Method for data management related to an item of function

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for data management relating to a garment item or accessory in the fashion, textile and apparel field, the data being accessible via a tag on the item, preferably a woven tag, and displaying an identifier such as a 2D code or a QR code, and the tag being affiliated to the item; -the data is stored on the server and is modifiable via an online platform executing on the server. According to the invention, the method comprises:-assigning each identifier in the database to at least one category in the database; and simultaneously modifying the data related to the items by modifying the data related to the categories of the items.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of garments and accessories in the fields of fashion, textiles and clothing. Background Art

[0002] In the field of fashion and accessories, brands want to be able to communicate with the customers of their products, ie their customers. For this, several solutions are known.

[0003] Emails may be sent to customers identified in a brand's database, for example, based on those customers' loyalty accounts with the brand.

[0004] Push notifications can also be sent to customers who have installed the app distributed by the brand on their smartphones.

[0005] The downside of these solutions is that the communication is pushed by the brand and not requested by the customer, who may therefore feel unhappy with such unsolicited communication.

[0006] Additionally, these communications often have nothing to do with the item the customer actually owns. The communications are too general and not properly targeted to the customer they are being told.

[0007] Finally, these solutions are not compatible with the secondary market because, if the brand is able to know the first customer, the brand does not know if and when the first customer has resold the originally acquired item. The brand cannot contact the second customer (i.e., the new purchaser). Therefore, the brand misses part of its communication goals.

[0008] There are also labels that display a code, such as a barcode or a 2D code (e.g. a QR code). Such codes can encode data (such as text) to display information to the customer when the customer scans the code with a smartphone. These codes can encode an Internet address (or "URL", the abbreviation for Uniform Resource Locator). These labels are attached to the item and therefore may follow the item throughout its life cycle, which allows the second customer to be contacted. The disadvantage of such labels is that once the label is manufactured, the code cannot be modified. Once the label is manufactured, the brand cannot easily modify the content of its communication.

[0009] Furthermore, there are difficulties in attaching a label showing a code to the corresponding item. In fact, the code is usually meaningless, so reading it with the naked eye does not tell what information the code encodes. This fact is exacerbated when it is a barcode or a 2D code.

[0010] In this case, it can be complicated for a fashion contractor who labels different items to know which label should be sewn on which item. Two labels can display the same brand logo and each label displays a different 2D code, for example, the first label corresponds to a t-shirt and the second label corresponds to a sweater. The two labels cannot be distinguished by the naked eye. Therefore, there is a risk of not attaching the right label to the right item.

[0011] The tag with the 2D code is then pre-attached to a specific item, requiring the tag manufacturer, the brand that purchases the tag, and the fashion contractor who manufactures and attaches the item to strictly track the inventory referenced by each tag based on its affiliation, and not to interchange tags that look similar but display different codes.

[0012] It is cumbersome to individually attach each label to the corresponding item.

[0013] In addition, there is the risk of counterfeiting by contract fashion: with brand-verified raw materials and the brand's label ("textile tag"), contract fashion is able to manufacture additional items without the brand's consent and sell them on the secondary market on its own. This is the "grey market" as opposed to the "black market" because they are genuine items, not imitations, but are sold without the brand's control or authorization.

[0014] Documents KR101075897B1, US20170132892A1 and US20190114584A1 describe data management methods, but they do not provide a completely satisfactory method: - KR101075897B1 relates to modifying data accessible on a website based on a QR code. This document does not provide any teaching on the management of a brand's database comprising a large number of entries corresponding to different items offered by the brand. - US20170132892A1 relates to a data management method for tag manufacturing and does not provide teaching on the evolution of the communication content associated with an item once the tag has been manufactured. - US20190114584A1 relates to a data management method for logistics applications and is not suitable for the management of brand-side item databases nor for communication constraints with customers in the fashion, textile and apparel sectors. Summary of the invention

[0015] One of the objects of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0016] In particular, it may involve providing brands with a scalable communication medium, enabling the communication content to be updated according to the evolution of the data to be provided.

[0017] It may also involve attaching a woven label for displaying the code to the corresponding item.

