In the era of integrated and frictionless experience, omnichannel retail has ceased to be a trend and has become a reality. Increasingly, consumers navigate through different purchasing channels – online, physical, apps, and social media – expecting to find products available conveniently, quickly, and securely. In this scenario, technologies like RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) have played a key role in ensuring real-time inventory visibility, reducing losses, and enhancing the customer experience.
According to Thiago Cergol, business development manager at the Avery Dennison Solutions Group, the adoption of RFID tags has revolutionized logistics management and e-commerce. “By integrating an RFID tag to each product, it is possible to create a unique digital identity. This allows tracking the item from the distribution center to the final delivery with maximum transparency and security. This real-time visibility provides faster responses, in addition to preventing stock errors, reducing human errors in inventories, driving automation, and process efficiency,” explains the executive.
The technology also facilitates integration between physical stores, distribution centers, and digital channels, enabling strategies such as direct shipping from the nearest store and product pickup at physical locations. “RFID offers a solid foundation for retailers to expand their online presence without compromising inventory control. Thus, physical stores can serve as shipping points, streamlining deliveries and reducing logistics costs,” Cergol concludes.
More efficient logistics chains: inspiring cases
The impact of RFID technology can already be measured in real cases. In Brazil, Grupo Boticário implemented the technology with the aim of achieving end-to-end traceability in its complex supply chain. As a result, the company recorded up to a 97% reduction in product shortages, over 50% increase in identifying hidden faults, 14% reduction in labor, and significant increase in revenue. ‘It was a complete transformation in agility, visibility, and efficiency,’ emphasizes Cergol.
Another example comes from Jetrosoft, a Colombian company specialized in custom technology and digital transformation. With the challenge of expanding traceability and logistical control of its clients, especially in the food industry supply chain, the company successfully implemented RFID solutions from Avery Dennison. The adoption of the technology allowed Jetrosoft to automate processes, track assets like reusable plastic baskets, and increase visibility at different points in the distribution network. Collaboration with Avery Dennison optimized the logistical operation of the company’s clients, raising efficiency and consolidating its position in the market.
Integrated Sustainability: less waste, more innovation
In addition to traceability and efficiency, new solutions have allowed different companies to strengthen the environmental commitment of their operations, especially in the logistics applications universe, including e-commerce.
According to Renato Rafael, products manager for labels and tags at Avery Dennison in Latin America, solutions like Linerless labels are increasingly demanded for their operational and environmental benefits. “By eliminating the liner – the disposable base of the labels – we drastically reduce waste volume in logistics operations. This contributes to a lower carbon footprint, less water usage, and higher productivity in high-performance environments with high order volumes, such as e-commerce distribution centers,” he states.
Driven by the growing sustainable demand, Avery Dennison continues to expand its portfolio of solutions in this aspect. In addition to Linerless, the company has introduced in Brazil the Fasson® Thermal Dry 10% PIR label, the first in the market composed of 10% recycled post-industrial waste content. Produced in partnership with Oji Papéis Especiais and the recycling company Polpel, this solution is a milestone of the AD Circular program, which aims to enhance the circularity of materials used in labels, starting from the collection of liners discarded after the conversion stage.
“Supermarkets, logistics operators, and e-commerce are among the largest consumers of thermal labels. With the launch of a recycled alternative, free of Bisphenol A and certified by institutions like FSC®, we offer a more sustainable option to the market without compromising performance. By reintegrating industrial waste into the production cycle, we provide a concrete example of circular economy in action, a significant step towards more responsible and efficient supply chains,” Renato concludes.
