KIABI: Global Inventory Control

For a global retail leader like KIABI, managing a network of 500 stores across 33 countries requires a high degree of operational precision and consistency. To support their mission of delivering an exceptional customer experience while maintaining cost-effectiveness, KIABI partnered with Frequentiel to implement Octo+ RFID as their intelligent inventory and traceability platform.

The goal was to replace traditional, manual-intensive processes with intelligent digital workflows that connect their inventory directly to their operations.

Addressing Manual Inefficiencies in Retail

At a scale of €2.5 billion in turnover, traditional counting methods were time-consuming and prone to discrepancies. To maintain their competitive edge, KIABI identified three key areas for improvement:

• Stock Availability: Ensuring that the tens of thousands of items on the floor are accurately reflected in the system to prevent missed sales.
• Workflow Efficiency: Reducing the labor hours traditionally required for manual stock takes and shipment reconciliation.
• Checkout Velocity: Streamlining the purchase process to reduce transaction times, particularly at self-checkout stations.

Establishing a High-Velocity Digital Layer

KIABI required a software layer capable of managing the sheer velocity of their business. Octo+ was selected for its ability to integrate seamlessly with existing systems while providing a unified stock pool across the entire supply chain.

Operational Highlights:

• Automated Inbound Verification: Every shipment passes through an RFID tunnel upon arrival. Octo+ reconciles the delivery instantly, ensuring that stock is live in the system and sellable the moment it hits the backroom.
• Zone-Level Cycle Counting: Using handheld readers and the Octo+ interface, store teams perform rapid, non-disruptive audits.
• Frictionless Checkout Experience: By integrating Octo+ with self-checkout stations, KIABI has transformed the purchase process. Items are read and security-deactivated in bulk, moving customers through the store faster and more conveniently.
• Targeted Loss Prevention: Octo+ identifies the specific item (EPC) that triggers an alarm. This allows security teams to move beyond reactive measures and analyze theft trends with surgical precision, protecting margins without impacting the customer experience.

The Performance Gains: Accuracy and Throughput

The partnership with Frequentiel has moved RFID from a technical initiative to a core business driver. By providing a near-perfect view of inventory, KIABI has optimized its most valuable asset: its stock.

• Enhanced Availability: Precise tracking allows staff to confidently respond to customer requests and ensure the right products are always available.
• Reclaimed Labor: Streamlining the receiving and counting processes has allowed KIABI teams to pivot from backroom tasks to proactive customer service.
• Faster Transactions: The implementation of RFID at the PoS and self-checkouts has significantly reduced wait times, aligning with KIABI's goal of an "Easy Shopping" experience.