SOURCE ID RFID Technologies and Data Capture Solutions

SOURCE ID RFID Technologies and Data Capture Solutions

RFID - a vital link for streamlining in-store inventory and supply chain management Source ID believes that worldwide demand for RFID based technology is expected to grow over the next few years. It has been reported that item-level apparel tagging will expand dramatically, with an annual growth rate of almost 40% percent through 2016 across the US and European markets. There are several reasons why there will be an explosion in retail RFID usage: Automating manual scanning, eliminates line of sight requirements, and places more data on the tag vs. bar codes Tracking and tracing everything at an individual, itemized, serialized level will increase Ongoing emphasis on continuous improvement, whether through formal Lean programs or through other initiatives The need to gain competitive advantage through automation The increase of regulatory requirements and compliance mandates Growing supply chain complexity and virtualization Expanding usage of RFID and scanners in mobile devices such as tablets, smart phones, and pointof-sale (POS) systems

The primary benefits of RFID Technology over standard barcode identification: RFID Technology is having a significant impact on many businesses and can deliver valuable benefits; from tracking manufacturing workin-progress, to speeding up throughput in a distributor s warehouse. Now that the technology is standardized, it is used more and more for traceability and authentication and to provide real-time (or near real-time) visibility throughout the supply chain. Information stored on the tag can be updated on demand Large data storage capacity, (up to 4k bits); high read rates Ability to collect data from multiple tags at a time Data collection without line-of-sight requirements Longer read range Greater reliability in harsh environments Greater accuracy in data retrieval and reduced error rate

Apparel Retailers are leading the way... The fact is, apparel retailers have quietly begun adopting item-level RFID initiatives. They know that for higher value products, RFID-enabled traceability can provide 100 percent inventory accuracy, giving retailers visibility into what is selling, where, and when. Staff can perform cycle counts in just seconds, while performing the tasks far more accurately than manual counting or even bar code scanning (up to 25 times faster and close to 30% more accurate). Furthermore, the ability to know that a specific item is available when a customer walks into the store helps ensure the sale and enhances the customer experience. Published projects to date have identified several operational advantages from item level RFID, but all of them stem from the same core value: superior inventory accuracy leads to reduction in out of stocks and markdowns, reduced buffer stock and re-order thresholds, reduced shelf space per SKU and better customer service. Beyond inventory management, retailers can glean powerful metrics that marketing departments can use to create branding and customer loyalty campaigns. Integrating RFID scanners with the retailer s local and global enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems provides data rich, real-time visibility into demand, supply chain planning, and inventory management for better sales forecasting and fulfillment again, improving customer service. Lastly, item-level systems can help find misplaced inventory, and if coupled with electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology, provide better control of theft by identifying specifically which items have been stolen as they pass through readers at store exits. Best-in-Class retailers are ensuring speed-to-market through mobility and RFID technology in-store, in the warehouse, and in the supply chain.

Source ID RFID technologies and Data Capture Solutions For over thirty-five years Source ID has been an innovator in providing data capture systems and in the design and manufacture of tags and labels for product merchandising and inventory control in demanding retail and industrial environments. Source ID s experts are available to assist you with all aspects of planning; site survey and implementation of your RFID and RF or batch data collection projects. Plus, our years of experience in developing eye-catching graphic product branding programs coupled with variable ondemand printing systems, allows us to easily provide you an inhouse imprinting system or through our Global Ticket Service Bureau, to provide you preprinted bar code and encoded RFID tags and labels. Our objective is to provide you the advanced inventory tracking tools and product branding that you require to control your business and meet your customers expectations. Source ID and Academia have come together to create the Experts team for RFID Technology implementation: Source ID has partnered with Academia RFID, an industryleading RFID Centre of Excellence and a traceability hub with highly qualified resources such as PhD University Professors, Industrial Engineers, RF Lab Researchers, SAP Certified Consultants, International Logistics Experts and a Microsoft Impact award-winning RFID Software Development Team.

Source ID RFID technologies and Data Capture Solutions RFID PROJECT METHODOLOGY: The Source ID / Academia team works to simplify any RFID project and facilitate its implementation by approaching all projects with the following methodology: Needs Analysis: Working with our clients, we first address core fundamental questions Why is the client considering using RFID technology? What does the client wish to achieve by using RFID technology? What are the key operational concerns within the client s company? Is it Inventory control: At the warehouse, distribution center or retail floor? or Is it an issue in the back room, at retail POS, or shelf replenishment, or item location on the retail floor? or Is it inventory cycle counts, sales analysis or loss prevention? Along with the RFID project stakeholders, the Source ID/ Academia RFID team will conduct a needs analysis and assessment of the objectives; followed by a site survey to identify pain points and application opportunities within the client s existing business processes.

Source ID RFID technologies and Data Capture Solutions Process Design: While looking at the current as is processes and properly designing the to be operational processes, our RFID engineering team will review the existing business processes to take into account and include RFID technology. A case summary will be provided and validated by all parties involved and will serve as the reference document for the solution design. RFID chips inlays with antennae Solution Evaluation: Can the client s current software and hardware handle RFID? What additional software and hardware, besides RFID equipment and tags, may be required? What software development, writing, implementation and integration into the client s platform will be required? Upon assessment of the solutions, our technical experts will benchmark the most mature and proven application that best meets the objectives identified in the needs analysis by evaluating the software, hardware and tags required. If software solutions are required, our Technical Experts and Software Team (TESTeam) can then provide the prospectus of what will need to be written and our engineering team can either provide existing software (if it exists) or carry out the development of any new and customized solutions. SOLUTION RECOMMENDATION AND ROI JUSTIFICATION: Development of budget and ROI analysis for the project (pilot projects and full implementation). Based on the RFID solution, the Source ID / Academia RFID consulting team will scrutinize, qualify and recommend the appropriate RFID hardware and software to properly support the integration of your RFID solution and, if requested, present a return on investment (ROI) report. RFID integrated into standard plastic EAS loss prevention system Source ID Item Level RFID Ticket Passive RFID cardboard tag

Source ID RFID technologies and Data Capture Solutions Pilot Design & Solution Implementation: Source ID/Academia will: Oversee the pilot implementation and full project roll-out Provide RFID hardware and software; its integration and installation:- gates, handhelds, printers, etc. Provide RFID tags: to the retailer or their vendors, for production and encoding on-site or preprinted and encoded through our Source ID Global Ticket Service Bureau Provide Testing, system installation, transition, employee training: After the client has reviewed the recommendation report and given their consent to proceed, our TESTeam will design and install a pilot version of the system to measure performance, environmental restrictions and opportunities. Afterwards, a phase-by-phase implementation approach will begin that includes installation, RFID training and client management support. Contact Us: For more information about Source ID/ Academia RFID Technologies and Data Capture Solutions, please call today to discuss your specific projects: 1-800-268-7195 or 514-747-0403, or email us: info@sourceid.ca