Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a way that every thing (not just each kind of thing, but every thing itself) can identify itself to a system of information.
Announced November 27, 2009, Gerry Weber will become the first German retail company to roll out RFID technology combining inventory management and loss prevention. Gerry Weber will be using an Avery Dennison RFID solution in over twenty-five million garments a year through an RFID chip embedded in a care label. This solution will optimize Gerry Weber logistics and retail processes, reduce theft and ensure stores are well stocked with popular items.
The Avery Dennison RFID fabric care labels will be applied in the manufacturing process, eliminating the need for retail staff to fit and remove conventional bulky security tags in-store which can be time-consuming and costly. The Avery Dennison RFID label is automatically deactivated after the customer has paid for the goods at the checkout.
RFID allows for data capture without the need for line of sight or physical contact, so the Avery Dennison solution will enable Gerry Weber Group to significantly improve its inventory management and logistics processes, bringing faster and more accurate goods receipt, improved control and visibility of stock and simplified stock taking.
The RFID inlay, also from Avery Dennison, is incorporated in a care label and is washable up to 140 degree Fahrenheit and can be dry cleaned. This makes it possible to trace garments from production to point of sale, even if they are washed or dry cleaned in the process.
Tests of the new RFID system in Gerry Weber stores have been extremely successful and Gerry Weber will roll out the solution to more than 150 of its own branches next year.
More than 90 per cent of all RFID labels used in the textile industry are supplied by Avery Dennison.