GS1 US announced a new program for apparel retailers, manufacturers and distributors as they roll out large-scale implementations of RFID systems for inventory management.

The GS1 US “Item Level Readiness Program” offers education, training, tools and community facilitation needed to support industry-wide adoption and use of the technology and standards. The roll outs employ GS1 EPC standards, enabling the companies to share data on items as the move through the supply chain – in stores, warehouses, and factories.

The program features webinars, teleconference-based sessions and community forums that cover technology and issues concerning the requirements of their trading partners. It also offers an interactive, web-based adoption roadmap and online tools that companies can use to determine costs and timelines for their implementations.

The use of EPC-enabled RFID technology allows companies to reduce labor expenses, improve in-stock levels and increase sales, as they are able to take inventory and restock shelves more quickly. As a not-for-profit standards organization, GS1 US offers neutral guidance along with technology expertise developed for both customized and general applications.