[0018] To this end, a method has been developed for data management related to ready-to-wear articles or accessories in the fashion, textile and clothing sectors, the data being accessible via a tag on the article, preferably a woven tag, and displaying an identifier such as a 2D code or a QR code, and the tag being attached to the article, i.e. the QR code being linked to the article in a database, and scanning the 2D code, for example using a smartphone, allowing the data to be accessed and / or displayed on a smartphone application or an internet browser; - The data is stored on the server and can be modified through the online platform executed on the server.

[0019] The method according to the present invention comprises: - assigning each identifier in the database to at least one category in the database; - Modify data associated with multiple items at the same time by modifying data associated with their categories.

[0020] In this way, when customers scan the 2D code, the communication is requested by the customer, rather than pushed by the brand. Customers no longer feel interrupted.

[0021] The label (preferably a woven label) is then durable and has the same lifespan as the item. Thus, potential second-hand purchasers of the item have access to the code and can benefit from the brand's communications even if they are not identified through the loyalty program. The present invention also facilitates the brand's communication method to comply with requirements related to the protection of customer personal data, such as EU Regulation 2016 / 679 (General Data Protection Regulation, "GDPR"), because the brand can communicate with its customers without requiring their personal data.

[0022] Printed labels are cheaper than woven labels, but they are less durable. Woven labels are more complex and more expensive than printed labels, but their durability is significantly better. The print on a printed label can withstand at most a few dozen washes, while the life of a woven label is at least equal to the life of the item.

[0023] Finally, because the data can be modified, the content of a brand’s communications can be changed independently of the manufacture of the label that carries the code. Therefore, communications to the customer can be continuously expanded.

[0024] The identifier may be an alphanumeric sequence, or a code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code ("2D code"). A QR code is preferred: - encode the identifier so that the QR code can be scanned with a reader to identify the tag, or; - Encoding a source URL comprising an alphanumeric sequence corresponding to the tag identifier. In this case, the source URL allows the tag to be identified and / or directs an Internet browser to a web page corresponding to the scanned tag.

[0025] In the rest of this article, reference is generally made to the "code" carried by a tag, not excluding the mode where the tag carries only an identifier.

[0026] "Attachment" means that the identifier of a tag is linked in the database to the item that received the tag. In practice, attachment corresponds to an association between the tag identifier in the database and a database key, allowing the item to be identified in the item database. For example, the key can be: - a code common in the field under consideration, such as the stock keeping unit of an item, its Universal Product Code or its European Article Number (“SKU”, “UPC” and “EAN” respectively), - Internet website address ("URL").

[0027] Depends on the resolution required for data management: - The tag's identifier is unique. In this case, all manufactured tags are interchangeable by the contractor, but the responsibility for verifying the uniqueness of each produced tag lies with the tag manufacturer. - The identifier of the tag is not unique. In this case, it is easier to manufacture the tag, but the fashion contractor must be careful not to interchange tags from different series (and with different identifiers). - The key specifies the model of the item (eg the model of a bag). This solution is preferred for large-scale distribution, which does not require the customer to be able to distinguish the item from another item of the same model after it has been acquired. - The key specifies a unique item (eg not all items of the same model package). This solution is preferred for traceability or anti-counterfeiting applications, as it allows to distinguish the item from other items of the same model after the customer has acquired it.

[0028] Even if the attachment is sent after the label is provided, it can occur before or after the label is affixed to the item.

[0029] "Data related to an item" refers to any type of information, text, multimedia content or the target URL of a web page. The invention particularly relates to data related to the purchaser of the item (the customer user of the item). This may include, for example, authenticity or traceability data, certification of the item according to quality or environmental standards, information about the place of manufacture.

[0030] "Online platform" means any utility program executed on a server, such as a web page, whose graphical interface allows selecting the items whose data need to be modified and entering the new modified values. It can also be a utility program without a graphical interface, such as a program that executes computer requests to modify certain data in a database.

[0031] Data is updated "simultaneously" rather than "individually", i.e., all related items are modified at the same time. This is because the concern is about database management, not about normal execution delays of programs or queries on the server, nor about the fact that data are actually modified one after another.

[0032] A category is a grouping of identifiers. It can be a collection in the sense of ready-to-wear (“Spring / Summer 2022”), a family of items (“trousers”), a market segment (“eco-materials”), etc. An item belongs to one or more categories. In practice, items are assigned to a category by entering the same value for several items in a field in the database. Therefore, during the management of the brand’s database, the categories are clearly defined.

