This series of reports from WTiN will provide an in-depth analysis of automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technologies for the textile and apparel supply chain, to deliver a traceability strategy for manufacturing.

Part I: This report will focus on RFID technology; the most widespread form of traceability technologies at present. The history of traceability technologies and its transition from barcodes will lead the introduction to further highlight the journey of traceability technologies to where it is currently; RFID technology. Subsequently, the background and history of RFID technology will follow. The several types of RFID technology, structured with opposing frequencies, will be analysed to identify the most prevalent type that is used in the textile and apparel supply chain and to highlight the relevant applications in which they are used. As a result, this information will assist in delivering the most distinctive developments of RFID technology for the textile and apparel industry.  The latter part of this report will look at the limitations of RFID technology and use this to analyse research that is being done to resolve these issues or advance the technology; leading onto part 2.

The upcoming series will include the following: 

Part II: The key focus of this report will be innovative traceability technologies that are newly patented or freshly commercialised, where manufacturers are targeting their technologies at the textile and apparel industry. The technologies analysed in this report are only applicable to specific to certain sub-sectors, based on where you add the technology into the supply chain. Technologies such as origin authenticity, DNA traceability, and microparticle tags, will be technically analysed for compatibility with the textile and apparel supply chain. It will feature case studies and patented research where considered relevant.

Part III: The key focus of this report is similar to that of Part II; innovative traceability technologies. However, in this report, blockchain and blockchain of things, both considered as full solutions for the supply chain, will be analysed for compatibility with the textile and apparel supply chain.

Part IV: The textile and apparel industry is limited in some areas by a lack of advanced manufacturing technologies. However, the beginning of this report aims to highlight the full extent of traceability operations networked across the supply chain. This includes information relationships between manufacturers and brands & retailers, and the end consumer. In evaluation of these relationships, the viability of application of currently available traceability methods can be determined. Once the current traceability network of the supply chain is established, various traceability models can be analysed based on their ability to support textile manufacturers. After concluding on the most effective traceability model(s) for the textile and apparel supply chain, the practical implementation for traceability technology(s) is analysed in line with the recommended model(s).