RFID tag technology has traditionally faced operational challenges in cold, moist environments such as meat cases, but Walmart is attempting to overcome those challenges by deploying new RFID-enabled labels from materials identification technology provider Avery Dennison. Use of the readable tags in the meat, bakery and deli departments will help associates track inventory faster and more accurately, helping ensure products stay stocked and ready when customers want them.
Additionally, by putting digital use-by dates right at associates’ fingertips, they can rotate products more efficiently and make smarter markdown decisions, helping to cut down on unsold food.
“Supporting Walmart with first-to-market RFID innovation across multiple fresh food categories underscores our mutual commitment to people and the planet,” said Julie Vargas, VP and GM of Avery Dennison Identification Solutions in a statement. “By giving each item its own digital identity, associates instantly know the freshness of the foods they are handling, enabling better inventory management and resulting in less waste.”
The Walmart-Avery Dennison collaboration also will help the retailer achieve its broader sustainability goals, including the aim of cutting global operational food loss and waste intensity in half by 2030.
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“We believe technology should make things easier for both our associates and our customers,” said Christyn Keef, VP of Front End Transformation for Walmart U.S. in a statement. “By cutting down on manual work, we’re giving our associates more time to focus on what really matters — helping our customers.”
