Summary
Discover how an omnichannel retailer transformed order accuracy, inventory visibility, and sustainability by integrating SATO’s RFID-ready CT4-LX printer and AEP cloud printing. Results included 90% fewer warehouse returns, 50% faster order throughput, and 50% less paper use, without overhauling their OMS.
The Retail Challenge
How do you streamline order fulfilment across retail stores while cutting waste and reducing returns?
A major French fashion retailer with hundreds of stores faced the same problems many Australian and New Zealand retailers do today:
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Manual invoice printing caused shipping delays.
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Staff left the floor to process orders in backrooms.
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Paper documents were often lost, wasted, or mismatched.
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High return rates increased warehouse costs and customer dissatisfaction.
As in ANZ, compliance with circular economy principles (such as Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets or NZ’s waste minimisation strategies) added pressure to cut waste and digitise operations.
SATO’s Smart Print & RFID Solution
How did the retailer fix these issues without replacing their existing Order Management System?
SATO delivered a plug-and-play solution using:
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SATO CT4-LX RFID printer — a compact, industrial-grade printer for in-store use.
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AEP (Application Enabled Printing) + PDF Direct Print — allowing direct, cloud-based printing from their OMS to each store’s CT4-LX printer.
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RFID labels — for real-time stock tracking and more intelligent inventory control.
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On-demand reprints — helping clear slow-moving stock and prevent unnecessary returns.
No new infrastructure. No new training. Just better results.
Real Results Achieved
What operational benefits did the retailer see?
| KPI | Outcome |
| Warehouse Returns | Reduced by 90% |
| Order Processing Speed | 50% increase in fulfilment capacity |
| Paper Consumption | 50% less usage = lower environmental impact |
| Store Efficiency | Improved visibility and fewer interruptions |
| Customer Satisfaction | Higher due to accurate and timely delivery |
Why It Matters in Australia & New Zealand
Retail and logistics leaders across ANZ are under pressure to:
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Speed up click-and-collect and home delivery fulfilment.
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Reduce the cost of returns (which can make up 20–30% of online order costs).
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Lower waste in line with ESG goals and government regulations.
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Operate more efficiently with fewer skilled labour resources.
This case shows how SATO’s RFID and print technology improves:
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Inventory visibility
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In-store operations
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Compliance
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Sustainability
All without replacing legacy systems.
Useful Links & ANZ Insights
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Australia Post 2024 eCommerce Report – 1 in 4 purchases now online
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NZ Post Full Download 2023 – Fashion leads in returns and logistics growth
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APCO’s 2025 Packaging Targets – Compliance pressure mounting in retail
Final Takeaway
If you're asking:
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How do I reduce retail returns?
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What’s the best way to digitise in-store fulfilment?
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How do I integrate RFID into my existing systems?
SATO Oceania delivers proven solutions with measurable ROI, no disruption required.
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