[0033] Thus, the present invention allows brands to communicate with their customers in a targeted rather than generic way, in an evolving manner, and throughout the life of an item.

[0034] According to a particular embodiment, the platform collects and records usage data of the identifier and / or usage data of data associated with the item. These data are then separated and compiled to enable the brand to perform data analysis, for example, the usage of the item or the life cycle of the item.

[0035] Preferably, the identifier is unique in order to ensure traceability and the most granular possible data analysis.

[0036] To facilitate batch modification of data, it is done through synchronization files integrating electronic data interchange (called "EDI"), that is, the exchange of digital documents in a standardized format, allowing the automatic transfer of data from machine to machine between two entities. In practice, a first computer application issues an EDI file containing data to a second computer application. This exchange can be done by sending standardized messages or by a combination of the deposit of files in a directory initiated by the first entity and the monitoring of this directory implemented by the second entity.

[0037] The EDI file includes a list of identifiers of the database rows to be modified, the fields involved in the modification, and the new values.

[0038] In order to trigger modifications (e.g. by label manufacturing), the EDI file is issued by the label manufacturer's enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. In this case, the modifications made by the label manufacturer are for the brand, and these modifications can be used as production tracking indicators.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, to ensure that the implementation of the modifications does not require the brand to use additional computer tools, the EDI file is issued by the brand's ERP software, ie the label acquirer.

[0040] Additionally or alternatively, the modification is triggered by the attachment of a certain category of tags to the corresponding items. For example, this allows updating brand-side data, such as logistics data or production tracking data, depending on how the attachment is organized. In this case, the modification is performed by a computer program that is implemented to perform the attachment. Preferably, the modification is performed when the tags are attached in batches.

[0041] In order to manage the end of life of an item and subsequently be able to purge the database of excess data, an identifier is assigned to a so-called "end of life" category, which prevents modification of the content data.

[0042] The identifiers are preferably generated by a cryptographic algorithm based on a timestamp, ie based on the duration that has passed between a fixed event and the moment the identifier was generated. This ensures their uniqueness without requiring verification against existing identifiers in a database.

[0043] To facilitate reading of identifiers and avoid dyslexia, the algorithm provides a pseudo-random alphanumeric sequence that forms part of the identifier. "Pseudo-random" means an alphanumeric sequence that appears to be a random sequence: - Tags belonging to the same production batch do not show a sequence that increases from one tag to another (for example, instead of going from "0001" to "0002" and then to "0003", the sequence goes from "L8OY" to "2R8L" and then to "W82W"); -The alphanumeric sequence is still provided by algorithmic determination and is therefore not random.

[0044] In a particular embodiment, the data associated with the item includes a target URL. In this case, for example, a new web page can be generated whenever the brand wishes to modify its communication. The data modification mainly consists in replacing the URL of the old communication page with the URL of the new communication page.

[0045] In another mode, the data associated with the item includes a source URL. For ease of classification, several source URLs include a common root, that is, a portion of the path and / or the domain name is common. This also facilitates the transfer of data management because the transfer involves a domain name defined by a common root.

[0046] In order to facilitate and speed up the selection of multiple labels that need to modify data, the selection is made by entering a grouping identifier of a predefined grouping class. In fact, the grouping class corresponds to the packaging of the handling unit of the label, all labels being attached to the same type of article.

[0047] Preferably, the group identifier is entered by scanning a 2D group code. This eliminates the risk of any typing errors. The 2D group code can appear on the packaging list of the label, for example, during delivery of the label to the fashion contractor.

[0048] To avoid any risk of interchange between multiple 2D grouping codes, the grouping identifier is entered by scanning the 2D grouping code displayed on the packaging of the label handling unit.

[0049] A method has also been developed for attaching a label, preferably a woven label, to ready-to-wear articles and accessories of the fashion, textile and clothing sectors; the label is attached to the article and displays an identifier, such as a 2D code or QR code encoding the identifier in a database.

[0050] According to the present invention, the label is attached after being provided to the label purchaser or fashion contractor.

[0051] In this way, the tags are attached at the last possible stage, facilitating their stock management. Tags can be manufactured in large quantities and stored without the need to distinguish between different batches based on the identifier of each tag. In particular, this reduces the tag inventory because they are universal until they are attached. Only after delivery to the brand or fashion contractor will the distinction be made and each tag will be attached to the item.

