Apparel Label Solutions
From Printer
to Solutions Provider
Why Global Apparel Label Solutions provider, ITL, is expanding its RFID range
to offer a full end-to-end solution.
Following this week’s announcement of their acquisition of North
American based RFID applications specialists, Overheer Systems,
ITL’s European Sales and Marketing Director, Simon Phelps,
explains the reasoning behind the expansion and the shift in focus
from a traditional inlay supplier to becoming a broader, end to end,
solution provider.
“Our traditional RFID strategy has been mainly tag supply focussed. By
combining our portfolio of inlay/feedstock options with our network of
global print bureaus facilitates effective source tagging which many
retailers favour.” Explains Phelps, who himself has a long association
with Apparel RFID programs and was a member of the team responsible for the Marks & Spencer roll out project in 2012.
“Nowadays, retailers understand the various components of RFID
technology and recognise that successful utilisation requires far more
than just having the right tag in place. We have seen a real shift in focus
from leading with label supply to harnessing the power of the software
application”.
Clearly the ability of the label to perform is paramount to any successful
roll out, but Phelps believes that customers are gaining more
confidence in this area and are now focussing on how the software
solutions can best serve their needs.
Phelps continues “We have to remember that in retail, RFID is still a
relatively new technology and it was only five years ago that there were
a handful of tag suppliers and even fewer with the ability to deliver at
product source. The landscape has changed significantly over the last
couple of years and the market is now well serviced by suppliers
offering a plethora of different inlays, which has created strength for
buyers and reduced prices.”
“Whereas before, a retailer may have specified that a supplier had to
manufacture their own inlays to be considered, I am not convinced that
blank production is such a priority now, when in reality, it is the serialisation and encoding that are the most critical”.
So was the decision to expand ITL’s RFID capabilities to include application solutions an easy one? Jeremy Park, Group Head of RFID takes up
itl-group.com
the story. “The acquisition of a majority shareholding in Overheer
represents an important component of ITL’s RFID solution. “The Reflect
RFID application will be integrated into ITL’s existing LabelVantage IT
platform to complete our end to end RFID solution. This solution
includes retail data integration services, the supply of RFID encoded
labels as well as the RFID inventory visibility software used by retailers
to derive the business benefits of deploying RFID in the retail supply
chain.”
And what was the attraction of Overheer Systems and the Reflect RFID
application specifically? Park explains: “There were a number of
reasons for selecting Overheer. “Firstly, they have a great cloud based,
item level RFID application which provides retailers with accurate
inventory visibility enabling them to effectively monitor and replenish
stock. The fact that Zebra technologies has recently certified the Reflect
RFID application was a clear distinction and provides strong validation
of its benefits. The Reflect RFID application is scalable and does not
require complex integration with existing ERP systems.”
“Secondly, we take the view that combining the international service
bureau capabilities of ITL, with Overheer’s expertise in retail technology,
is an ideal fit for the rapidly expanding RFID market.”
“Thirdly, Overheer’s recognised expertise. In making this acquisition,
we are not just expanding ITL’s RFID capabilities to include inventory
accuracy applications, but are securing a far greater level of knowledge
that we can make available to our customers. Alongside this comes
integrity of ROI calculations, business case modelling, integration with
hardware supplies and focused roll out support”.
For more information on ITL’s range of RFID solutions, visit their website
www.itl-group.com or contact Simon on simon.phelps@itl-group.com
ITL is a global producer of Apparel Labelling Solutions, supporting
brands, retailers and manufacturers all around the world with a
comprehensive range of products and services aimed at optimising
brand and point of sale performance. With a strong focus on service
and innovation, ITL operates a vertical manufacturing model and is
proud to support some of the best known names in our industry.
Apparel Label Solutions
When you
know better,
you do better.
RFID Inventory Accuracy Solutions
ITL's end to end solution’s bring you the power of total inventory accuracy
without disruption to your current systems.
Integrated inventor y sof t ware applications
Professional ser vices and suppor t
Integrated consumables and hardware solutions
Global ser vice bureau overprinting
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