RFID system can give them the edge they need.
Retailers can use RFID technology in various innovative ways to increase customer visits, sales, and profits.
For one, the microchips in the garments can give shoppers additional information they will appreciate knowing, such as how the item was produced or what other colors and sizes they come in. Customers only need to use their mobile phones to get these details.
They can do this without sifting through aisles or racks, allowing them to cut the time they spend shopping.
Another novel way of improving the customer shopping experience is installing screens inside fitting rooms and connecting them with the RFID system. With this technology, shoppers can see clothes in different colors and sizes and find out if they are available.
This application also ensures the customer shopping experience is quicker and more efficient. They can also try more clothes without going in and out of the fitting room several times.
Retailers that want to implement a self-checkout service can also integrate RFID technology with a Point of Sale or POS system. They simply outfit their stores with tables that read the microchips. Shoppers can then place the items they want to buy on top of them and pay by using the attached tablet or iPad.
This service gives customers a more convenient, stress-free shopping experience since it does away with long lines and reduces wait times.
5. Organizing fashion events that stand out
Lastly, RFID can also be used in organizing and hosting fashion events that can be imprinted in people’s minds for a long time and help brands achieve their goals.
Event planners can integrate RFID technology and event planning software to enhance the onsite registration or check-in process. Organizers can insert RFID tags into invitations which the reader will scan at the entrance to detect when a guest with an invitation has arrived.
Once detected, organizers will see the guest details on their devices. They can then provide the attendee information about their seats and other particulars.
With this check-in strategy, guests won’t have to bring out their paper invitations to enter the venue, making the entire process faster and more convenient. It is also a great way to impress all attendees.
Well-known fashion and apparel brands have already started using RFID systems to their advantage. With the different ways this technology can be used, expect to see more of their applications in this industry in the near future.
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