This guide explains how RFID fits between the DCME ticket, the physical garment, production movement, assembly and final return. It is an implementation pathway—not a promise that hardware alone will fix production problems.
Start with reliable garment identity
Every RFID tag must represent one known item. The software record should already know the customer, ticket, garment, service, source, due date and return destination before the tag is attached.
When intake descriptions are vague or tags are reused without control, faster reading simply produces faster uncertainty.
- Create a unique item record before assigning a tag
- Define when a reusable tag is attached and removed
- Retain the source store, agency, route or account
- Document damaged, missing and replacement tag procedures
Choose reader points that answer a question
A reader should confirm a useful operational event: entry to production, arrival at finishing, completion of a quality stage, presence at assembly or movement to a storage rail.
Installing readers everywhere can create duplicate reads and noise. The workflow design should identify where an automatic read replaces labour, reduces risk or exposes delay.
- Map the physical garment path first
- Define the status created by each reader
- Set rules for duplicate and missed reads
- Provide a manual fallback at every critical stage
Use exceptions as part of the design
RFID environments include removed tags, shielding, damaged tags, garments travelling together, unexpected reader range and items that need rework. A production system must make exceptions visible rather than hiding them.
- Expected item not read
- Unexpected or duplicate item read
- Tag associated with the wrong ticket
- Order split across several production stages
- Manual item without an RFID tag
Reader choice, antenna placement, frequency, power, garment density and factory materials all affect performance. Site testing is required before final deployment.
This page provides general operational awareness. Always follow care labels, safety data sheets, equipment instructions, workplace procedures, testing requirements and professional judgement.