[0052] To speed up attachment, attach multiple tags at the same time.

[0053] To facilitate entering the tags to be attached, select the tags by entering a predefined grouping identifier.

[0054] Still for this purpose, the group identifier is entered by scanning the group QR code.

[0055] In order to limit the risk of errors between multiple group identifiers, scanning the group QR code displayed on the label group packaging allows the group identifier to be entered.

[0056] To ensure that only tags whose code reading is not degraded are attached during the manufacture of the item or the attachment of the tag, the tag is attached to the item after being attached to the item. In this case, the attachment can serve as production tracking data.

[0057] In order to limit the risk of counterfeiting, the tag is attached to the item when it is sold in the store. Thus, only items put on the market in a controlled manner by the brand carry the attached tag, which is therefore useful.

[0058] To facilitate the entry of data during attachment, the data entry is carried out using an application executed on a smartphone, by identifying the model of the item to be attached in the application and by capturing a 2D code encoding an identifier carried by the item corresponding to the identified model. The order in which these two actions are performed is immaterial.

[0059] Still for this purpose, and in order to speed up the attachment, the attachment of multiple items is carried out using an application executed on a smartphone, by identifying the model of the item to be attached in the application and then by successively capturing 2D codes. The 2D code encodes an identifier carried by the item corresponding to the identification made. In practice, the type of item to be attached is selected (for example, a specific model of handbag) and then the tags of all the bags of this model that need to be attached are scanned in sequence.

[0060] In another mode, attachment is performed through a synchronized file integrated with electronic data interchange (referred to as "EDI"). In this way, attachment is performed automatically and no further action is required from the manufacturer, brand or fashion contractor.

[0061] In the first case, the synchronization file is published by the enterprise resource planning (ERP) software of the buyer of the woven label (i.e. the brand). This situation is applicable to the case where the server of the record database is hosted by someone other than the brand (for example, the label manufacturer). Because only the labels that the brand chooses to attach are effective, this also allows the brand to control the attachment of the label, thereby limiting the gray market.

[0062] In the second case, the synchronization file is published by the ERP software of the woven label manufacturer. This case is suitable for the case where the server of the record database is hosted by someone other than the label manufacturer (for example, the brand). This also allows for more flexible management of label manufacturing and storage, because only useful labels are attached, not labels with production defects.

[0063] The invention also relates to a device comprising a server comprising a database and executing a computer program and / or an online platform, the server being configured to implement the method according to the preceding features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] [ Figure 1 ] shows a schematic diagram of the material and non-material exchanges between brands, label manufacturers, fashion contractors and brand customers.

[0065] [ Figure 2 ] shows an item of clothing equipped with a label including a 2D code.

[0066] [ Figure 3] shows a graphical interface for a smartphone application that graphically displays data related to ready-made garments (such as T-shirts).

[0067] [ Figure 4 ] shows a database including tag identifiers, categories, source URLs and target URLs.

[0068] [ Figure 5 ] shows a database including tag identifiers, categories and associations with clothing items (such as underwear items).

[0069] [ Figure 6 ] shows a graphical interface of an online platform that allows modification of item data in a category. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , the present invention relates to data management that allows a brand (10) to communicate with its customers (20) through tags (31) attached to the items (11) it sells.

[0071] Reference Figure 2 These tags (31) display a code, preferably a 2D code, such as a QR code. The code is scanned or displayed by the customer (20), for example using a smartphone (21).

[0072] Reference Figure 3 , the client (20) then accesses data (51) associated with the item (11). The data (51) may be: - information about the article (11) itself, such as the composition of the article (11), its place of manufacture, care instructions; - Information about the item (11) from the brand's (10) perspective, such as suggestions for other complementary items or items from the same collection that the customer (20) may be interested in, which could be a shirt that matches the pants the customer (20) just scanned.

[0073] Since the tag (31) is no longer modifiable after its manufacture, the method according to the invention allows the data (51) to be easily modified after the tag (31) has been manufactured. In particular, the data (51) can be modified when the item (11) has been circulated (in a store) or has been sold to a user.

