Trade associations and technology companies have come together as part of an “Item Level RFID Initiative” to develop guidelines and standards to support the push for RFID technology across the apparel supply chain, reports just-style.
The group plans to list guidelines for RFID usage at the item level, and identify a strategy for its phased introduction – raising awareness for the value RFID technology in the retail supply chain. They also intend to support the need to protect consumer privacy when using the technology.
According to research done by the University of Arkansas, item level RFID technology can help lift inventory accuracy rates from 62% to more than 95%. It can also count 5,000 items per hour compared with just 200 when using barcodes.
Associations and technology companies already signed on include the National Retail Federation, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Solutions, American Apparel & Footwear Association, and Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. Standards organizations GS1 Canada and GS1 US are also involved.
Popular retailers, brands and suppliers including The Jones Group, Macy’s, Walmart, VF Corporation and Li & Fung have all already made the switch to RFID technology across their respective apparel supply chains.
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