Giks Mode deploys RFKeeper's RFID within a week throughout all its stores and DC

RFKeeper, the global provider of Plug & Play RFID Solutions for Fashion Retailers, and Nordic ID, have announced Giks Mode in Belgium has deployed RFKeeper's Plug & Play RFID Solutions for automated inventory counts, supply chain visibility, and stock replenishment.

The solution that was deployed at all sites during one week enables Giks Mode to tightly control its inventory across the entire supply chain, including the central DC (distribution center) and all the chain's stores. The solution enables Giks Mode to increase inventory accuracy to over 99%, validate all shipments, conduct a complete inventory count of all stores every week, and ensure the right product mix (model, size, color) is available for shoppers on the sales floor.

Giks Mode was looking for an RFID solution that can be quickly deployed and deliver immediate benefits. Moreover, an easy integration to the chain's legacy systems (ERP, WMS, POS etc.) was a must requirement.

Giks Mode sells fashion items by multiple top-brands and has decided to perform tagging of all apparel items in the central DC. DC tagging enables detecting vendor errors very close to receiving of the goods and offers maximum visibility throughout the chain's supply chain. Giks Mode selected RFKeeper's reusable, oyster shape, hard tags that are compatible with the chain's existing AM security EAS gates.

All shipments delivered from the DC to the stores, as well as items returned to the DC and store to store deliveries, are being item-level-validated. The chain's drivers use RFKeeper's easy-to-use Shipment Validation application running on Nordic ID Merlin mobile computers to quickly scan each and every delivery. The drivers reported that the Nordic ID Merlin's combination of touch screen and physical keyboard is easy-to-use and perfectly designed for their retail-logistics environment. Additionally, the Shipment Validation application communicates this information via Wi-Fi to the chain's inventory management system where each shipment is being verified and recorded in the system.

Giks performs quick and accurate inventory counts of all the chain's stores every week. RFKeeper's Stocktaking Reader enables to count 30,000 items (on average) in less than an hour by one person scanning shelves, racks and boxes from a distance. All items in the store remain untouched and there is no need to waste precious time on pre-count or post-count preparations. Reports are generated automatically and enable to analyze stock variances on the spot.

GIKS Mode implemented RFKeeper's Smart POS Detachers to perform automated checkout, price check and handle item returns, eliminating the need for a costly RFID printer at the store. The detacher removes the security tag and cuts customer checkout time by up to 50%, since barcode scanning is not required. The result is shorter lines, accurate price charging, and improved shopping experience.

"We deployed RFID in order to increase sales and reduce shrinkage. Today we can quickly count our stores every week, validate vendor shipments, and monitor our supply chain. It gives me great confidence that we take the right management decisions based on accurate and up-to-date stock information." said Stefaan Allemeersch, General Manager at Giks Mode. "Our employees instantly adopted it since it is intuitive, and did not require changes in our daily working procedures."

"We at Nordic ID are pleased that Giks has chosen our Nordic ID Merlin for its fast and reliable reading performance. The Giks case proves that RFID is not reserved only for huge retailers but Medium Size Businesses can gain fast benefits and achieve their ROI within months", said Jessica Säilä, Retail Business Area Director at Nordic ID.

Amir Ben-Assa, VP Marketing & Business Development at RFKeeper noted: "The quick deployment at Giks Mode is another great example for the advantages of RFKeeper's Plug & Play approach. We at RFKeeper believe that Small and Medium Businesses should be able to enjoy the proven benefits of RFID with minimal investment in IT, infrastructure and integration."