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• News & Media

  Perry Ellis Reduces Chargebacks and Improves Outbound Accuracy Thanks to Clustag High-Precision RFID Tunnels

  October 23, 2026

  CLUSTAG

  The U.S. fashion group strengthens post-picking validation at its Atlanta‑area distribution center using a RAIN RFID solution integrated into conveyor operations16/03/2026 Atlanta, GA  In the highly competitive U.S. fashion market, logistics accuracy plays a critical role in protecting margins and meeting strict retail compliance requirements. Perry Ellis International, one of North America’s leading fashion groups, has strengthened its B2B outbound operations by deploying an automated post‑picking validation system based on RAIN RFID tunnels at its distribution center in the Atlanta area.The project targets one of the most sensitive points in fashion logistics: 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.In the U.S. fashion industry, these discrepancies carry a direct financial impact. 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.To eliminate this risk, Perry Ellis implemented high-density RFID tunnels fully 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, with Cognex barcode readers for box identification. Interroll automated rejection lines that divert non‑compliant shipments without interrupting operational flow. The entire process is orchestrated by Zentup, Clustag's middleware platform, fully integrated with Perry Ellis’ Manhattan WMS, ensuring 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 meters high. Despite these constraints, the RAIN system was implemented without interrupting daily operations or reducing throughput.The results were immediate. Since go‑live, Perry Ellis 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, ensuring the correct sizes, colors, and styles arrive at the point of sale."This project shows how RFID technology can transform fashion intralogistics from day one”, says Jorge Robledillo, Director of Clustag North America. “Strong collaboration between teams was essential to delivering measurable results in a highly demanding operational environment.”According to Tom Seow, VP of Distribution Engineering at Perry Ellis, "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."With this deployment, Perry Ellis reinforces its intralogistics digitalization strategy and demonstrates how automated post‑picking validation with RFID tunnels has become a key tool for reducing financial risk, improving operational efficiency, and meeting the high standards of U.S. retail operations.This success story was featured by Clustag at MODEX 2026, where the company exhibited from April 13 to 16 in Atlanta (Booth B17332). The event served as a platform to discuss with U.S. customers and partners how RAIN RFID solutions can be successfully integrated into highly automated intralogistics environments and how these projects are setting a new benchmark for B2B fashion distribution in North America.About Perry EllisPerry Ellis International, Inc. is a leading designer, distributor, and licensor of a broad portfolio of men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, and fragrances. Headquartered in Doral, Florida, the company operates globally and manages a diverse portfolio of lifestyle brands, including Perry Ellis®, Original Penguin®, Rafaella®, Cubavera®, Ben Hogan®, and Farah®, among others. Perry Ellis products are distributed through major department stores, specialty retailers, and e‑commerce channels worldwide.About ClustagClustag is a global technology company specializing in advanced RFID solutions for intralogistics, traceability, and supply chain digitalization. The company designs, manufactures, deploys, and supports customized RAIN RFID systems for distribution centers ranging from manual operations to highly automated environments. Clustag has a direct presence in North America, with offices in the United States and Mexico, and is headquartered in Spain. It has deployed thousands of RFID solutions across more than 30 countries. All Clustag solutions are powered by Zentup, its proprietary middleware platform, enabling seamless integration with WMS and enterprise systems while ensuring reliable, EPC‑level data capture and control.

  

• News & Media

  KUKA to Bring AI-Powered Sanding and Packaging Automation to ADM 2026

  October 22, 2026

  KUKA Robotics Corporation

  Shelby Township, Mich., October 18, 2026 – KUKA Robotics will feature an AI-powered automated finishing demonstration along with a cell for high-speed packaging operations at the Advanced Design & Manufacturing (ADM) Expo and conference on November 10 – 12, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The first demonstration, using the company’s LBR iisy cobot, will showcase AI-powered path planning for an automated spot sanding application, while the second cell will demonstrate robotic case loading with the KR AGILUS industrial robot. With KUKA System Partner MARI (Maple Advanced Robotics Inc.), the spot-sanding cell will use the Scan&Go Physical AI platform to showcase how AI-driven path planning can simplify robotic finishing applications. The solution automatically scans a part and generates a robot path for an LBR iisy 11-kg payload capacity cobot, allowing operators to simply place a part in the system and identify the areas where sanding is needed. Built on a modular platform, the mobile system offers a flexible approach to robotic spot sanding that can be easily moved between departments and facilities and scaled across operations.The accessible and cost-effective Scan&Go system is an alternative to large industrial robotic cells. Its automatic path generation eliminates manual robot programming, while providing the flexibility to handle different parts with minimal setups. The combination of robotic scanning and intelligent path planning in one integrated system also shortens overall sanding times.With its extended payload capacity, significantly longer reach and a higher IP protection class, the LBR iisy 11 is a collaborative lightweight cobot suitable for a wide range of tasks and applications, including machine tending, palletizing/depalletizing, material handling and pick-and-place operations. Within the demonstration cell, the operator marks the part to identify any defects, the Scan&Go system scans the spot, then the KUKA cobot automatically finishes sanding the area.MARI is a Physical AI company developing world-model-driven robotics systems for advanced manufacturing. Its systems transform point cloud perception into real-time adaptive robotic actions, enabling programming-free automation through a closed-loop system that can perceive, reason, plan and execute skilled manufacturing tasks with robots.​For robotic case packing, KUKA System Partner Compendium Group programmed the demonstration cell using KUKA.PLC mxAutomation programming software and KUKA.SafeOperation software for safe operation and coordination within the cell. In operation, the compact KR AGILUS industrial robot is controlled by users selecting pre-programmed “recipes” at the push of a button, from a simple HMI. The robot seamlessly switches between handling different products and case sizes with all system components controlled from a single PLC.The KR AGILUS robots are compact, six-axis and particularly well suited for high working speeds. Whether mounted on the floor, ceiling or wall, they achieve the utmost precision in confined spaces thanks to integrated energy supply systems and service-proven control technology from KUKAKUKA.PLC mxAutomation enables intuitive robot programming directly within the PLC environment to simplify integration, accelerate commissioning and provide greater flexibility. As a universal PLC open-certified PLC interface, it allows users to program and operate all key robot functions directly in their familiar control environment.KUKA.SafeOperation helps reduce space requirements and makes production operations fast, safe and compact. Users are able to explore cell configuration options and the possibilities of human-robot collaboration more cost-effectively while simultaneously defining and monitoring the work areas and protected spaces.All KUKA automation solutions are backed by the company’s expert service and support for training, complete system engineering and simulation, readily available spare parts, robot refurbishment, and more, all of which are easily accessible through the my.KUKA.com site.KUKA KUKA is an international automation group with sales of around EUR 3.7 billion and approximately 15,000 employees. As one of the world's leading suppliers of intelligent, resource-saving automation solutions, KUKA offers industrial robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMR) including controllers, software, and cloud-based digital services, as well as fully networked production systems for various industries – primarily for markets such as automotive with a focus on e-mobility & battery, electronics, metal & plastic, consumer goods, food, e-commerce, retail, and healthcare. The company is headquartered in Augsburg, Germany.

