New Balance rolls out item-level RFID

US: New Balance rolls out item-level RFID

By just-style.com | 22 January 2008

Global athletic company New Balance has implemented an item-level RFID solution to track footwear from distribution centre to retail store.

Using Vue Technology's TrueVue Platform, combined with tags from Avery Dennison Retail Information Services and handheld and fixed RFID readers and antennas from Motorola's Enterprise Mobility business, New Balance has achieved greater inventory visibility and improved item level accuracy.

"Our goal was to gain improved visibility into item-level inventory levels at every step along the supply chain - from the distribution centre to the store backroom and all the way to the retail shelf," said Jim Tompkins, president and COO of New Balance.

"The solution deployed," he said, has helped the company achieve "greater than 99.5% item-level accuracy.

"As we continue forward into the next phases, we expect this visibility to enable reductions in receiving and replenishment labour costs, reductions in inventory levels and reduced stockroom retrievals."

The TrueVue RFID platform is a scalable item-level solution that enables visibility into inventory levels, location and authenticity.

Benefits to retailers are said to include enhanced customer experience, reductions in out-of-stocks and shrinkage, increased employee productivity and increased sales.

Sectors: Footwear, Retail, Technology

Companies: New Balance, Avery Dennison Retail Information Services, Avery Dennison