Offside
Limelight

Nuno Cruz, Ricardo André and Luís Seca

Free Nonsense

"I know that INESC Porto offers great competencies and facilities in OFS; this means that we can develop the best sensor configurations and interrogation techniques for the sensing platforms...", Mohammad Zibaii

Have your say

"The relaxed atmosphere, spirit of mutual aid and the exchange of scientific knowledge between colleagues at INESC Porto are all positive factors for me, but it was the projects I have been involved in that have really contributed to my scientific development...", Lucian Ciobanu

Gallery of the Uncommon

Following the analysis of the aesthetics of breasts, the researchers at INESC Porto have turned their attention to the pelvic region. The project is called BioPelvic and consists of a vaginometer which is not to be confused with any other mileage meter. This is a phallic device with sensors and yes ladies, there is a wireless version.

Jobs 4 the Boys & Girls

In this section, the reader may find reference to public announcements made by INESC Porto offering grants, contracts and other opportunities of the same kind.

Biptoon

More scenes of how life goes merrily on...

 
 

INESC Porto project ShoeID is the key to the success of the Kyaia Group

INESC Porto project ShoeID is the key to the success of the Kyaia Group

Kyaia Group win Retail Technology Award Europe 2011

The Portuguese Footwear Group Kyaia is one of the winners of the European RETA awards (Retail Technologies Awards) from the EHI Retail Institute. The Group was awarded the Best Enterprise Solution prize for their project ShoeID which was developed in conjunction with INESC Porto. The award acknowledges the improvements made by the Kyaia Group using RFID technology (Radio Frequency Identification) throughout the logistics chain of their international brand FLY London.

two.jpg   three.jpg

Virtual environment helps shoppers make choices

The ShoeID solution was developed for FLY London with the aim of improving efficiency throughout the supply chain. In addition to optimising processes and helping to control loss prevention in the supply chain, the solution adds value in-store by incorporating an RFID Smart Floor which allows customers to try on a pair of shoes and look at an image of themselves in front of a busy street scene in London, New York or Tokyo. 

Rui Rebelo, a researcher at the Manufacturing Systems Engineering Unit (UESP) and the project manager for ShoeID, claims the innovative capacity of Kyaia was the key to their success in the RETA Europe Awards. “This award is very important not only due to its relevance for the retail sector, but also because of the expose it has given to the project and to INESC Porto. The project's innovative character was highlighted when the award was presented at the ceremony in Dusseldorf. I felt content hearing this, I whole heartedly agree; this project is particularly innovative for its sector and some of the ideas for ShoeID came from the initial proposal prepared by the INESC Porto team”, he claims.

four.jpg   five.jpg

From the factory to the shop shelves

The Project was developed by a consortium of six companies, including the Kyaia Group.  Creativesystems developed and installed the entire solution, Avery Dennison supplied the RFID UHF inlays and tickets, Surfaceslab developed the RFID UHF Smart Floor, the Portuguese Shoe Technological Center (CTCP) provided business consultancy and technological support. INESC Porto completed this consortium and assisted with software design optimisation and forecasting algorithms.  Project ShoeID was also co-funded by the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) through the operational programme ON2 - O Novo Norte and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

ShoeID also incorporates RFID technology into the initial footwear production phases to accompanying the whole process in the value chain, from the first footwear manufacturing operations to the consumer. It has eliminated the role of documentation in paper format, optimised distribution methods and introduced innovative solutions for shopper interaction with products in Boutiques and Shops. Furthermore, this technology allows the store manager to know, at any particular time, what is in stock, what is on the shop floor and what needs to be reordered by FLY London”.

six.jpg   seven.jpg

Going International, the next step for ShoeID

When talking about ShoeID, Rui Rebelo is confident about short-term results. “The project is only half way through and we are very hopeful with regards to more results. INESC Porto is working on the optimisation of distribution networks and forecasting models for sales. These results will soon be made public”.

The RETA Europe Awards distinguish the best solutions in information technology introduced in sales and retail companies. The Best Enterprise Solution category, won by Kyaia, acknowledges a sales or retail company that has been able to increase its efficiency within the company and in external relations, through the development and implementation of innovative technology and systems.

The RETA Europe Awards are held annually during business fairs such as EuroShop or EuroCIS. The jury for these awards is composed of representatives from industry, universities and research institutes. The ceremony took place in the Capitol Theatre in Düsseldorf (Germany).

Photo: http://www.punchstock.com