Why Do Laundry Factories Use RFID Tags?

Introduction

Application of RFID technology in textile Service

Fisher Textile Services, a pioneering name in the UK’s laundry industry, has revolutionized linen management with advanced RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. By embedding RFID chips in linens and integrating them across their Glasgow facility, Fisher ensures meticulous tracking from intake to delivery. This innovative approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also minimizes linen loss, providing real-time insights that empower both staff and customers alike. Discover how Fisher Textile Services sets new standards in laundry management through cutting-edge RFID solutions.

RFID Technology Advancements at Fisher Textile Services

Tracking Linen Status: RFID chips are sewn into linens, installed on laundry cages and bags. This allows the laundry manager to track the status of linens—from sorting and washing to delivery.
Coverage and Scale: The Glasgow laundry serves 300 hotels within a 50-mile radius, covering a vast inventory of linens. RFID is deployed on 4,000 laundry cages, over 7,000 bags, and approximately 200,000 pieces of rented linens.
Data Monitoring and Analysis: Customized software tracks various data points including linen return rates, time spent in the laundry, and number of washes per linen. It alerts when linens exceed a 30-day non-return period, facilitating proactive communication with hotels to prevent losses.
Customer Access and Interface: Customers can access real-time data on their linen usage via a web interface, providing transparency and control over their inventory management.
Loss Prevention and Efficiency: RFID helps reduce linen losses, estimated at £1 million annually across Fisher’s operations. It enables efficient inventory management and operational insights through continuous data collection and analysis.
Operational Integration: RFID readers are strategically placed throughout the laundry, including at intake portals and conveyor belts, ensuring seamless tracking from dirty linen intake to clean linen delivery.
Technology Advancements: Fisher pursued RFID solutions for years, overcoming challenges such as durability and system integration. The adoption of UHF RFID tags has proven effective, enduring repeated washing and providing reliable data collection.

RFID Implementation and Operational Enhancements at Fisher Textile Services

Fisher Textile Services is expanding its footprint in the UK, handling over 2 million pieces of linen weekly and recently launching a cutting-edge “super laundry” in Glasgow. Serving more than 2,000 hotels, including 300 through its Glasgow facility, Fisher has doubled its capacity following extensive upgrades.

Despite generating annual revenues of £36 million ($52.7 million), Fisher faces significant losses, notably £1 million ($1.5 million) attributed solely to lost linen. To combat this, Fisher has sought efficient tracking solutions for linen management.

Over recent years, Fisher has pursued RFID tag for linen inventory tracking, now capable of withstanding repeated wash cycles. However, challenges remain, such as the necessity for continuous system operation and the integration of customer-accessible data while addressing security concerns.

Ubisoft Software Company has provided a robust solution, integrating hardware with a cloud-based software system, simplifying operations significantly.

Fisher’s Glasgow facility now features RFID-enabled entrances, conveyors, and a touch-screen interface for streamlined linen tracking. Post-wash, linens are sorted into carts or bags for delivery, tracked via tunnel readers. Upon return, RFID readers on conveyors update software with precise linen identification, ensuring accurate inventory management.

Looking forward, Fisher aims to expand RFID deployment, potentially including client hotels or providing handheld readers for enhanced visibility. This initiative aims to optimize linen utilization, reduce losses, and empower strategic decision-making for product management and customer relations.

In the long term, Fisher anticipates leveraging RFID intelligence to identify trends in linen usage and customer behaviors, fostering proactive solutions and maximizing operational efficiency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fisher Textile Services has strategically employed RFID technology to revolutionize its laundry operations, significantly enhancing efficiency, reducing linen losses, and improving customer satisfaction. By overcoming initial challenges and implementing robust RFID systems, Fisher has not only optimized inventory management but also positioned itself for future growth and innovation in the competitive hospitality sector. With ongoing advancements and a commitment to operational excellence, Fisher Textile Services continues to set benchmarks in linen management, ensuring sustained profitability and service excellence in the years ahead.