Perry Ellis boosts post-picking validation at US distribution centre using RAIN RFID solution

Perry Ellis, a North American manufacturer and marketer of apparel whose portfolio of brands includes Original Penguin, Rafaella, Cubavera, Ben Hogan, and Farah, has deployed an automated post‑picking validation system based on RAIN RFID tunnels at its distribution centre in the Atlanta area.

The project targets final order validation after picking and just before shipment to wholesale customers and retail networks. While picking operations were already supported by pick‑to‑light systems, final verification still relied heavily on manual checks, making it difficult to detect discrepancies before shipments left the facility.

Chargebacks caused by missing or excess items are among the most common penalties imposed by retailers, often reaching up to 20% of the invoice value and resulting in losses that can amount to tens of thousands of dollars per shipment.

Perry Ellis implemented high density RFID tunnels, integrated into its existing conveyor lines. The solution automatically validates the contents of each open box after picking, comparing in real-time the items detected by RFID with the expected order data.

The system combines Clustag MOT Station RFID tunnels, capable of processing up to 1,000 boxes per hour and reading up to 600 items per box, The entire process is orchestrated by Zentup, Clustag's middleware platform, fully integrated with Perry Ellis’ Manhattan WMS, enabling real‑time EPC level validation and allowing only compliant orders to proceed to shipping.

One of the challenges was deploying the RFID solution in a live production environment under tight timelines and complex installation conditions, including work on mezzanines over 12 metres high. Despite these constraints, the RAIN system was implemented without interrupting daily operations or reducing throughput.

Since go live, Perry Ellis says it has achieved a 17% reduction in discrepancies detected after the RFID tunnels, along with a significant decrease in non‑compliant shipments reaching B2B customers. This has translated into substantial savings in chargeback penalties and improved product availability at stores.

"This project shows how RFID technology can transform fashion intralogistics from day one,” says Jorge Robledillo, Director at Clustag North America. “Strong collaboration between teams was essential to delivering measurable results in a highly demanding operational environment.”

Tom Seow, VP of Distribution Engineering at Perry Ellis, says: "The RFID tunnel solutions, integrated with Zentup, allow us to detect errors before they reach the store and give us a clear competitive advantage. We will continue investing in these systems for future projects."

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

RFID will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.