At Charming Trim, we make a point to stay at the cutting edge of technology that can improve efficiency, sustainability, and impact for our customers. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a key pillar of our offerings that brings that value to life.
We’ve joined the RAIN Alliance to demonstrate our commitment to and advocacy for RFID technology in the retail and manufacturing industries. Let’s take a look at what RAIN is, as well as the impact of the RAIN Alliance and why Charming chose to join forces now.What is RAIN?
RAIN technology, which is also referred to as ultra-high frequency radio frequency identification (UHF RFID), is a wireless technology that bridges the gap between physical products and data. It consists of four parts — a tag, a reader, an antenna, and a software to make sense of the data — but has a long list of potential use cases, including:
- Tracing products through your supply chain
- Managing inventory quickly and accurately
- Gaining visibility into your supply chain
- Improving production times
- Facilitating reverse logistics and circularity
RAIN RFID is definitionally compliant with the GS1 EPC Gen2 V2/ISO 18000-63 standard, which comes with a few key advantages. While compliance is a plus in and of itself, the global standardization of RFID through RAIN technology means that cross-border operations — like those commonly occurring in retail supply chains — can be simplified.
RFID frequency bands may vary slightly between regions, but the standardized RAIN RFID protocol increases compatibility across devices and systems.
If you’re curious about the acronym itself, the RAIN Alliance site shared an insight:
“RAIN—an acronym derived from RAdio frequency IdentificatioN—is intended as a nod to the link between UHF RFID and the cloud, where RFID-based data can be stored, managed, and shared via the Internet.”
What is the RAIN Alliance?
As more organizations across the globe integrate RAIN into their production process, industries gain the advantage of standardization. When brands and manufacturers build processes using the same RAIN technology, they’re less likely to experience vendor lock-in — because they can know other vendors can quickly continue carrying out their RFID protocol. This advantage is lost when organizations invest in proprietary UHF RFID systems, which may lack interoperability.
While RAIN itself refers to the RFID technology at use, the proliferation of RAIN increases the benefits for all users by improving compatibility. To promote the adoption of RAIN RFID and its benefits, the RAIN Alliance was formed as an industry organization focused on advancing this technology globally.
Why did Charming Trim join the RAIN Alliance?
I spoke to Tony Ceder, the Vice President of Charming RFID, to hear more about why Charming has chosen to partner with the RAIN Alliance.
“The reason we’ve decided to join the RAIN Alliance is two-fold,” Ceder shared. “For one, Charming values staying at the forefront of digital technology, so we want to partner with suppliers and users to advance the technology and increase adoption.”
“The other key reason is that there are several applications outside of apparel that have not seen the benefits of using RAIN RFID,” he said. “We want to be part of the growth and advancement of how the technology can be used in different verticals.”
Ceder also highlighted a recent attempt by the FCC to allow NextNav to use the frequency band essential for RAIN RFID to function effectively in business operations. By partnering with organizations like the RAIN Alliance, GS1, and AAFA, RFID users can unite their voices to prevent these actions from compromising RFID operations.
Get started with RFID
The benefits of RFID — and increased global usage — are clear. If you currently use RFID, or are considering implementing RFID technology throughout your supply chain, we urge you to take action by joining the RAIN Alliance alongside Charming Trim.
And to get started with Charming Trim’s Truecount RFID technology, reach out to a member of our team today.
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