RFID follows in the shoes of Amazon.com and Netflix

One Billabong store located in a Brazilian mall is using RFID for not only inventory management but for increased customer involvement. The store utilizes software created by VIP-systems as well as EPC Gen 2 passive RFID tags. It uses a combination of different fixed readers as well as one CSL handheld reader for the various aspects of the RFID system.

The store implemented basic RFID inventory management functions. These include a quicker manual inventory taking (estimated to be 1 hour instead of 4), a RFID check-out procedure (instead of swiping barcodes), as well as an anti-theft system (the RFID tag gets turned off after purchase, allowing any activated tag leaving the store to raise an alarm). However, other than these more run-of-the-mill RFID applications, the store utilizes some very creative RFID solutions.

The first creative use is the fact that their store shelves are actually smart shelves, reading whatever is on them. This allows employees to easily know when something has been misplaced or mis-shelved. This ability allows employees to be incredibly efficient as well as providing the groundwork for even more creative uses.

The creative use I am referring to is actually located in the dressing room. Customers go into the dressing room with their desired clothes. There an RFID reader identifies the items. A touch screen in the dressing room mirror can then be used to show coordinating garments for each item you brought in. In addition, it can show the available colors and sizes within the store. Billabong went one step further. A customer can then press a button to request an employee bring the additional item(s) directly to the dressing room.

This system of suggesting coordinated apparel is present outside of the dressing room as well. Customers can take an item off the shelves, wave it next to an RFID reader, and be shown coordinating items on an IPad display.

Is this not an amazing store? This system reminds me of Netflix or Amazon.com in that they can actually suggest items for you to consider. Could this system be taken even further? Could your customer loyalty card quickly become an RFID database of recent purchases? A system like this could quickly lead to emails or other notifications concerning items suggested specifically for you. As Netflix and Amazon both know, suggesting items can be one of the easiest forms of upselling. Could RFID do this for you?

Do you have an innovative business idea which could use RFID? Do you want to use a RFID inventory system to reduce costs and increase profitability? If so, contact Ron Pulvermacher of Matrix Product Development. With more than 20 years of experience with RFID Ron has the expertise to make your RFID dream a reality. Call him at 608-834-1661. Call today.