What Is Garment Tracking in Dry-Cleaning Business & How Does It Work?

If you are trying to understand what garment tracking is in the dry cleaning business & how it works, you are in the right place. In this guide, we will share the basics and more regarding the garment tracking system, the way it helps dry cleaners, its benefits, and so on.

What is Garment Tracking in Dry Cleaning?

A garment tracking system for dry cleaners simplifies the need for tracking garments throughout cleaning, washing, drying, sorting, folding, and delivery. It eliminates the need for manual checks that are time-consuming. This system tracks each garment through a unique identifier assigned using a barcode or RFID tag. The staff is trained to use the garment tracking feature for identifying orders and knowing which customer they belong to. It mainly helps when a bulk of similar garments are being processed at the same time.

How Does Garment Tracking Work? [Step-by-Step Guide]

The dry-cleaning garment tracking system generally follows the garment through vital stages of the business. Let us understand it better with this stepwise guide on how the garment tracking mechanism works.

Step: 1 – Booking the order

The staff enters customer details and adds the garments to a new order for the system to keep the information together for the items to be identified at once.

Step: 2 – Tagging the garment

The garments entering processing are assigned a unique barcode or RFID tag. This identifier is unique to the garment or order, which makes it easier for the staff to trace them without requiring any handwritten notes or memorising.

Step 3 – Moving through the cleaning process

As the garment moves through processes, staff can scan its code, or automated updates are available (through RFID) for a clearer idea of where it has reached.

Step 4 – Sorting the order

Once the cleaning part is complete, the garment is matched with the order number assigned to the customer and transferred to the storage or collection bin.

Step 5 – Ready for collection or delivery

When the customer arrives, staff can quickly locate the order and hand over garments without any mistakes. These items can be verified against the order before handing over/sending out for delivery.

Barcode vs QR Code vs RFID for Garment Tracking

Let us share an overview of the key differences between barcode & RFID garment tracking systems.

Barcode technology is the traditional or standard order-tracking system. It is best suited for small dry cleaners. QR code facilitates a flexible digital identification feature, ideal for storing more information than a barcode. It can be scanned using different devices, including smartphones.

RFID Garment tracking is an appropriate choice for large-scale dry cleaners where fast order processing and automated tracking work in sync. This technology uses radio frequency to identify the tagged items.

| HIGHLIGHT: The appropriate choice for dry cleaners depends on the workflow and order volume. Barcode systems may seem practical options for small to medium-sized stores. RFID technology is a better choice for businesses handling a large number of garments.

Benefits of Garment Tracking for Dry Cleaners

A modern garment tracking system offers several advantages that ease dry-cleaning business management. Here are a few of the many practical benefits it provides.

1. Improves staff efficiency by letting them easily identify order status without any manual entries.
2. Reduces chances of misplaced and missed items (and thefts too!).
3. Leads to faster results whenever any order-related information is required.
4. Improves overall processing control. Any garment can be tracked throughout the cleaning stages.
5. Facilitates greater accountability regarding how orders move through the business.
6. Allows tracking each garment individually regardless of order volume.
7. Helps businesses provide better customer service.

What Should a Garment Tracking System Include?

We are listing the essential features of a garment tracking system in the UK. They are far beyond the RFID technology alone. The system should naturally fit into the existing workflow and be flexible enough to handle a wider workflow.

• Unique order or garment ID
• Technology support (barcode or RFID)
• Order status tracker
• Fast fetching of customer and order records
• Easy scanning and searching features
• Garment and order history is always handy
• Collection and delivery management
• EPOS software integration
• Staff accessibility levels and accountability
• Administrative reporting for a wider view of business insights

These are the basics expected from a garment tracker. You may look for custom features as per your business requirements, particularly when getting yours personalised with Axcess IT.

How does the Dry Cleaning EPOS Software Assist with Garment Tracking?

Garment tracking is becoming a new essential for dry-cleaners. For better control, this feature is paired with a Dry Cleaning EPOS System. Together, they offer centralised access to vital information related to inventory, staff, garments, customers, orders, and more without leaving the platform.

For instance, Axcess IT EPOS for dry cleaners is designed to help businesses manage entire operations from one platform. Our dry-cleaning EPOS system supports a wide range of specifications including order booking, tracking, payment, customer accounts, staff management, expenses, invoicing, and more. Dry-cleaners can also track staff clock-ins, assign access as per employee grade, customise reports for marketing campaigns, send SMS or Emails to customers, and do much more.

How Does the Axcess IT Garment Tracking System Make a Difference?

Your business needs this digital tool for greater control and visibility across routine operations. Axcess IT garment tracking system is here to deliver the same while keeping tracking linked to wider EPOS operations. This helps dry-cleaners maximise staff productivity and avail insights on all aspects of the business.

We also have the Cleanermatix system that enables factories to make entries of the incoming work, manage washing, processing, and assembly on the conveyor/flatwork system either manually or using Sortexx Bins. It is specifically designed with excellent features dedicated to larger premises requiring higher levels of efficiency and accuracy. If you’re an established dry-cleaner with a large store managing thousands of orders weekly, don’t miss out!

Don’t you want to experience this advanced garment tracking system? Reach out to us today or register for a free trial to see how Axcess IT Dry-Cleaning EPOS can help your business grow.

FAQs

What is a garment tracking system?

A garment tracking system is a combined technology in use. It includes software and identification technology to monitor garments throughout processing.

Is RFID garment tracking suitable for dry cleaners?

Yes. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are used by established dry cleaners processing high-volume garments daily.

Does garment tracking help manage garment inventory?

Yes. Garment inventory tracking makes it more convenient to track individual garments and order records, identify misplaced items at the exact point during processes, and retrieve customer information faster.

Can I integrate garment tracking with an EPOS system?

Mostly, dry-cleaners can integrate garment tracking with an EPOS system for centralised tracking whenever & wherever required.

How can I get started with a garment tracker?

You can get started by looking at the order volume currently processed by your business, the number of orders received in a month, and the tracking challenges faced. Speak to the expert EPOS provider to discuss the best possible solution.