April 26, 2016
GS1 UK survey shows that retailers and brands increasingly implement RFID tags
A recent survey we conducted showed that more than 25% of the top 20 retailers in the UK – including Marks and Spencer, John Lewis, Tesco F&F, ASDA George and others – are using RFID tags in their stores, another 20% are trialing and 15% are investigating their use and are due to pilot the technology in the next few months.
These figures emphasise the importance of RFID in today’s retail world – the most recent research for the global usage of RFID by IDTechEx shows that 10.4 billion tags are expected to be sold in 2016. In apparel tagging alone, RFID tags are expected to reach 4.6 billion in 2016.
The main driver for RFID adoption is inventory accuracy – from the discussions we’re continuously having with UK retailers, we find that on average inventory accuracy is increased from 63% to 95%. Other reasons include stock visibility and availability, loss prevention, supply chain automation and innovation.
Undoubtedly, with retailers and brands increasingly selling across an omnichannel distribution network, the biggest attraction is the benefit of an efficient supply chain and the positive impact this has for consumers. They recognise that supply chain visibility and inventory accuracy are foundational requirements for effective omnichannel operations.
Sam Thompson, IT Manager at Gieves & Hawkes said: “RFID technology has been easy to deploy and the store appreciates the benefits it offers. The data generated is useful in managing store stock levels.”
Lee Adams, Head of NPD and Marketing at Catalyst, a global supplier of retail security products, said: “We have had discussions around using RFID to help tackle various challenges with many retailers over the recent years and we have noticed that those conversations are more frequently moving to firm commitments on proofs of concept, trials and even full roll outs. We are certainly approaching a tipping point in terms of retail market adoption. Gieves & Hawkes is the latest example of this and we are currently deploying the technology with others.”
Andy Robson, Supply Chain Solutions Manager at GS1 UK said: “The growth of e-commerce and globalisation of the retail supply chain has emphasised the value that RFID technology brings to the retail industry. With the visible, accurate and real-time stock information it provides retailers, it’s an essential step for them to take to provide the seamless experience their customers expect today – both online and in-store.”