Carnaval Implements Item-Level RFID Tagging Solution using UPM Raflatac Tags and Digilogics’ Inventory Management System

October 6, 2009




Carnaval de México, the leading designer of textiles and children’s fashion in Mexico, has deployed one of the country’s first item-level RFID tagging solutions for apparel. Carnaval is using RFID technology to track and trace more than one million garments annually.

The RFID solution, designed by Digilogics SA. De CV. and UPM Raflatac, is one of the largest apparel item level deployments in the Americas and is 100 percent audited. The solution provides Carnaval with flawless data it can use to conduct perpetual inventory and optimize production processes.

As the sole licensed distributor of children’s fashion for global brands such as Disney and Hello Kitty in Mexico, Carnaval is responsible for the design, manufacturing and distribution of high quality, trend-setting garments that are sold throughout the country by leading retailers.

By implementing RFID technology, Carnaval sought to improve critical inventory processes, reducing human error from its pick and pack operations, while accelerating the speed of merchandise processing. In the next phase of the project, Carnaval will integrate RFID data into its ERP systems, using new insights to fine-tune all aspects of its manufacturing and distribution operations. Carnaval also plans to help its retailer customers implement interactive RFID-enabled sales solutions, which use a variety of innovative tools to reduce out-of-stocks, enhance product security and cross-sell and up-sell merchandise.

The RFID solution uses UPM Raflatac’s ShortDipole UHF RFID tags equipped with Impinj’s Monza3 tag chips and Digilogics’ system, comprised of inventory management software, an RFID-enabled auditing station and fixed and handheld RFID readers and antennas from Impinj.

“We look forward to working with our partners to leverage the power of RFID technology to drive merchandise sales and reduce shrinkage and theft,” says Jacobo Penhos, owner, Carnaval.

After being manufactured, all garments are individually tagged and placed in boxes or on hangers; grouped merchandise is then associated with a master RFID-tagged label. After arriving at Carnaval’s distribution center, items are read five times during processing, ensuring that merchandise is accurately and swiftly packed for customer orders, while also automating the reconciliation of inbound and outbound goods.

“RFID technology can help manufacturers drive margins by removing waste and inaccuracy from their operations and by improving their ability to measure and meet industry demand,” says Luca Pastorello, Partner, Digilogics SA. De CV.

“Companies like Carnaval depend on our RFID tags’ perfect reads to improve internal operations and deliver best-in-class service to their customers,” says Jan Svoboda, sales and marketing director, Americas, RFID, UPM Raflatac.