Swiss sportswear company On is implementing the cloud platform of Dutch RFID-specialist Nedap. With this step, On wants to be able to track every single item seamlessly – from the manufacturing process to the consumer – worldwide. The aim is to optimise processes in factories, warehouses, distribution centres and On’s own stores. In addition, the sporting goods manufacturer also protects its branded products from being sold in unauthorised markets.
Previously, On already relied on radio frequency-based RFID technology. In a pilot project, On now also wants to test Nedap’s iD Cloud platform at numerous locations worldwide. The sportswear specialist has set itself the goal of efficiently recording all movement data for products fitted with RFID tags and being able to monitor them in real time from a single source.
On wants to use Nedap’s cloud platform to generate detailed data on individual items throughout the entire process – from production to the point of sale. Returns should also be able to be processed more quickly. ”The iD Cloud technology provides us with valuable insights into shipment expectations, origin and distribution channels and supports our commitment to delivering an exceptional brand experience while working more efficiently and sustainably,” says Craig Foster, Head of Technology at On.
Using RFID technology to combat counterfeit products
The unique product and serial numbers stored on the RFID tags significantly increase counterfeit protection and enable the sporting goods specialist to quickly identify the origin and authenticity at individual product level. This makes it easier to recognise plagiarism and remove counterfeit products from circulation. Shrinkage or other irregularities can be quickly detected via RFID reading points at typical goods transfer stations. For example, it is possible to identify products that were registered when they left production but never arrived at their destination. As a result, gaps within the supply and transport network can be found more quickly and the sale of products in unauthorised countries can be made more difficult.
In fashion retail, companies such as Adidas, C&A, Calzedonia, H&M, Inditex, Prada and Tommy Hilfiger also rely on RFID technology throughout the supply chain and for goods security. The technology gives companies a complete view of all movements of goods in production, logistics and points of sale at all times. In the grocery retail sector, RFID technology has not been able to establish a foothold at individual product level. In addition to high costs for the tags and handling, liquids and metals also interfere with the signals in the high-frequency electromagnetic field between the RFID tag and antennas.
