Are you drowning in sample clothing while simultaneously unable to find what you need when you need it? Sounds like you could do with an accurate and reliable sample tracking system. And our experts think they've come up with a way for you to create just that.
Samples, samples everywhere…
In most cases, systems for organizing samples usually happen organically. After the second or third hefty delivery, you might concoct a way to keep track of what you've got, but once you get a few seasons deep, it starts getting harder to keep tabs. Before you know it, you're searching for a sample skirt from 18 months ago…but no one knows where it is. You've got zero info to go on. It's a 'needle in a haystack' situation.
And what about those samples with discrete variations? Slight differences in shades, fabrics, and finishes? In many cases, there isn’t a rock-solid way to differentiate between the versions of that garment. It’s a recipe for error when you’re trying to place an order.
Things get even trickier when we introduce the added complexity of the upcoming Digital Product Passport legislation. You'll need full info for every product so you can double-check it's compliant — the small details around processes and materials become so much more important. And you'll need a reliable way to keep accurate tabs on all the samples and their discrete differences.
Enter the magic of QR codes
Quick response (QR) codes aren't new. In fact, they've been around since the nineties, but they're finally coming into their power. They were initially invented for tracking automobile parts, and now there might be a way to use them for sample garment tracking.
The theory behind this sample clothing tracking solution relies on two technologies: RFID inlays and our Gemini Tags, which use QR codes. Here's how you'd use them to create a system that tracks every sample while keeping a low-maintenance, super-accurate log of who has what and where.
1. RFID for super easy inventory accuracy
It's sensible to lay the groundwork for impeccable inventory accuracy before you wade into the wonderful world of QR codes. And RFID is the daddy of inventory accuracy — our studies show it could get you up to 99 percent accuracy without the need for regular manual counts. Magic, eh?
RFID inlays are encoded for each and every item you order. When you go the extra mile and get them embedded or applied at source, you'll have full tracking information for each item as it's created. Scan it on delivery and scan it out when it's sold or leaves your location, et voilà — you've got eyes on everything at all times. At that point, it's time for phase two…
2. Gemini Tags and QR codes for verification
Meet the GEMINI Tag™. It’s one of our most recent inventions, created to solve the challenges of Digital Product Passports. But our experts think it’s just the ticket for sample tracking, too.
A Gemini Tag consists of a matching pair of QR codes for each garment or accessory. One code is attached to the product for life, either heat transferred onto the fabric, printed on a care label, or something similar. This way, the garment can always be identified because the QR code is permanently attached.
Learn more about the Gemini Tag
The second QR code is usually stuck to the hang tag for easy scanning on the shop floor, but for samples, we’ve got a different idea in mind. The twinned QR code could be used to confirm receipt of the sample, evidenced by the QR code being peeled off and stuck to the paperwork for that garment.
3. Scan to reveal!
Once you've reached step three, you'll be armed with two almost foolproof ways to track, catalog, and trace your sample garments and accessories. You can use an RFID scanner for the technical supply chain stuff, linking you to your whole inventory, or you can use a smartphone to scan the sample clothing label or its documentation to get your mitts on info that details production location, bill of materials, trends, etc. Just whip up a protocol for garment delivery, storage, and 'check out,' and you're good to go!
How to find your perfect inventory and sample tracking solution
Ultimately, the best system for sample tracking is one that works for you and your brand. In all our decades of helping retailers and apparel brands tag their products, we've learned that every project is unique. Each client has different processes, goals, budgets, and capabilities, so we've learned how to adapt. In fact, we've been known to invent new solutions or hack our existing tech to create new ways of working (which is precisely what this is!).
If you want to find a way to log and track samples, contact our team and get the ball rolling. Not only do we have a ton of experience behind us, but we're also vertically integrated and global, which means that we can hook you up at every stage of the journey at all major manufacturing destinations worldwide. Cool, huh?
Get in touch today or head to our blog for more ideas on how to use intelligent labeling to streamline and organize your stock. Alternatively, browse our portfolio to get an idea of what’s on offer and let inspiration take the wheel!
