SML Group - Partnering With F&F to Supply RFID Labels

SML Group announced F&F, one of the world’s largest multinational clothing retailers, is deploying radio frequency identificaiton (RFID). The main objective is to improve inventory accuracy by running quick and accurate RFID stock counts. This allows individual stores to replenish shelves on a daily basis, which improves customer service by offering a greater selection of products and sizes. The RFID solution also helps the brand to understand the stock levels throughout their supply chain and will improve the efficiency of the new ‘Click and Collect’ program (where customers may place an order on-line and then collect in-store).

“The RFID project began in 2013 and SML was nominated to provide the majority of the RFID label requirement. SML quickly developed an excellent working relationship with the F&F operations, packaging and IT teams, and this has been a key factor in developing the right solutions going forward. SML setup a network of RFID production sites (within a 12 week period) to supply the key garment sourcing regions including China and Turkey enabling them to successfully deliver over 100 million RFID labels during the first 12 months. Furthermore, SML made its UK RFID Centre available to F&F to carry out complete solution testing (including RFID labels, software and hardware). This allowed the brand to efficiently evaluate a range of products and simulate in-store testing, without causing disruption at any of its trading stores," said Terry Kemp, Senior Director RFID (EMEA), SML.

“SML worked in close partnership with F&F in several other areas to ensure the project was successfully delivered. For example, SML developed its online ordering platform (E-Platform) to fulfil the specific requirements of the F&F garment vendor base, this made it easier for the vendors to place orders and ensured data accuracy by utilising a central database. SML also developed an RFID in-plant solution for printing/encoding RFID labels at the F&F distribution centre. We look forward to continuing and developing this partnership with F&F,” said Steven Davidson, CCO, SML.