ERP Solutions

Apparel Enterprise Resource Planning Solutions Integrated with RFID Technology - Part 2

With an apparel Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution couple with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) you can automatically create ship notices based on carton and pallet packing master files.  Some retailers, like Wal-Mart, Sears, Target, and K-Mart, require that their vendors use RFID technology.  Keep in mind that not all apparel ERP solutions work with RFID.  RFID maximizes return on investment by providing you with better tracking, traceability and control capabilities.  RFID tags are usually attached to the pallet or box containing the inventory.  The worst thing that could happen to these tags is that they can get damaged.  For example, you don’t want to crush the tags between the boxes or pallets.  They are pretty hardy, but take care of them.  If you decide to go with an apparel ERP vendor that offers RFID, you will need to decide between two different types of RFID tags; passive or active RFID tags.  Active RFID tags contain their own power source, which enables the tags to send a signal at regular intervals.  Passive RFID tags are powered with magnetic coils that “turn on” once in the area of the tag reader.  Active RFID tags are more expensive than passive tags.  But, active tags can be read over long distances.  Passive tags work best for inventory control and loss prevention and are best suited to the general population in the apparel industry.  Passive tags make it easy to determine the amount of stock you have or where that stock is, for example.  If you want some serious traceability and you want to protect your product brand, choose RFID.  No matter is you’re a large shop or a mom and pop shop, RFID can benefit you.

Before you go shopping for an apparel ERP solution, define your business requirements and needs.  Determine what is most important to you in terms of functionality.  Look for an apparel Enterprise Resource Planning solution that fits your business model and not vice versa.  Why should you purchase a solution that you’ll have to mold your business to?  It’s a good idea to demo as many apparel ERP solutions as you can to examine different functionality options.  You can also decide if you like the look and feel of that apparel ERP solution.  In some cases you can get a free trial.  Think about the type of solution you’d like to have; on-site installation, Software as a Service (SaaS) or a hosted solution, or even an open source apparel ERP. 

Written by :

kristine H