Rhythm Snowports conquering Inventory Challenges with Ramp’s RFID solution.
Rhythm Snowsports integrates Ramp’s Retail RFID Solution with Retail Express POS System to unlock a whole new way to manage retail inventory.
Overview
Addressing the challenges of large-scale retail management
Rhythm Snowports, established in 1985, is a large business with a huge retail store footprint at its main location in Cooma NSW that operates 24 hours a day. With over 200 brands across departments, Rhythm is the preferred destination for lovers of snow sports all over Australia.
Growing inventory meant that a failing legacy security system that used magnetic tags was in need of an upgrade. The business used spreadsheets for inventory management, taking up to a week to update and process for the annual stocktake. Further, finding stock in the vast store environment to fulfil orders from the increasingly popular e-commerce offering was taking a lot of time and staff resources.
The problem
Inefficient inventory management & security system
Rhythm Snowsports, a bustling hub for snow sports enthusiasts, was grappling with teh challenges of managing a vast inventory across a large retail footprint. The store, operating round the clock, was home to over 200 brands, each with a diverse range of products. As the business expanded, the inventory grew, stretching the limits of the existing security system. The legacy system, reliant on magnetic tags, was faltering under volume of inventory, signalling a pressing need for an upgrade.
Simultaneously, the task of inventory management was becoming increasingly clunky. The process, anchored in spreadsheets, was not only time-consuming but also prone to errors. It took an entire week to update and process the data for the annual stocktake, a delay that was becoming untenable in the fast-paced retail environment. The rapid increase in ecommerce further added to the complexity. Fulfilling online orders required staff to locate specific items in the vast store, a task that was proving to be a drain on time and resources. The manual systems were clearly struggling to keep pace with the evolving demands of the business.
The solution
Embracing innovation with Ramp’s RFID retail solution for inventory management
Recognising the need for a more robust and efficient system, Rhythm Snowsports turned to Ramp’s Retail RFID Solution. This innovative technology was seamlessly integrated with the Retail Express POS system, creating a comprehensive retail inventory management system that significantly improved security measures. The solution was tailored to address the unique challenges of Rhythm Snowsports, marking a significant shift from the outdated legacy system.
The implementation of the RFID solution was marked by meticulous planning and execution. Upon arrival from various suppliers, RFID tags were attached to products. These tags served as digital identifiers, enabling quick and accurate tracking of items. Handheld RFID readers were introduced, revolutionising stock counts and the process of locating items to fulfil online orders. At the point of sale, RFID readers scan sold items, linking them to security readers strategically placed around the store. This not only enhanced security but also prevented unsold items from being returned. The solution was a testament to the power of technology in transforming retail operations, paving the way for a more efficient and customer-focused approach.
Improved Inventory Management
& Customer Satisfaction with RFID
Ramp’s RFID solution significantly improved Rhythm Snowsports’ inventory management, security, and customer satisfaction.
“Ramp RFID makes it so much easier to find stock in store or in the warehouse to fulfil online orders. The team can literally cruise the store with a handheld reader to find what they need and ship it immediately. We have reduced out-of-stocks and increased customer satisfaction.”
Rhythm Snowsports
Naomi Nevin – Ecommerce Manager