Article Courtesy of Zebra Technologies

By George Pepes, APAC Vertical Solutions Lead, Healthcare and Retail, Zebra Technologies

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way consumers shop forever. Asia now accounts for nearly 60% of the world’s online retail sales, and APAC e-commerce is expected to nearly double by 2025 to reach $2 trillion.

While the exponential growth of e-commerce is welcomed amid slowing economic activity due to the ongoing pandemic, many retailers were not prepared for the pandemic surge demand, much less the sudden popularity of the internet and mobile shopping.

According to Zebra’s 14th Annual Global Shopper Study, 82% of APAC decision-makers surveyed agreed they need to reduce the expenses of online orders, the highest of any region. Many retailers across the region are struggling to manage consumer demand and regain control over inventory. Malaysia and Thailand saw the highest increase in indexed sales of 600% and 305% respectively during Singles’ Day, while Singapore saw a 250% increase in indexed sales.² The popularity of these e-commerce events makes it evident there is an imperative need for retailers to preserve their reputation, maintain their customer base, and protect margins during this rapid growth period.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies are seeing renewed interest from retailers big and small, as the retail market faces an immediate need to undergo digital transformation. According to the same study, key technologies that associates say have helped to create a better customer experience include ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID. Though the barcode has historically been the hero solution, technological advancements have given rise to new solutions that can manage and track inventories to achieve better results. As such, integrating RFID technology alongside existing solutions such as barcode-based track and trace and inventory management systems can help retailers further boost fulfilment efficiencies.

RFID systems can automatically read thousands of tagged items and provide highly accurate information about the location of an item. For example, there are both fixed and handheld RFID readers that, unlike barcode scanners, do not need a direct line of sight to the label on the package to extract and confirm status details. These RFID readers can collect real-time data and share information if they are within proximity range.

Previously, most retailers were deterred by the logistically complex and cost-prohibitive nature of RFID solutions. However, the combination of new read-to-cloud software and RFID sleds has made this advanced tracking technology accessible to all. Even small retailers can utilize RFID technology by equipping associates with the right mobile computers and building a simple app to send RFID-captured updates to the cloud.

In cases where retailers are unable to install fixed RFID readers in retail stores, handheld RFID readers are sufficient to monitor shelf inventory, as associates can do a quick lap around the store to capture tag data. However, it is relatively inefficient for associates to carry multiple devices, which increases the workload of the IT team that supports them. This is where RFID sleds come in handy, as they can automatically read thousands of RFID tags while simultaneously functioning as barcode scanners for more targeted item reads. RFID sleds are snap-and-go accessories that can instantly transform associates’ mobile devices into RFID readers without requiring wire harnesses or special user training sessions. Without RFID, it could take hours or days to count or locate that much inventory – with potentially less reliable outcomes, as items are constantly being moved throughout the day.

So, rather than investing in more solutions, it is more important to pick the right solutions that work.