RFID footwear supply chain technology is helping On Running create better visibility across its global operations by connecting physical products with supply chain data. As the Swiss performance footwear brand continues expanding worldwide, managing the movement of products across factories, warehouses, distributors, and retail stores has become increasingly complex.
To address this challenge, On has adopted RFID technology as part of a source-to-consumer tracking strategy. Instead of only checking inventory at individual locations, the company is working toward a more connected supply chain where products can be tracked throughout their journey.
This case shows how RFID technology can help footwear brands improve product visibility, optimize logistics processes, and build more accurate supply chain management systems.
Why On Running Needed RFID for Supply Chain Management
Founded in Switzerland in 2010, On Running has grown rapidly with its performance running shoes, including its well-known Cloud series. As the company expanded into international markets, its supply chain became increasingly global and complex.
A pair of On running shoes may pass through multiple stages before reaching customers:
Manufacturing → Distribution Centers → Warehouses → Retail Stores → Consumers
Each stage involves product movement, inventory updates, and operational decisions.
For a growing footwear brand, traditional inventory tracking methods create several challenges. When products move between different locations, companies need accurate information about:
- Which products have been manufactured
- Where products are currently located
- Whether shipments arrive on schedule
- How inventory is distributed across different channels
Barcode systems can provide basic product identification, but they usually require manual scanning. This means inventory information may not always reflect the real-time status of physical products.
For On Running, the challenge was not simply counting shoes. The company needed greater visibility into the entire product journey.
This requirement led On to explore RFID as a way to connect products with supply chain information.
On Running’s RFID Project: Creating Source-to-Consumer Visibility
According to Nedap, the project enables On to track and trace products throughout different supply chain stages, including factories, warehouses, distributors, and stores.
The goal was to create better visibility from the product source to the consumer, allowing On to understand how products move through its global operations.
Unlike traditional inventory systems that mainly provide information at separate checkpoints, On’s RFID approach focuses on connecting different supply chain stages together.
The implementation allows products to carry a digital identity that can be recognized throughout the supply chain.
For a footwear company managing multiple product models, sizes, colors, and markets, this item-level visibility provides more accurate information for operational decisions.
How RFID Supports On Running’s Footwear Supply Chain
1. Creating Product Identity at the Beginning of the Supply Chain
The foundation of On Running’s RFID footwear supply chain is the ability to associate physical products with digital information.
RFID technology allows products to be identified using RFID tags or labels, creating a unique connection between the physical item and supply chain systems.
At the beginning of the product journey, this identification helps establish a reliable data record that can continue through later stages.
For footwear brands, this is particularly valuable because product complexity increases quickly.
A single running shoe collection may include:
- Different models
- Multiple sizes
- Various colors
- Different regional distribution requirements
Without accurate product identification, managing thousands of variations across global markets becomes increasingly difficult.
By introducing RFID identification earlier in the supply chain, brands can create a more consistent product tracking process.
2. RFID Helps On Running Track Product Movement Between Locations
After manufacturing, footwear products move through international logistics networks.
For On Running, RFID helps improve visibility as products move between different supply chain locations.
Instead of relying only on manual updates, RFID data can help supply chain teams understand product movement more accurately.
This includes information related to:
- Shipment status
- Product origin
- Distribution routes
- Expected arrival timing
One important value of On’s RFID implementation is improving the accuracy of supply chain data.
Improved lead time visibility is important for global footwear companies.
For example, supply chain teams can better understand:
- Whether shipments are moving according to plan
- Where delays may occur
- How inventory should be allocated
This allows businesses to make decisions based on more reliable information rather than delayed manual reports.
3. RFID Improves Warehouse Inventory Visibility
Warehouses play a critical role in On Running’s global distribution network.
Before products reach customers, they need to be received, stored, managed, and shipped from distribution locations.
Traditional warehouse processes often require employees to manually scan products one by one.
RFID changes this process by allowing products to be identified automatically during key operations.
In a footwear supply chain environment, RFID can support:
- Receiving incoming products
- Verifying shipments
- Checking inventory status
- Preparing outgoing orders
For On Running, better warehouse visibility helps reduce the difference between recorded inventory and actual physical stock.
This creates a more reliable foundation for supply chain planning.
4. RFID Connects Inventory Visibility with Retail Operations
The final stage of On Running’s RFID footwear supply chain is retail.
For global footwear brands, accurate store inventory is directly connected to customer experience.
A customer searching for a specific running shoe expects product availability information to match reality. However, inaccurate inventory data can create situations where products appear available but cannot be located.
RFID helps close this gap by improving the connection between physical inventory and digital records.
With better visibility, retail teams can more effectively understand:
- Available stock
- Product location
- Inventory requirements
This helps brands improve replenishment decisions and provide more reliable product availability.
The Role of RFID Labels in On Running’s Supply Chain Strategy
Although RFID platforms and software systems receive significant attention, RFID labels remain a critical part of the entire process.
The RFID label acts as the physical connection between the product and the digital supply chain system.
Without reliable RFID identification, the supply chain cannot generate accurate product data.
For footwear applications, RFID labels need to meet several requirements:
Reliable Reading Performance
Labels must maintain consistent performance during transportation, storage, and inventory operations.
Compatibility with Product Packaging
Depending on operational requirements, RFID labels may be used with:
- Shoe boxes
- Product tags
- Logistics labels
- Shipping packages
Stable Identification Throughout the Supply Chain
A successful RFID footwear supply chain depends on accurate product identification from the beginning to the final sales channel.
For brands like On Running, the quality of RFID labels directly affects the reliability of supply chain visibility.
Beyond Inventory: The Future of RFID in Footwear
On Running’s RFID project demonstrates that RFID is becoming more than an inventory management tool.
By connecting physical products with digital information, RFID can support future applications including:
- Product authentication
- Product lifecycle tracking
- Sustainability initiatives
- Digital Product Passport requirements
As footwear brands continue expanding globally, having accurate product information throughout the supply chain will become increasingly important.
RFID provides a foundation for creating more transparent and connected product ecosystems.
Conclusion
On Running’s RFID implementation demonstrates how a global footwear brand can use RFID technology to improve supply chain visibility from source to consumer.
By deploying RFID across factories, warehouses, distributors, and stores, On has created a stronger connection between physical products and supply chain data.
The success of an RFID footwear supply chain depends not only on software platforms but also on reliable RFID labels that enable accurate product identification throughout the entire journey.
For more RFID label solutions and industry insights, welcome to visit rfidlabel.com and explore how RFID technology can help brands build smarter and more connected supply chains.
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