[0074] Since the labels (31) are usually manufactured by a company different from the fashion contractor (40), it is necessary to attach each label (31) to the corresponding item (11) in the database. In order to manage labels (31) manufactured in an indiscriminate manner, the attachment is performed after the label manufacturer (30) provides the label. This applies to: - Whether the tags are delivered to the brand (10), who then transmits them to its fashion contractor (40), or - Whether the label (31) is delivered directly to the fashion contractor (40).

[0075] Therefore, all tags (31) are similar during their manufacture, in that they are interchangeable (except that they display different corresponding identifiers). Only when a tag (31) is attached to a specific item (11) is the tag (31) no longer interchangeable.

[0076] Delay differentiation according to the present invention allows simple production management and inventory management.

[0077] In order to speed up the attachment, a plurality of tags (31) are attached to the item (11) at the same time. Several methods are considered for this purpose.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, before attaching the label (31) to the article (11), the grouping label on the package grouped by the fashion contractor (40) is attached using the label (21). To this end, the manufacturer (30) has previously defined the grouping category to include the label (21) already placed in the grouping package.

[0079] The grouping label displays a code encoding the identifier of the grouping category. Thus, entering or scanning the code allows the computer program to select all labels (21) of that grouping category using their identifiers.

[0080] The fashion contractor (40) uses the computer program to indicate to which type of article (11) they want the tag (21) to be attached and enters the identifier of the grouping category. The computer program then attaches each tag (21) of that category to that type of article.

[0081] In practice, the fashion contractor (40) prepares the manufacturing of the item (11) by selecting all the necessary components, including the label (31) delivered in the grouped packaging. They perform the attachment using the grouped label and then start manufacturing the item (11).

[0082] This method is effective because a large number of tags (31), for example between 100 and 500 tags (31), are attached simultaneously.

[0083] In other embodiments, attachment is performed after the tag (31) is attached to the article (11).

[0084] The first method includes using an application executed on a smartphone to identify the type of item to be attached. The fashion contractor (40) then scans all corresponding items (11) in succession. In each iteration, the scanned tags (31) are attached to the selected items (11). It is also possible to perform the attachment of all scanned tags (31) simultaneously after all scans, triggered by a graphical interface component within the application.

[0085] The first method can also be performed by an employee of the brand (10). It is also possible to scan all the tags (31) of the item (11) to be attached and then select the type of item in the application. In this case, the attachment of all the tags (31) is carried out simultaneously.

[0086] The second method consists in attaching the labels (31) to the items (11) to which they are to be or have been attached using EDI methods. In this case, the EDI file is preferably issued by the brand (10). This EDI exchange is done by Figure 1 The brand (10) then informs the fashion contractor (40) which tags (31) were used during the manufacture of the article (11) based on the identifiers of the tags (31).

[0087] This method provides more control for the brand owner (10), as the brand owner (10) knows in advance which label (31) will be attached to which item (11), preventing the item (21) from being put on the market without its authorization.

[0088] Through subsequent modification of the data (51) by the fashion contractor (40), the method can also serve as a logistics tool or production tracking.

[0089] Alternatively, a third method consists in attaching the tag (31) by EDI during its manufacture, in which case the exchange (13) is carried out.

[0090] In this case, the manufacturer (30) must produce the exact number of labels (31) required by the brand (10). The labels (31) are delivered to the contract fashion supplier (40) already attached to the item (11) even before it is manufactured. The contract fashion supplier (40) must be careful not to mix up the labels (31) at the risk of disrespecting the previous attachment.

[0091] The fourth method consists in attaching the tag (31) individually to its item (11) without using a grouping category. In this case, the application is executed on a smartphone (21), the user identifies the item model, and enters the tag (31) identifier or scans its code with the smartphone.

[0092] This method is more cumbersome because the attachment is done individually. However, it is advantageous to implement the fourth method during the sale of the item (11) in a store authorized by the brand owner (10). Because the risk of the grey market is completely eliminated.

[0093] The third and fourth approaches allow brands to have more control over label attachments (31).

[0094] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the data (51) is stored in a database on a server (50). The database includes identifiers of the tags (31), and the tags (31) are grouped into categories.

[0095] Each label includes two categories of data: - Non-modifiable data, such as an item’s UID, SKU, model number, or color; - Modifiable data, such as traceability information (chain of possession), brand-related information, redirect URLs, and one or more categories.

