When it comes to wireless technologies, RFID or radio frequency identification is the oldest and the most efficient. Patented in the year 1983, it is due to RFID that cutting-edge technologies such as near-field communication exist.

The RFID chips store information so that it can be shared between the objects through the radio waves and electromagnetic fields. Does not seem too exciting? Well multiple top-notch organizations all across the globe see actual potential.

Thus, over the last couple of decades, RFID has become an integral part of industries like sports, travel, healthcare, and one that you would have never expected – fashion. To know more, please check out the rest of the discussion.

Why the Various Brands are Adopting RFID?

The experts offering the best RFID inventory management solutions said many retailers and brands have started adopting the technology for various purposes. Some use it to combat the counterfeit products while others to make in-store shopping much more futuristic.

Minkoff’s Self-Checkout

Renowned fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff rolled out RFID powered self-checkout system at all her boutiques. The RFID tags are tied around say a handbag or a piece of garment. The readers read the tags and send the data to a nearby iPad. The aim is to help customers pay fast than they would with conventional cashiers.

Minkoff’s checkout does operate smoothly for most part, but, it gets a tad monotonous when one has to wait for an associate to come and manually remove the tags from the purchased product.

Now the main reason why companies experiment with RFID is because it is extremely versatile. For the Minkoff stores, the RFID tags that are used to create a fast checkout process also act as a security measure. Amazing, right? Suppose someone tries leaving without paying for something, the chips will turn on an alarm and alert the staff.

Moncler’s RFID Tag

Moncler is a French-Italian luxury fashion brand that has expressed fascination for RFID. It adopted the technology to combat the fake goods. In 2016, the brand installed RFID chips to all products, and the customers have to authenticate these via the official website or app. 

Each piece has an exclusive ID that one may scan to find out if the garments they bought recently are legit. This comes particularly handy if they get something secondhand and not from Moncler directly.

Zara’s Implementation of RFID for Restocking Racks

Zara, the biggest fashion retailer, is utilizing RFID for tracking its inventory and for restocking the racks much more quickly. As the garments are embedded with chips, every time one piece is sold, it triggers the stock room to send out for another of the same size or model. According to the Wall Street Journal, Zara has installed RFID in approximately 1000 stores throughout the world.

At the moment, RFID seems to have gained a strong footing in the fashion world, and would not be replaced anytime soon. It may be right now limited to replenishing inventory within a short period or helping detect spot counterfeits. But, as the likes of Zara, Moncler, and Minkoff continue to invest in it, RFID will soon become an indispensable resource to several brands.