RFID for efficient returns management at Samsøe Samsøe

March 6, 2025 • 5 min read

Case study

In general, returns are a normal part of retail, especially as a customer service in an omnichannel world. At the same time, high return rates have a negative impact on the retailer’s profitability. Products are returned from end customers, own stores, or wholesale partners for various reasons, e.g., seasonal leftovers, product recall due to quality issues, re-allocation due to (locally) changing demand, end-customers are returning products they had ordered online.

Samsøe Samsøe partnered with Nedap to enhance its returns management process using RFID technology. Already utilizing RFID in stores, the brand sought to extend its benefits to the warehouse, particularly to streamline the handling of product returns from various channels, including e-commerce, retail stores, and wholesale partners.

Ilse Protsman

Marketing Manager Retail

Retail

Case study

Case

The Supply Chain challenge of Samsøe Samsøe

Samsøe Samsøe is handling returned products from different channels (own stores, wholesale, e-com) all handled in the same place. The traditional barcode-based returns process was labor-intensive, slow, and error-prone, requiring manual checks for each product.

Nedap implemented a tailored RFID solution featuring the iD Cloud Supply Chain software, consulting services, and an RFID workstation. This innovative approach automates the registration and verification of returned items, significantly accelerating their reintegration into sellable inventory while enhancing accuracy. The system also supports advanced analytics, enabling the identification of trends, such as repeat returns, to aid in process optimization and strategic decision-making.

“This RFID deployment has significantly streamlined our returns process, allowing us to maintain better inventory accuracy and reduce operational bottlenecks. It’s been a game-changer for Samsøe Samsøe’s operations”

Tommy Nimand

CFO at Samsoe & Samsoe

How Samsøe Samsøe uses Nedap iD Cloud

Samsøe Samsøe evaluated several alternatives to streamline their return process, including a barcode-based manual system where operators handle returns with traditional barcode labels. While integration within their legacy IT systems was considered, the decision to adopt RFID technology in combination with Nedap’s iD Cloud platform emerged as the optimal solution. This choice leverages the seamless product registration capabilities of RFID (bulk and over-the-air scanning) with the benefits of a proven, user-friendly, and scalable software platform. The iD Cloud platform also integrates seamlessly with Samsøe Samsøe’s existing systems, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum efficiency.

During the return process, each item is checked for its RFID label integrity and product quality. If the RFID label is intact and the product is in a sellable condition, the Electronic Product Code (EPC) is updated in the iD Cloud EPCIS as successfully returned. This update ensures that inventory records are accurate, and the item is ready for resale. In cases where exceptions are encountered, a new RFID label is printed. With RFID in place, returns are handled quicker and over-all employee productivity has increased.

“The solution’s seamless integration into our workflow and the operational insights gained have exceeded our expectations. RFID is no longer just a store technology for us; it’s now a key enabler in our supply chain.”

Simeon Solarsky

Head of Information Technology at Samsoe & Samsoe

Collaboration

Nedap controls RFID devices, provided by trusted partners. Those smart RFID read points seamlessly capture the products inside boxes, allowing warehouse operators to see and evaluate the results, increasing accuracy, immediately adding the items back to stock, and automating data exchange.

Software: iD Cloud Supply Chain, connected with iD Cloud Store
Services: consulting, field services, system integration
Hardware: RFID workstation

Partnership

Samsøe Samsøe and Nedap teamed up to define the optimal RFID-based returns management process. Through an on-site survey, a structured kick-off workshop, a detailed design phase, and ongoing KPI monitoring, we ensured a seamless implementation.

Data exchange

Stores send returns data (transfer orders) to the warehouse in real-time, so that returned items can be verified easily and quickly. As a consequence, those returned products can be fast added back to the (online) sellable stock or re-allocated to other stores as per actual demand.

Ready for full integration

While currently operating as a standalone solution, it is already connected with iD Cloud Store to share master data and shipment orders. The integration with ERP and WMS is planned for the coming project phase to further enhance interoperability and streamline operations.

Continuous optimization

The project follows a structured approach with regular updates, new features and security updates. A transparent collaboration ensures long-term success. By continuously monitoring KPIs, addressing challenges proactively, and refining processes, Samsøe Samsøe and Nedap stay aligned – maximizing the impact of RFID.

Results and impact

Implementing RFID technology in the returns process significantly enhances operational efficiency, improve product availability, and reduce instances of returns fraud. To measure the success of the RFID implementation, Samsoe Samsoe is continuously assessing the following key performance indicators (KPIs):