  

• Video

  The Rules Behind Responsible AI

  October 21, 2026

  Who decides what AI should and shouldn't do? Join Mansi David, Vice President of Product Management at Hy-Tek Intralogistics and Bharath Krishnamurthy, AI Consulting Leader of Manufacturing and Supply Chain at Cognida.ai, as they explore why ethical AI requires more than technology, and how leaders are establishing governance, accountability, and human oversight to build trust in agentic AI systems.

  

• News & Media

  Mallard Manufacturing Makes Major Investment in Carton Flow Rack Automation at New Sterling Facility

  October 21, 2026

  Mallard Manufacturing Corporation

  Expanded Manufacturing and New Automation Support Shorter Lead Times, Component Precision, and Increased Production FlexibilitySterling, IL – October 12, 2026 – Mallard Manufacturing, a leading provider of gravity flow storage solutions for warehousing and distribution, is making a major investment in its carton flow manufacturing operations with the opening of a new, larger facility in Sterling, Illinois. This move brings carton flow production closer to the company’s headquarters and pallet flow operations while significantly expanding the space, technology, and manufacturing resources dedicated to Mallard’s carton flow product lines.At approximately 40,000 square feet, the new facility is nearly double the previous plant footprint. New robotic assembly technology expands automation for the company’s Dyna-Flo, Dyna-Flo HD, and Dyna-Deck product lines, while additional equipment brings select component production in-house. Together, these improvements create a more integrated manufacturing environment designed to scale with customer demand.“This expansion represents a significant investment in the future of our carton flow manufacturing operations,” said Kevin Risch, President of Mallard Manufacturing. “By bringing our operations together in Sterling and investing in advanced automation, we’re better positioned to respond to customer needs, support shorter lead times, and maintain Mallard’s commitment to precision and quality.”Carton flow systems are used in warehouses and distribution centers to support efficient case, tote, and each-pick order fulfillment. Mallard manufactures a range of gravity-fed carton flow solutions engineered to accommodate varying inventory sizes, weights, and picking requirements.Advanced Automation for Dyna-Flo and Dyna-Deck ProductsThe Sterling expansion builds on Mallard’s ongoing investment in carton flow manufacturing technology. When the company opened its first dedicated carton flow facility in 2019, it incorporated high-speed press brakes, punching equipment, and specialized workstations to improve processing efficiency and precision.A centerpiece of the new operation is an automated assembly cell supporting Mallard’s Dyna-Flo, Dyna-Flo HD, and Dyna-Deck product lines. The robotic arms automatically feed and position components into the rail to assemble the carton flow, providing greater production efficiency and the flexibility to support multiple shifts as customer demand requires.The new cell is part of a broader investment into automation across Mallard’s carton-flow production processes, from cutting aluminum and rail to component production and assembly. Mallard has also added equipment that enables select components previously sourced externally to be manufactured in-house, providing greater control over production and supply.Bringing carton flow production closer to Mallard’s other Sterling operations provides additional efficiencies beyond automation. The centralized location allows Mallard to share workforce resources across operations while reducing unnecessary movement of products and materials between facilities.About Mallard ManufacturingFounded in 1960, Mallard Manufacturing is a leading international provider of engineered material handling solutions, specializing in gravity flow storage systems, including pallet flow, carton flow, and a number of specialty order-fulfillment applications. In 2024, we proudly joined the MacLean-Fogg family of companies, reinforcing our commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality products that meet our customers' evolving operational needs.Based in Illinois, our state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing facilities combine advanced equipment, automation, and skilled manufacturing expertise. Our dedicated test center also enables customers to participate in real-time product testing, helping confirm solutions are configured for their specific application.

  

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MHI & WERC Industry Hangouts

Ontario, Canada

August 20, 2026

Join us for an Industry Hangout at The Port House Social Bar &  Kitchen in Burlington, Ontario - where great conversations meet good times.

Hosted by MHI and WERC, this Industry Hangout is your chance to connect with fellow supply chain professionals in a fun, energetic atmosphere. Enjoy delicious food and drinks while expanding your network ! 

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MHI Annual Conference 2026

Palm Springs, CA

Sep 27-30, 2026

The MHI Annual Conference is an interactive thought leadership event for manufacturing, material handling and supply chain professionals that focuses on the technology innovation taking place across the supply chain industry—and the associated workforce challenges highlighted in the MHI Annual Industry Report.

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