RFID technology
is well suited to the tracking of high-value items like
jewelry and fashion accessories. For jewelry retailers,
RFID can be particularly beneficial in assisting with
inventory management, labor productivity and theft reduction.
This solution will be built on the
iMotion RFID software platform from GlobeRanger, a global
provider of RFID solutions based in Richardson, Texas,
USA. iMotion is a complete platform that provides device
management, process management, a visual development
environment, a visual emulator and centralized monitoring
and management.
Each jewelry piece will have a passive
RFID high-frequency tag (13.56MHz) attached to it. The
tags have a diameter of about 20mm and a thickness of
3mm, and are tamper-evident. The unauthorized removal
of a tag from an item is impossible without leaving
electronic and physical evidence of tampering.
Tags are anticipated to cost between
25 and 60 cents depending on volume. The tags are not
reusable (because of the tamper evident feature), and
are offered in small round, square or branded forms
consistent with the size of current barcode tags.
The tags carry unique identification
numbers linking to the full details of the tagged item
including certification information about the piece.
The system includes a handheld RFID reader which transmits
transactional details to an inventory management application
running on a standard PC in the back office, and sends
product information to a display screen on the retail
floor.
The system is a deployed with a core
inventory management application whose data structure
can be modified as required by the jeweler. This application
can also be integrated into backend systems as needed.
There are multiple reporting features in the system
to facilitate inventory control. Data can be imported
or exported through XML, Excel and CSV files.
Benefits of The Technology
RFID can be embedded in small,
tamper proof tags that do not detract from the beauty
of the piece.
RFID technology enables fast
inventory checks: reducing inventory errors, improving
stock visibility, and giving the retailer a clearer
view of turnover.
An RFID tag provides a new
form of demand information management within the store.
With such a system, it is possible to track how often
a piece is shown to customers, and thus determine
the popularity of specific items.
The automatic transmission
of data from the tag to a point-of-sale system eliminates
the need for manual entry of price or item numbers.
RFID brings a new level of
efficiency, transparency and accountability to the
jewelry industry.
