Smart Label Solution Accelerates Inventory Tracking, Optimizes Workflow | Automotive

1/7/2025

RRD’s consultative labels support helps leading auto retailer eliminate manual processes, boost profit margins

CHALLENGE

A leading online automotive retailer utilized manual processes to track their inventory and process work orders. As a result, their operation teams had to spend several additional hours on each car, manually tracking and determining updates or upgrades that were required for each car to be sold. They relied on spreadsheets and tablets for their tasks, applying handwritten paperwork to the exterior of vehicle windshields. With no digital work orders or automated inventory tracking in place, the result was convoluted data sharing across their facilities.  

The retailer sought a solution that would allow the executive team, managers, and sales to pinpoint specific cars and parts based on inventory demand. They also required a solution that would enable them to track and make updates to work orders and parts accessories orders, ensuring a seamless car-to-customer delivery process.

SOLUTION

The retailer turned to RRD, who was able to conceive and develop a viable solution that met their needs as well as their budgetary constraints. The retailer’s internal teams provided RRD with details on the challenges they were experiencing when it came to tracking their vehicle inventory. They also passed along feedback from their staff on features they would like to see for optimizing workflow. 

After a thorough review of the information, RRD’s Labels Performance Center R&D team created a label solution designed to improve the processing of car inventory and solve the retailer’s work-order tracking concerns. The newly created labels had full integration with their existing warehouse management system (WMS) software for inventory as well as work orders.

RRD provided the retailer with an easy-to-utilize label format that boasted two critically important features:

• The new label could be affixed to the inside of the car window, similar to a Monroney label attached to the side window or windshield of new vehicles. Being positioned within the car’s interior, it was protected from the elements and other damage an exterior solution might encounter.  
• Integrating a QR code and RFID tag, these new smart labels were designed to be easily applied, easily scanned, and easily tracked, as per the retailer’s request. Each label contained the vehicle’s vehicle identification number (VIN) as well as general vehicle information, work and parts order details, and more. 

Prior to beginning final production, RRD created multiple label samples with options for a 90-day test run at the retailer’s facilities. The teams tested for a variety of factors, including extreme temperatures, sunlight exposure, high volume and usage, and other conditions. RRD visited the retailer’s facilities several times to ensure the labels were performing properly and that the printers being utilized for label output were in working order, and to train local users. 

RESULTS

By producing smart labels the retailer could utilize in conjunction with their existing WMS software technology, RRD ensured they would realize better automation and streamline their inventory tracking processes for each vehicle.

Specific benefits include:

• The easily applied smart labels provide a unique ID for each car in the retailer’s inventory. The retailer can now track every vehicle from when it arrives at the facility through delivery to the final buyer, providing easy access to each data point for work orders, sales, and more.
• Once RRD smart labels were implemented and integrated into the system, processing time was reduced — thereby enhancing the overall margin of the car, and helping to lower the time a car spent at each distribution center or on the lot
• RRD was able to warehouse the smart labels in multiple locations across the U.S., decreasing freight and shipping times
• The project was completed within the retailer’s budget