SML Group Partners With F&F To Supply RFID Labels

F&F, one of the world’s largest multinational clothing retailers, is working with SML Group to deploy RFID for improved inventory accuracy

United Kingdom (PRWEB) - SML Group announce that F&F, one of the world’s largest multinational clothing retailers, is deploying 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.

“Teamwork and communication between F&F and SML have been the main reasons why this project has been successful. SML has provided excellent account management, smooth processing of vendor orders, flexible production planning and above all a strong desire to work with F&F. We have efficiently worked together to reach the landmark of SML delivering 100 million RFID labels, and we look forward to continuing this journey with SML as we expand our RFID solution,” said Richard Collins, CEO, F&F Clothing.

About F&F
F&F is owned and operated by Tesco Stores Limited. Established in 2001, F&F is an International Fashion Brand, which is exclusive to Tesco, and sold through Tesco’s retail and online formats through the UK and Europe. F&F is an affordable fashion brand for men, women and kids, surprising and delighting customers with of the moment, trend driven fashion alongside quality and ethical sourcing.

About SML Group
SML is a global total brand identification solution provider serving an international clientele consisting of top fashion brands and some of the largest retailers in the world. Its wide range of high quality products includes woven labels, printed fabric labels, EAS, RFID, heat-transfer, packaging, specialty trims, printed paper products, etc. With a presence in over 30 countries and wholly-owned manufacturing facilities around the world, SML is committed to effectively and efficiently serving the worldwide needs of clients and exceeding their expectations in quality, price, service and speed. The SML RFID brand provides for RFID item visibility with EAS-type loss prevention and includes RFID-enabled labels/tickets/hang-tags, as well as EPC serial number chip encoding, which is provided through a network of globally located service bureaus. A cloud-based IT data management solution completes the SML RFID package. Furthermore, SML Intelligent Inventory Solutions (formerly Xterprise) provided market-leading RFID solutions based on the proven Clarity™ application platform. Visit the SML website at http://www.sml.com.