Craft of Scandinavia Tests RFID

The rack developed by Nilorn contains a built-in RFID interrogator that reads the unique ID numbers of the tags on the items displayed. Each garment's RFID tag, provided by RFID Constructors, also includes a bar code that retailers can scan at the point of sale. Craft personnel would affix the label to the packaging of each item, and the unique ID number written on each tag would be linked to the item's color, size and price in an Internet-based server.

Per Wagnås

An interrogator, also supplied by RFID Constructors, is attached beneath the shelf system, with two antennas affixed to the shelves. One reader can use up to four antennas, Wagnås says, and Nilorn hopes a model capable of working with more than four will soon be developed, allowing a single device to capture data from multiple racks of products. "The development goes fast," Wagnås says, "and we hope that we, in the near future, will have a reader connected to 16 antennas." The antennas capture data from the RFID tags at a range of up to 180 cm.

Attached to the reader is a small GPRS or GSM telecommunications device that transmits data to an Internet-based server. The system can transmit inventory data—that is, items still on the shelf—in the middle of the night. That data would be saved on Craft's Internet-based server, hosted by Finnish RFID company Vilant, which is also providing the software that makes that data available on the server. Craft will then receive an e-mail message with each morning's inventory result.

Once the rack is deployed in a store, the retailer might not necessarily inform its customers that RFID tags are in use. However, Wagnås says, the tags will be attached to boxes, not the items within, and the customer would discard the boxes (and, thus, the tags) upon opening them.

Based on the number of racks being used, a system employed in one store would cost Craft about $4,000, Wagnås estimates. "This system is brilliant for brand owners who sell basic articles like underwear, shirts and belts," he says.