As new technologies are becoming readily available, the retail industry is finding ways to keep up with current trends to improve its businesses. Most prioritize the use of innovative applications to facilitate day-to-day processes while improving overall efficiency and productivity.
RFID is one of the technologies being used by many businesses to improve their operations. Some of the advantages provided by this technology include improvements in inventory management and in other aspects of the business such as the Point of Sale (POS).
Although RFID has been around for years, recent technological advancements have made it indispensable for retailers and manufacturers looking to make positive changes to their operations and processes.
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How RFID Technology Works
RFID works by utilizing electromagnetic fields to detect and monitor tags that are embedded within or attached to products as stickers or hangtags. Typically, the system consists of tags and a reader. Each RFID tag contains a processor as well as an antenna.
The tags can be either active (battery-powered) or passive (powered by the reader). Readers are available in stationary or handheld models, and their size and strength vary depending on their specific function.
If you intend to integrate RFID technology into your business operations, consider working with the best RFID company to make sure you’re on the right track.
The Important Role Of RFID Technology In Retail Point Of Sale (POS)
Although RFID technology can be used in a variety of ways in retail, one of its main advantages is that it provides merchants access to information, such as an inventory overview.
Once integrated with the point of sale (POS) system, it can help track if a product leaves a store’s premises without being purchased. The help of technology, also ensures that products are readily available for purchase. Because all products are accounted for, there will be no disruption to the customer experience.
One of the benefits of RFID at POS is that it significantly speeds up the checkout process while also providing contactless functionality for a secure shopping experience. Because this technology can make store transactions precise, quick, and seamless, it could improve overall customer satisfaction.
5 Steps to RFID Technology Implementation In Retail
If you run a retail business and want to follow trends, proper RFID technology integration is crucial. Here are some RFID digital transformation steps that you can take, from inventory all the way up to the point of sale:
1. Determine The Problems You Wish To Address
Once you integrate RFID technology into your business operations, you need to know the issues you want the technology to fully resolve. In most cases, it often requires auditing your current processes and data to pinpoint any vulnerabilities. Obtaining feedback from customers can also provide you with valuable insights.
Some of the usual retail issues RFID technology can solve are inventory traceability and inaccuracies, product availability, cut-downs on excess stock, and operational inefficiencies, to name a few.
Luckily, these concerns have straightforward key performance indicators (KPIs) that’ll serve as a basis for understanding your current position and how your business is keeping up with the competition.
2. Choose An RFID Technology Software Provider
Choosing the right provider is critical if you want to implement RFID technology successfully. If you make an effort to scrutinize the RFID market closely, you’ll find three partner types: hardware, software, and labels.
The software aspect is critical since it should be able to process data, integrate with the current POS system, and entrust employees with user-friendly applications to ensure the seamless flow of daily operations.
When selecting a provider of RFID software, make sure your choices have a high level of credibility, the ability to ensure scalability and flexibility, years of industry experience, and a track record of delivering future-proof services.
3. Conduct A Testing Phase
Switching to RFID technology will necessitate testing the system in a real-world retail setting.
At this point, all products will be labeled with RFID tags, and store associates will be trained to use the handheld readers and mobile app for day-to-day store operations.
Generally, it entails testing your retail establishment to monitor KPIs while providing significant improvements in the daily operations and processes
4. Implement RFID Features In Stages
Although enabling all RFID features at once may seem beneficial to some retailers, this isn’t always the case.
The best approach is to implement it in stages so that any changes in daily processes and IT requirements can be dealt with efficiently.
One of the best practices for RFID implementation is improving the fundamental processes that can bring your business the most immediate return on investment (ROI). In general, these consist of stocktakes and replenishment to improve inventory accuracy and product availability on the floor.
Making these two KPIs your top priority may help you increase sales. From there, you can continue to implement RFID throughout your business operations.
5. Enable Omnichannel Services
After you’ve established the foundations of stock accuracy and on-floor availability, your next move is to connect online and offline operations.
Omnichannel services such as buy-online-pick-up-in-store (BOPIS) and ship-from-store are becoming a trend as consumers demand the capability to shop anytime, anywhere, and in any way available.
However, it’s crucial to ensure you can easily provide these retail services to avoid customer complaints. If you overlook inventory accuracy, you may not be able to deliver these capabilities consistently.
In addition, your business may be selling products that aren’t readily available when it lacks real-time inventory. Customers who make an effort to find a specific product only to discover that it’s unavailable may have a negative experience.
This method, in general, involves connecting inventory from your store networks with distribution centers and online stores to produce a single transparent stock overview.
Final Thoughts
RFID technology in retail will continue to make processes and operations more seamless and efficient in the coming years. Implementing RFID technology at the POS provides several advantages, including improved customer experience with touchless checkout, increased inventory accuracy, and overall efficiency. All of this translates to smoother business operations and higher productivity, ensuring rapid growth for your company.
