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 purchase channels online, physical, applications and social networks (expecting to find products available with convenience, agility and security. In this scenario, technologies such as RFID (Radiofrequency Identification) have played a key role in ensuring real-time visibility of inventories, reducing losses and improving the customer experience.
According to Thiago Cergol, new business development manager of Solutions Group at Avery Dennison, the adoption of RFID tags has revolutionized logistics management and e-commerce.“By integrating an RFID tag with each product, it is possible to create a unique digital identity. This allows tracking the item from the distribution center to final delivery, with maximum transparency and security.This real-time visibility provides faster responses, in addition to avoiding errors in inventory, reducing human errors in inventories, boosting automation and the efficiency of” processes, explains the executive.
The technology also facilitates the integration between physical stores, distribution centers and digital channels, enabling strategies such as direct shipping from the nearest store and the withdrawal of products at physical points.“O RFID offers a solid basis for retail to expand its online presence without compromising inventory control. Thus, physical stores can function as shipping points, speeding deliveries and reducing logistical costs”, adds Cergol.
More efficient logistics chains: inspiring cases
The impact of RFID technology can already be measured in real cases. In Brazil, Grupo Boticario implemented the technology with the aim of achieving end-to-end traceability in its complex supply chain. As a result, the company recorded a reduction of up to 97% in product shortages, more than 50% of increased identification of hidden flaws, a reduction of 14% in labor and a significant increase in revenue. “It was a complete transformation in agility, visibility and efficiency”, reinforces Cergol.
Another example comes from Jetrosoft, a Colombian company specializing in bespoke technology and digital transformation.With the challenge of expanding the traceability and logistics control of its customers, especially in the food industry supply chain, the company has successfully implemented Avery Dennison's RFID solutions.The adoption of the technology has allowed Jetrosoft to automate processes, track assets such as returnable plastic baskets and increase visibility at different points in the distribution network.The collaboration with Avery Dennison has optimized the logistics operation of the company's customers, increasing 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 reinforce the environmental commitment of their operations, especially in the universe of logistics applications, including e-commerce.
According to Renato Rafael, product manager for labels and labels of Avery Dennison in Latin America, solutions such as Linerless labels have been increasingly in demand for their operational and environmental benefits. “With the elimination of the disposable liner & label base (the disposable base of ''labels, we have drastically reduced the volume of waste in logistics operations.This contributes to a lower carbon footprint, less water use and more productivity in environments that require high performance and deal with high order volume, such as E-commerce distribution centers”, he says.
Guided by the growing sustainable demand, Avery Dennison continues to expand its portfolio of solutions in this regard. In addition to Linerless, the company launched in Brazil the thermal label Fasson Dry Thermal 10% PIR, the first in the market composed of 10% of recycled content of post-industrial waste. Produced in partnership with Oji Special Papers and the recycler Polpel, the solution is a milestone of the AD Circular program, which seeks to expand the circularity of materials used in labels and labels, from the collection of liner dispensed after the conversion step.
“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 such as FSC, we offer the market a more sustainable option without renouncing performance. By reintegrating industrial waste into the production cycle, we give a concrete example of circular economy in action, a significant advance towards more responsible and efficient chains”, concludes Renato.
