Allbirds uses RFID technology to make shoe store inventory smarter!
Allbirds, a world-renowned eco-friendly shoe brand, recently installed a “smart tag” technology called RFID in all its stores in the UK. This new technology has helped them increase their inventory accuracy to an astonishing 98%, which is much higher than before!
What is RFID? Why is it so powerful?
RFID, the full name of which is “radio frequency identification”, is simply to attach an “electronic ID card” to each pair of shoes. This small RFID tag is placed under the insole, does not require batteries, and does not affect wearing, but allows the shoe to “tell” the clerk where it is.
In the past, Allbirds’ clerks had to count the shoes one by one, and they might count them wrong, resulting in only 60% of the inventory being accurate. If the shoes could not be found, they could not be sold, resulting in customers not being able to buy them and the warehouse being messy. Now, with RFID, employees only need to use a device like a barcode scanner to scan, and the shoes will “check in” by themselves, and they will know how many pairs of shoes are in the store and where they are in a few seconds!
How does RFID help Allbirds improve efficiency?
Faster inventory: It used to take hours to do manual inventory, but now it can be done in minutes.
Real-time inventory updates: The headquarters can immediately know how many shoes are left in each store, which ones are selling fast, and which ones need to be restocked.
More assured delivery: Online orders can be processed quickly if the store has stock, and delivery is faster after the customer places an order.
More satisfied customers: There will be no embarrassing situation of “ordering but out of stock”!
Summary
By introducing RFID technology, Allbirds not only makes inventory management simpler and more accurate, but also makes employees easier and customers more satisfied. More importantly, this technology also helps them continue to adhere to the concept of environmental protection, making future retail smarter and greener!
