DigiPix > CASE STUDY: NEXT plc
THE COMPANY - NEXT plc
Since the NEXT retail chain was launched in February 1982 it has had a major influence on High Streets throughout the UK, shaping the future of fashion retailing. Today NEXT trades from over 460 stores in the UK and Eire and over 100 franchise stores overseas.
The groundbreaking mail order operation NEXT Directory was launched in 1988 with online shopping introduced in 1999.
THE APPLICATION: - Enhanced Quality Control
NEXT utilize the extraordinary level of detail achievable with the image capturing facility within the DigiEye system for the imaging and colour measurement of samples, which would be impossible to assess using a standard spectrophotometer.
THE TECHNICAL BIT
The calibrated camera captures data in RAW format for very high-resolution images; since the image is captured in controlled and consistent lighting, manufactured by VeriVide, the software can transform the RGB data from the camera into CIE colour space thereby enabling Colour Measurement of the item.
The software also contains a choice of Colour difference equations so that items can be imaged with and compared to an agreed standard item.
BENEFIT 1 - Unambiguous Data
Using the DigiEye system allows NEXT to provide unequivocal data for the speedy agreement of issues. The ambiguity and subjectiveness is removed, allowing for an easier resolution of the problem.
Recently information from DigiEye was used to settle an issue involving a product – Khaki trousers; for which the trouser leg is cotton and was the correct shade of Khaki but the woven rip-stop lining, which should have been a good shade match to the main garment but was actually a different colour, more of an Olive Green, subsequently found to have been caused by the wrong pH in the dye bath.
- The screen shot, above left, shows a circle measuring the colour in a CMC equation of a section of the suspect garment.
- The colour standard to the left of the screen shot has been measured and confirms a Delta E of 1.8.
- The screen shot, bottom left, clearly shows the colour different from the standard on the left, an images of which, together with the supporting data can be sent electronically to anywhere in the world.
The evidential data from DigiEye was clear and unambiguous and not only resulted in an easier settlement of the issue but critically prevented faulty stock from reaching the stores or ultimately the customer.
BENEFIT 2 - Huge Potential Savings
Like many retailers it is the aim of NEXT to minimise the impact of customer returns. Using DigiEye enables a problem with a product to be raised and communicated, eliminating the cost and time of shipping faulty garments back to the Head Office or the supplier. Issues can be raised, supported by a digital image and quantifiable data and communicated globally via an extranet system within NEXT and their supply chain.
Each supplier will have their own password-protected page and, with the unequivocal data, the communication will be clear and should avoid inaccuracies from the use of subjective information or mishearing through an agent or sales person who did not understand the initial issue.
This will lead to expeditious and amicable resolutions of quality issues, saving both time and money for which NEXT estimate a very substantial annual saving.
CUSTOMER RESPONSE
"DigiEye is ideal for our company as we offer an incredibly diverse range of product; obviously not just clothing and textiles but items for the home, footwear, furnishings, gifts and jewellery.
It is far superior for colour measurement than anything else available in the market as it is able to measure the colour of items for which an ordinary spectrophotometer is inadequate, for example it can easily cope with non-flat products such as shoes, ceramics, small trims and areas of print."
"DigiEye is able to measure the unmeasurables".
Martyn Jennings - Senior Colourist NEXT plc June 2007
CHANGING THE WAY OF WORKING
Stock is now checked using DigiEye at the main warehouse to enable Buyers and Warehouse personnel to compare the newly received stock against the previously approved Gold Seal sample.
It is envisaged that this imaging of stock will ensure the product is correct for shipping to store, allowing faulty stock to be identified and communicated to head office and the relevant supplier within one hour and not within a week, prior to the use of the DigiEye system.
WISH TO KNOW MORE?
Further details of the DigiEye System - including the Large Area Imaging (LAI), are available via the Datasheet below (click on the relevant links to download or open).
Alternatively please contact Pete Laban - Sales Manager to arrange a demonstration.
| DIGIEYE DATASHEET | LAI - DATASHEET | CONTACT PETE LABAN |
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| DOWNLOAD PDF | DOWNLOAD PDF | p.laban@verivide.com |