Streamlining Laundry Operations with RFID

Elis, a global leader in textile rental and hygiene services, has transformed its laundry management operations by integrating RFID technology into their workflow. Handling thousands of uniforms, towels, tablecloths, and bed sheets daily for a diverse clientele—ranging from hotels and hospitals to spas and linen rental companies—Elis needed a more efficient and accurate way to manage this massive inventory. RFID provided the solution, allowing Elis to track, sort, and manage laundry items with precision and speed, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction.

Efficiently Managing Thousands of Items Daily

"Managing the laundry needs of numerous clients presents a significant challenge, with ample opportunities for misplacement and loss during the cleaning and sorting processes. Traditional methods of sorting and inventory management were time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to errors. RFID technology has changed the game for Elis:

- RFID Tracking: Each linen is embedded with a durable RFID tag that can withstand harsh laundry cycles. These tags track the location and movement of individual items throughout the entire cleaning process.

- Real-Time Data Collection: RFID tags capture and transmit data on washing times, movement through the laundry cycle, and inventory counts. This information is uploaded automatically to the back-end system via WiFi, providing real-time insights for laundry managers.

- Optimized Sorting Process: Tasks that once required multiple workers and hours of manual effort can now be completed by a single person in minutes, thanks to RFID-enabled sorting. This has significantly reduced labor costs and improved operational efficiency."

Enhanced Visibility and Asset Management

"Elis has achieved unprecedented visibility into their laundry operations, leading to better data and more efficient workflows:

- No Linen Left Behind: Each item is tracked at every stage of the laundry cycle, ensuring nothing gets lost. If an item does go missing, it can be traced to its last known location, reducing the risk of loss and misplacement.

- Data-Driven Efficiency: The ability to monitor individual assets across different clients has allowed Elis to optimize their processes. With accurate data on washing times and asset life cycles, Elis can plan more effectively and maintain the necessary stock levels to meet client needs.

- Predictive Replenishment: By tracking the service life of each asset, Elis can predict when items need to be replaced, reducing replenishment time and ensuring that clients always have the linens they need."

Delivering Faster Service and Increased Customer Satisfaction

"With fewer mistakes, faster workflows, and more accurate estimates of linen readiness, Elis has enhanced its ability to serve its clients—over 400,000 worldwide. RFID technology has enabled Elis to:

- Reduce Errors: The automated tracking system has minimized human error, ensuring that the right items are delivered to the right customers every time.

- Improve Speed: Streamlined workflows have reduced the time it takes to process and sort laundry, allowing Elis to meet tight deadlines and deliver faster service.

- Increase Customer Satisfaction: With reliable service and timely deliveries, Elis has strengthened its relationships with clients, ensuring their continued satisfaction and loyalty.

By integrating RFID into their laundry management system, Elis has not only improved operational efficiency but also set a new standard for service quality in the textile rental and hygiene service industry."