New Balance Item-Level RFID Reaches 99.5 Percent Accuracy

Global athletic company New Balance recently announced that it achieved greater than 99.5 percent item-level accuracy after the successful implementation of an RFID solution that tracks its footwear from the distribution center to the corporate factory store. Despite skepticism, this feat proves that item-level RFID technology is capable of delivering value in realworld environments. New Balance's RFID solution includes Vue Technology's TrueVUE Platform combined with tags from Avery Dennison Retail Information Services, and handheld and fixed RFID readers and antennas from Motorola's Enterprise Mobility business. Beyond yielding direct benefits, New Balance expects its RFID solution to offer valuable insights to share with its retail partners. "As we continue forward into the next phases, we expect this visibility to enable reductions in receiving and replenishment labor costs, reductions in inventory levels and reduced stockroom retrievals," says Jim Tompkins, president and chief operating officer, New Balance.