Ed. Note: This article was previously posted at IoP Journal, with institutional material provided by Mozaiko.
Riachuelo, a retail network that is part of Grupo Guararapes, is investing in radio frequency identification technology for intelligent and accurate traceability and inventory management. The partner chosen to implement the technology in its products is Mozaiko, part of Grupo Stefanini, which integrates real-time data to simplify and optimize retail and logistics processes. Mozaiko’s RFID solution makes it possible to track parts throughout the production chain, from factory to store, bringing the advantage of monitoring the quantities and locations of items.
“Riachuelo’s priority with this application is accuracy,” said George Millard, Mozaiko’s CEO, in an exclusive interview with IoP Journal. “The brand seeks accurate information about the quantity and location of products at each point along the supply chain, from manufacturing at Guararapes Group’s manufacturing units, located in Natal (Rio Grande do Norte State) and Fortaleza (Ceara State), passing through its various distribution centers in Guarulhos (Sao Paulo State), Natal and Manaus (Amazonas State), and reaching the current 343 Riachuelo stores throughout Brazil.” Click here to watch the full interview, recorded in Portuguese.
Mozaiko has been developing Internet of Things (IoT)-based technologies for more than 10 years to optimize and simplify retail and logistics processes. Its solutions integrate product data with RFID technology in real time, ensuring item traceability. The solutions are intended to streamline inventory counts, minimize operational losses, reduce costs, decrease errors and boost efficiencies. This helps to improve the experiences of those in the retail segment, as well as logistics operators, in addition to increasing their financial returns.
George Millard
The implementation process began at the Natal plant in June of last year, with RFID dispatch control of the entire production. In September, it advanced to the next stages, enabling the monitoring of items manufactured by Riachuelo. “The great challenge of a technology project like this is the engagement of internal teams in the movement of cultural change,” Millard said. “In the end, it is not enough to change processes and adopt super technologies if people are not on board with this mindset transformation. We are placing due importance on this point, with a lot of training and engagement of Riachuelo’s professionals for the success of the deployment.”
The solution chosen by Riachuelo aggregates Mozaiko’s logistics and retail modules. This allows management of the supply chain and inventory levels, with the possibility of adding other services, such as smart fitting rooms, to enable users in those rooms to view on a screen the availability of various colors and sizes. Users can monitor the quantity of pieces present within the store and, with a click, request an item from a seller.
“From the implementation of the RFID solution to managing logistics,” Millard explained, “a series of opportunities opened up, focused on improving the customer experience, with the use of smart fitting rooms, automation systems for points of sale, touchless payments and other resources. We believe that in the future, Riachuelo will embrace these possibilities at its flagship and omnichannel hubs, as they promote the connection between the physical and digital worlds, transforming the physical store into a point of engagement and customer retention.”
“Choosing to use RFID technology is the first step toward a more technological and dynamic future,” Millard stated, “which enables better financial results for the brand.” Watch the full interview here.
Exhibitors at RFID Journal LIVE! 2022 will offer solutions for managing inventory. To learn more, visit the event’s website.