Daily Bulletin

RFID Coalition launched to support the Australian retail industry

  • Written by Linda Holmes


A group of like-minded retailers, brands, solution providers and trade associations joined forces on Thursday 22 March 2018 to bring the benefits of RFID technology to the Australian retail sector. Calling themselves the RFID Coalition, the group agreed to share projects, experiences, solutions and case studies with the aim of understanding how the technology can be applied for the greatest benefit.

Initial areas of interest include loss prevention, improved customer experience, inventory control, reduced labour costs and improved point-of-sale checkout. These are benefits currently being enjoyed by many international retailers such as Zara, Uniqlo and Lululemon and the aim of the RFID Coalition is to support local companies adopt the technology here in Australia.

“Some time ago, GS1 worked with tag manufacturers to develop the Gen2 EPC tag. This standardised tag coding and reading across the sector and opened up closed loop supply chains. However, we are yet to see the rapid expansion of take-up that we expected, so we believe this group can pave the way for a greater understanding of the benefits and faster adoption of the technology. The best way to achieve this is through an industry wide approach. With an industry approach, suppliers can be confident they are investing in the right technologies for all their customers,” said Sean Sloan, Manager Business Development and Partnerships for GS1 Australia.

 

Some of the companies supporting the work of the RFID Coalition include Myer, Country Road Group, Spotlight Retail Group, Puma, Nike, Target, Super Retail Group and more. “We are pleased to be involved from the beginning of the RFID Coalition,” said Gary Stones, National Retail Operations Manager, Myer. “The trials we have already run with this technology have proven to bring great benefits to Myer. We are keen to continue further RFID business benefit testing in other store locations across additional merchandise categories.”

 

Myer worked with the team at Checkpoint Systems to implement an RFID pilot using GS1 standards at the Melbourne store on Apple products. This case study titled, ‘Myer puts RFID business benefits to the test’ demonstrated the improvement of stock control and inventory accuracy and was officially launched at the RFID Coalition event.

 

The launch was just the beginning and the RFID Coalition is keen to engage other retailers and brands to ensure that Australian retail as a whole takes advantage of this existing technology and learnings.

 

For more information and to join the group see https://www.rfidcoalition.org/ or email contact@rfidcoalition.org.

About RFID Coalition

This group is focused on understanding the benefits and accelerating the use of RFID technology within retail across Australia.

What to Consider When Choosing the Ideal Printing Setup For Your Business

  • Written by Laura Costello


With printing processes improving thanks to modern technology and tools, the printing industry has caught up to the needs of the modern office. Carefully considering your printing needs, and purchasing equipment that is compatible with your core processes, creates exciting opportunities and solutions for your business needs. To help make a more informed decision, here’s a list of things you should consider when planning a printing setup for your business.

 

Your Main Projects

 

When choosing the ideal printing setup for your business, it is imperative to consider your main projects and the purpose of your printing. This will differ considerably based on your chosen field of work. The printing option that you choose, should therefore possess the main capabilities necessary for your current and future goals. Some specialised forms of printers include:

 

Digital Printing: Digital printing has become increasingly popular in the corporate world. By keeping up with advancements in other digital channels, digital printing can be used to create communication opportunities between the sender and recipient of printing data. It also allows a quick turnaround for smaller jobs due to the nature of the processes.

 

Digital printing involves sending files from a computer, straight to the digital printer. This bypasses the lengthy conversion processes involved in traditional printing. If your office requires a quick turnaround for standard office printing needs, coupled with hp envy 4500 ink, digital printing is the ideal printing setup for your business.

 

Wide-format Printing: Utilizing wide droplet technology during printing, wide format printers have the ability to produce high quality images, large-format prints and graphic presentations that standard printers simply cannot handle. These printers are suitable for in-house marketing campaigns, as they are capable of producing small and large professional quality prints, on a range of materials.

 

If your business exists within an industry that relies upon high quality print products, a wide format printer is the best device to produce those materials quickly, accurately and affordably.

 

Mobile Technology: Print technology is readily adapting to mobile technology trends, which are more appropriate and flexible to the way the modern office works. Many multi-function printers now offer mobile-friendly printing, allowing users to utilise smartphone technology. If your business requires flexibility and rejects the traditional office setting, mobile technology may be the ideal printing setup for your business.

 

In-House vs Outsourcing

 

Modern print technology has provided print shop businesses with the opportunity to produce large volumes of high-quality printed material, right in the comfort of the office. Depending on your organization’s needs, in-house printing solutions can now produce the quality that was previously only available within professional print facilities.

 

Cost control and convenience are two of the main benefits of the in-house printing approach. However, if your business requires high quality, large print runs and specialised material, then it may be beneficial to partner with a commercial printing facility.

 

Dyes vs Pigments

 

When choosing a printing setup for your business, it is vital to also consider which ink will be best for the work that you will most commonly be processing. This is necessary, as the form of ink you choose, will impact on the printers available for your business.

 

There are two broad types of ink that you can choose: dye-based and pigment-based inks.

Dyes: The main advantages of dye inks, are that they are inexpensive and produce especially vibrant colors. However, dyes are not particularly vulnerable to sunlight and tend to fade over time.

Pigments: Instead of being absorbed by the media, pigments sit on the surface, making them less vulnerable to fading over time. However, they are considerably more expensive than dyes and do not produce quite as vibrant images.

All-In-Ones

All-in-one printers are a popular printing setup choice for the regular office needs. This equipment allows you to print, scan, fax, print duplex, and print on an assorted paper sizes. These printers are affordable and maximise office resources by having one machine complete the little tasks faster than ever before.

The printer remains the most important tool in the modern office. Carefully considering these factors before finalising a printing setup for your business, is vital to ensuring that you select the best possible choice for your business.

Bio: Laura Costello is a recent graduate of a Bachelor of Law/International Relations at Latrobe University. She is passionate about the law, the power of social media, and the ability to translate her knowledge of both common and complex topics to readers across a variety of mediums, in a way that is easy to understand.

 

Website Development Costs

When it comes to building a website, the scope and complexity of the project play a major role in determining the cost. Whether you need a simple landing page or a complex e-commerce platform, the...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin

Major Steps to Take When Starting a Medical Billing Business

The healthcare industry continues to expand every day. If you have been thinking about starting a medical billing business, you are on the right track. This is a good business idea that can help you l...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin

The Best Way to Make Sure Your Packages Are Safe

When shipping valuable or fragile items, ensuring that your packages arrive safely at their destination is crucial. Whether you're a business sending products or an individual mailing a gift, protec...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin

Promotional Products That Shine at Outdoor Events: A Must for Brand Exposure

Outdoor events are a prime opportunity for businesses to engage with their target audience and promote their brand in a setting where visibility is maximised. From festivals and sports events to com...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin

Outdoor Adventures with Your Brand: Must-Have Promotional Products for Outdoor Enthusiasts

In a country known for its stunning landscapes and active lifestyle, Australia’s outdoor culture is one of its defining features. From beach days and bushwalks to camping trips and sports events, ou...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin

Exploring Rectangular Mesh: Applications, Benefits and Buying Guide

🔍 Dive into our guide on Rectangular Mesh! Learn its applications, benefits & buying guide 👌, perfect for your needs. 🙌 Rectangular mesh, or welded wire mesh, is a versatile and widely used mat...

Daily Bulletin - avatar Daily Bulletin