Company name
TESEO S.p.A.
project title
Tracking System
dimension and location
SME - Grandate (CO)
PARTNER
Avvale
technologies
Product traceability
TESEO is a historic company from Como, a leader in silk weaving and the production of high-quality fabrics, boasting almost a century of experience. The company blends tradition with innovation, focusing on quality, service, and research to meet customers’ stylistic and production needs.
The problem
For several years now, major fashion brands have required full traceability for all purchased products.
This has created a cascading need across the supply chain to complete complex and detailed forms with data that, while available, is not always easily accessible.
Thus, there was a need to simplify traceability, speed up and preferably automate data compilation, and improve communication between the various systems currently used to collect data.
Additionally, new European regulations on product traceability and management, likely implemented through RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technologies, are compelling large companies to update their merchandise management and monitoring systems. These regulations mandate compliance within specified deadlines but present significant challenges in terms of costs, implementation, and technological compatibility.
While these changes primarily impact large enterprises, they indirectly affect the entire production and distribution chain, creating a ripple effect on small and medium-sized enterprises like TESEO, which must adapt their systems to comply with the new rules. TESEO had already invested in traceability systems, which, however, currently cover only the final stage (warehouse stock).
The challenge lies in finding suitable RFID solutions that can trace the entire production cycle—from weaving to dyeing and finishing—while meeting regulatory requirements without compromising operational efficiency.
The solution
The project’s objective was to conduct an in-depth analysis of the various types of RFID available on the market to identify the one best suited to TESEO’s needs and its supply chain.
The research revealed that there is no universal solution, as each type of RFID has advantages and disadvantages depending on specific business needs. For instance, one complexity encountered was ensuring the sensor adhered to the fabric, balancing the risk of detachment with the cost of adding dedicated production steps.
Nonetheless, the project highlighted the importance of a flexible integration strategy capable of adapting to different business realities and regulatory challenges.
Technologies:
The project involved analyzing various RFID technologies, including:
- Passive RFID: Requires no power source but has a more limited reading range.
- Active RFID: Includes an internal battery, offering a greater reading range but at higher costs.
- Semi-Active RFID: Combines features of both technologies, with some limitations in battery life and cost.
The approach also considered TESEO’s specific needs, such as managing complex logistics flows and integrating with pre-existing enterprise information systems.
Desired Impacts
The primary goal was to ensure a smooth and timely transition for TESEO to the new regulations while minimizing operational costs. Identifying the best RFID solutions also aimed to optimize supply chain management, improve product traceability, reduce manual errors, and enhance overall efficiency in logistics processes.
Furthermore, the project sought to provide TESEO’s supply chain partners with the guidance needed to effectively address the new regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
Benefits for the company
- Regulatory Compliance: TESEO will be able to meet the new laws, avoid penalties, and maintain a competitive position in the market.
- Operational Optimization: The introduction of RFID technology will simplify goods management, reduce inventory costs, and improve the accuracy of logistics operations.
- Enhanced Traceability: RFID adoption will enable real-time product tracking, improving visibility and control of workflows.
- Supply Chain Support: The project will have positive effects not only for TESEO but also for its supply chain partners, who will benefit from increased efficiency and compliance with regulations.