[0096] Each label (31) is assigned to at least one category. In the given example, each label is assigned to two categories: - based on its status (“Ended” status meaning “End of Life”, or “C” status meaning “In Circulation”); and - based on its collection (“PE2022” for the “Spring / Summer 2022” collection or “AH2022” for the “Autumn / Winter 2022” collection).

[0097] These categories allow a quick selection of all items (11) belonging to a category to make a batch modification of these items (11). For example, items (11) from an obsolete series can be changed from the "in circulation" state to the "end of life" state at the same time. The items (11) are preferably assigned to at least two categories.

[0098] In this case, assigning the identifier to a so-called "end of life" category prevents modification of other content data. This allows the brand (10) to manage which items (11) are still active or inactive on the market, and allows the server (50) administrator to delete obsolete rows from the database upon detecting that an item (11) has been in the "end of life" category for a duration exceeding a given threshold.

[0099] Figure 4The case where the data (51) is accessible via an internet browser is shown. In this case, the code of the tag (31) encodes the source URL. To allow the data (51) to be easily modified, each source URL corresponds to a target URL, and updating the database includes modifying the target URL of the items (11) in the relevant category.

[0100] In particular, for example, rows 13 to 21 of the database include source URLs with a common root ("cli1-") to identify all source URLs of a client. In this way, it is easy to transfer the source URLs of this client, since it is sufficient to transfer the management of the domain name "https: / / cli1-sklbl.fr / " so that the client obtains management of all its source URLs.

[0101] Figure 5 The case where the data (51) is accessible via a dedicated application is shown. In this case, the code of the tag (31) encodes the identifier attached to the item (11). Modifying the data (51) involves only modifying the relevant fields within the database. For example, if the brand (10) decides to change the fashion contractor (40), even though the tag (31) has already been manufactured, only the country of origin of the item can be modified.

[0102] Classification can also be based on serial numbers, so that the same type of item (11) corresponds to multiple categories, each category being defined by a batch of items (11). In this case, the item (11) is linked to multiple categories: - The type of item being mentioned (e.g., t-shirt) - Series (e.g., SS2022); -Serial number.

[0103] Thus, for each item (11) of a given type and range, the customer (20) of the country of origin or the specific fashion contractor (40) that manufactured the item (11) can be informed.

[0104] In the case of data evolution relating to a plurality of articles (11), for example, if a new method of collecting end-of-life articles (11) is proposed, this new method can be indicated for all relevant articles (11) by appropriately selecting the categories. For example, it may involve selecting all articles made of 100% cotton fabric.

[0105] Furthermore, if legislators require the brand (10) to communicate additional information, such as an environmental impact assessment of the manufacture of the item (11), this field can be added to the data (51) without difficulty, since the label (31) has already been manufactured and the item (11) may have already been sold.

[0106] Reference Figure 6, the selection of the categories corresponding to all of these items (11) is performed using the online platform. Modifying the data (51) may include changing the values ​​of certain fields in the database and / or adding additional fields. In the above example, for the relevant item (11), a new "End of Life Description" field is now accessible.

[0107] When the customer (20) scans the code on their item's tag (31), they will have access to new information indicating that the new serialization method is now available.

[0108] The method and device according to the invention therefore allow the database of the server (50) to be managed in an evolving and dynamic manner, whereas the code displayed on the label (31) is fixed and no longer modifiable.

[0109] Modifying the data (51) of multiple items (11) at the same time can make the database easy to manage. In fact, the data (51) of multiple items (11) can be modified in batches in different ways.

[0110] First, data (51) modification can be performed via EDI. For example, if the cotton / elastic fiber ratio of the raw material is not constant, the fashion contractor (40) can declare the composition used by EDI, that is, the fashion contractor (40) will issue a standardized electronic message, which will be transmitted to the brand (10) computer (or its IT service manager), which can interpret and automatically integrate the corresponding data into their respective information systems without paper or manual intervention. This process eliminates paper documents sent by mail or fax and manual input by operators.

[0111] For example, when the brand (10) wants to add a new field to the database, an EDI file can be published by the brand (10); then, the brand (10) publishes the EDI file to the server (50) host.

[0112] EDI files can be issued by the woven label manufacturer.

[0113] For example, in the above case, the EDI document can be issued by the fashion contractor (40) and the composition of the item (11) needs to be modified within the data (51).

[0114] In all cases, EDI documents are preferably issued by Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.

