Checkpoint Systems unveils new solution to monitor inventory and reduce food wastage

Source-to-shopper solutions Checkpoint Systems has unveiled its new RFreshIDTM fresh food solution which allows stores to accurately monitor inventory levels and rotate stock making it easier for stock with near or exceeded expiry dates can be identified with ease.

The new RFID tech solution enables retailers to manage inventory and precisely plan when replenishments are required, as well as when stock needs to be marked down for sale, claims Checkpoint, adding that its customers have already noted reduced food waste levels by as much as 60 per cent while also minimising the time spent required to manually check merchandise by up to 78 per cent. 

Using Checkpoint, improvements in inventory accuracy were also noted, achieving up to 99.99 per cent in the stock room and up to 99 per cent on the sales floor. By improving cycle count times, reducing waste and accurately managing expiry dates, retailers can enjoy an uplift in sales thanks to increased product availability.

By improving cycle count times, reducing waste and accurately managing expiry dates, retailers can enjoy an uplift in sales thanks to increased product availability.

More than 89 million tonnes of food are thrown away every year in Europe and the grocery retail sector contributes some 5 per cent to the total amount, often due to expired fresh produce, equating to more than 4.45 million tonnes.

By improving cycle count times, reducing waste and accurately managing expiry dates, retailers can enjoy an uplift in sales thanks to increased product availability.

Whether its on shop floor or in stock rooms, Checkpoint’s RFreshIDTM scanning process enables store personnel to use an intuitive handheld device that quickly and accurately counts and locates specific items. It works in conjunction with RFreshIDTM reporting software to deliver real-time actionable data that includes insights on replenishment, expiration, markdown, waste reports, products to restock and order, as well as items that are about to expire or have expired, the company said.

Mike French, UK Business Unit Director of Checkpoint Systems, commented: “The shelf life of fresh produce presents a unique challenge for grocery retailers. By improving inventory management and replenishment, retailers can not only see a marked improvement in stock rotation and sales but crucially reduce current levels of avoidable and costly food waste. RFreshIDTM delivers the highest level of accuracy and ensures retailers are putting forward the right price, at the right time on the right product.”