Insights

Transforming Inventory Management: OFM's Success with SATO's RFID Solution

In the competitive retail sector, efficient supply chain management and accurate inventory tracking are crucial for success. This has been especially true for Only for Men (OFM), a prominent retail chain in the Netherlands. OFM wanted to improve their inventory management practices. SATO, leveraging its expertise in RFID solutions, worked closely with Graphicall Systems and Chainlane as partners to design and implement a comprehensive solution tailored to OFM's needs.

OFM, known for its extensive range of men's apparel and accessories, operates 21 stores nationwide and has a significant online presence. Bert Oosterom, who has been with OFM for over 12 years, oversees logistics, procurement and various IT projects. Bert highlighted the challenges OFM faced with their traditional inventory management practices. Annual stock-taking often resulted in 15-20% discrepancies, leading to financial distress and operational inefficiencies.

To address these challenges, OFM implemented Chainlane’s cloud-based RFID solution, including SATO CL4NX Plus RFID printers in OFM's central warehouse and six of their largest stores. This initiative aimed to transform their inventory management by enabling more frequent and accurate stock counts. By conducting inventory checks every two to three weeks instead of every six to twelve months, OFM significantly reduced discrepancies and improved supply chain management, targeting an impressive 99% accuracy rate.

SATO Benelux partner, Graphicall Systems, ensured a smooth integration of the new RFID printers. Graphicall Systems' engineer presence at every installation was crucial for the successful deployment of the technology. This collaboration exemplified the synergy between SATO's innovative solutions and Graphicall Systems' commitment to excellence.

Rogier Oort, an account manager at Graphicall Systems, emphasised the importance of combining technical expertise with a customer-centric approach. This alignment with SATO's values laid the foundation for a successful partnership with OFM. The RFID solution implemented for OFM not only improved inventory accuracy but also enhanced operational efficiency, marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration.

Chainlane, a cloud-based RFID platform and long-term SATO partner, played a vital role in this project. Michal Paran, Vice President of Sales at Chainlane, explained that their solution integrated a user-friendly mobile application with a comprehensive management dashboard. "The mobile app enabled store staff to perform inventory counts, shipment validations, and quick item searches efficiently. The management dashboard provided real-time inventory visibility across all locations, down to the item level, allowing for precise stock management."

The comprehensive RFID solution at OFM, supported by Chainlane's software, offered numerous benefits. It streamlined inventory management processes, reduced shrinkage and improved the accuracy of online stock offerings. Additionally, the solution provided customisation and marketing advantages. For instance, RFID-tagged items like jackets could trigger interactive displays in front of mirrors, suggesting complementary products such as belts or shirts, enhancing the customer shopping experience.

Bert Oosterom expressed his satisfaction with the new system, highlighting the significant reduction in inventory discrepancies and the overall improvement in supply chain management. He encouraged the entire retail industry to adopt RFID technology, citing its numerous benefits for inventory accuracy, operational efficiency and customer engagement. "Come on, guys, let’s go for it," he said.

The successful implementation of SATO's RFID solution at OFM, supported by Graphicall Systems and Chainlane, demonstrated the transformative power of advanced inventory tracking technologies. By leveraging SATO's CL4NX Plus RFID printers and Chainlane's comprehensive RFID platform, OFM achieved significant improvements in inventory accuracy and operational efficiency. This case study underscores the importance of adopting innovative solutions in retail to stay competitive and meet the evolving demands of the market.

For more information about SATO's RFID solutions and how they can benefit your business, visit SATO Europe.

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