The apparel manufacturing industry perpetually faces challenges in coping with the latest trends and technologies. With a complex global network, apparel manufacturers and brand owners often struggle to identify the most suitable technologies to enhance their business functions. However, one technology, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), has consistently proven its multifunctionality and ease of use in the industry.
RFID has been quickly embraced by the apparel industry, and for good reason. This technology empowers businesses to automatically detect and track inventory and assets using RFID tags. The process is swift and efficient, as RFID tag readers can read tags within a range of 20 meters and beyond.
RFID finds application in various areas within the apparel industry, including manufacturing, warehousing, inventory control, distribution, automatic object tracking, supply chain, and logistics. It is no surprise that leading apparel brands are implementing this technology to explore its influence on their business operations.
How Do RFID Tags Work?
RFID technology is best described as a unique identification technique that comprises different elements, such as tags, readers, application software, etc.
In the apparel industry, RFID clothing tags or transponders are used. These small objects can be easily embedded on any surface and contain chips that store data specific to each product. The tags contain encodable information about the product, such as batch number, price, manufacturing data, and company name.
RFID readers emit consistent radio waves to capture product-related data from nearby tags. When the tag comes into proximity with the RFID reader, it is activated, and it retrieves data from its memory. This data is then sent to the associated application software for analysis and processing.
RFID Applications and Benefits in the Apparel Industry
RFID technologies can significantly enhance supply chain management by reducing inventory losses, increasing process speed and efficiency, and improving information accuracy. Some of the major applications of RFID in the apparel industry include:
Counterfeiting Prevention:
Counterfeiting is a grave problem in the apparel industry, resulting in substantial revenue losses every year. All types of garments, including luxury bags from established international brands, are counterfeited using inferior quality raw materials and sold without the authorization of the original brand owners. Such activities tarnish brand reputation and significantly impact profitability.
RFID systems provide a robust method for brand owners to ensure the secure delivery of their products. Both manufacturers and distributors can employ RFID tags for their merchandise. Consumers can scan the microchips embedded in RFID tags to verify the authenticity of apparel or accessories. These chips empower consumers and manufacturers to monitor products throughout the supply chain, thereby deterring counterfeiting.
Efficient Sample Tracking:
Many apparel brands send product samples or prototypes to individuals or companies, such as magazines, influencers, and online publications, for review. However, these prototypes are at an increased risk of loss or counterfeiting.
To ensure product safety, brands can incorporate microchips for tracking. This enables them to determine the whereabouts of the products, whether they have reached the intended recipient, encountered delays en route, or gone missing. Brands often request the return of their samples after an event. In such cases, they can track the sample movement and authenticate it upon receipt. By leveraging RFID technology, the apparel industry and brands can significantly reduce sample losses.
Inventory Management:
RFID technology is also applicable to apparel labels, significantly improving inventory management systems. This technology enables businesses to detect, count, track, receive, and restock products as needed. Moreover, it simplifies the process by providing accuracy through the use of scanners.
Apparels containing RFID tags also allow employees to track their location in the warehouse, facilitating quick searches. Improved inventory control and management enable companies to assess their needs accurately and order accordingly, preventing overstocking and unnecessary expenses. This helps them save money and reduce waste.
Better In-Store Shopping Experience:
Apparel retailers strive to differentiate themselves and increase customer traffic and sales. RFID technology provides them with a competitive edge in achieving these goals. Retailers can leverage RFID in various ways to enhance customer traffic, in-store sales, and eventual profits. Garments equipped with microchips offer shoppers convenient access to all the information they need, such as color, size, etc. Customers can simply scan the RFID tag using their mobile phone scanner to obtain all the details.
Retailers can also integrate the latest RFID technology with point-of-sale (POS) systems for self-checkout services. This fosters a convenient and hassle-free shopping experience, eliminating long queues and wait times.
Low Cost of Operations:
Implementing RFID systems ensures reduced operational costs. Brands no longer require a large workforce involved in various production processes. Manufacturers and brand owners gain real-time visibility into industry stock levels, even without their employees’ input.
RFID tags simplify the process of monitoring the supply chain, detecting missing products, and uncovering damages, thus streamlining operations and reducing costs.
Incorporating RFID technology into the apparel industry also enables:
- Raw Material Tracking: Manufacturers can now track their raw materials, such as textile fibers, using RFID technology. This allows them to monitor the quality of raw materials and ensure their suitability for making clothes.
- Finished Goods Tracking: RFID solutions enable tracking the location of materials and finished products, providing insights into delays and facilitating analysis to identify causes and resolve issues.
- Shipping Accuracy: RFID technology facilitates thorough examination of every shipment. It can even identify incorrectly packed boxes, ensuring they are repacked before being sent to retailers. As a result, it saves packaging and transportation costs.
- Customer Satisfaction: Accurately shipping the correct items within a specific time limit boosts customer satisfaction and loyalty, fostering healthy and enduring customer relationships.
Conclusion
RFID technology significantly contributes to the day-to-day operations of apparel manufacturers and brands. It provides an efficient tracking system to manage inventory, reduce costs, and enhance in-store experiences. By leveraging the benefits of RFID, apparel manufacturers can counterfeiting products, improve supply chain management, and comply with counterfeit laws in the textile manufacturing industry.