[0115] Additionally or alternatively, modification of the data (51) can be performed using a computer program or smartphone application, similar to the methods previously described for performing the attachment: - the selection of a plurality of tags (31) to be modified can be carried out by entering an identifier of a grouping category of these tags (31); - preferably input is performed by scanning a code encoding the identifier, such as a 2D code or a QR code; - The code is advantageously placed on the packaging of the group of labels (31) to be selected, for example during their delivery to the fashion contractor (40).

[0116] All these modes are also applicable to the delivery of the item (11) to the brand (10) after manufacturing by the fashion contractor (40). In this case, the fashion contractor (40) must create the grouping categories.

[0117] In order to provide brands (10) with information about the use and life cycle of their items (11), as well as beneficial information about their customers (20), the platform collects and records usage data of the scanned source URL (or identifier), and / or usage data of related item data.

[0118] The platform can then provide statistical data for market analysis or customer relationship management ("CRM"). The statistical data can include geographic location, gender, age, etc. of the customer (20).

[0119] Therefore, the equipment for implementing the method of the present invention comprises: - a plurality of tags (31) intended to be attached to the object (11); - at least one server (50) storing a database (51) comprising an identifier for each tag (31), several fields corresponding to at least one category of the identifier and at least one data such as a target URL; - At least one computer executing a computer program to allow a customer (20) to view information related to an item (11) before, during or after purchase. Preferably, it is a smartphone running an application.

[0120] At least one supplier of the brand (10) is involved, and usually two suppliers are involved: the manufacturer (30) of the label (31) and the fashion contractor (40) who produces the item (21) and attaches the label (31) to the item.

[0121] The server (50) runs an online platform, which preferably has a graphical interface (such as a website) that enables the brand (10) to modify the data (51) of the label (31) of the item (11) at any time via an update (15), and advantageously changes the data after the item (11) is sold to the customer (20).

[0122] In cases where data modifications are made only via EDI, the online platform is a computer program and does not necessarily require a graphical interface.

[0123] In all cases, the terms “smartphone application” and “computer program” should be interpreted broadly. It is worth noting that different applications may be used by a brand (10), a client (20), a manufacturer (30) or a fashion contractor (40).

[0124] In this way, the reading of the tag (31) is contextualized, with each application being programmed to suit the purpose of each user (10, 20, 30, 40).

[0125] For example, when scanning tag (31): - The application of the brand (10) will be programmed to attach the tag (31) to the item (11), or, to modify the data (51) of the attached item (11); - the user's (20) application will be programmed to display the data (51) of the item (11); - The manufacturer's (30) application will be programmed to verify the readability of the label (31); - The fashion contractor's (40) application will be programmed to attach tags (31) to items individually, or, in the case of serial reading, to attach tags (31) in batches.

[0126] It can also be a single application providing different user profiles for a single application depending on their identifier and access code.

[0127] Furthermore, the method and the apparatus can be configured differently from the examples given without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0128] In particular, the attachment and modification of data can be performed simultaneously, especially when implemented through EDI. EDI can be implemented at different stages of the process, so that in the process, the EDI file can be issued by the brand (10), then by the manufacturer (30), and then by the fashion contractor (40).

[0129] In another embodiment, the modification is triggered by attaching a category tag (31) to the corresponding item (11). In this case, the brand (10) has the data (51) and the attachment is performed by the fashion contractor (40). The attachment serves as a trigger event for implementing the modification, preferably implemented by EDI.

[0130] In addition, the technical features of the above-mentioned different embodiments and modifications can be combined with each other in whole or in part. Therefore, the method and device can be adjusted in terms of cost, function and performance.

Claims

1. A method for data management related to articles of clothing or accessories in the field of fashion, textiles and clothing; - said data is accessible via a tag on said article, said tag being preferably a woven tag and said tag displaying an identifier such as a 2D code or a QR code and said tag being attached to said article; - the data is stored on a server and can be modified via an online platform executed on the server; The method comprises: - assigning each identifier in said database to at least one category in said database; - Modifying data associated with a plurality of items simultaneously by modifying data associated with a category of the plurality of items.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The platform collects and records usage data of the identifier and / or usage data of the data associated with the item.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The modification of said data is performed by integrating electronic data interchange synchronization files called "EDI files".

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The EDI file is issued by the enterprise resource planning (ERP) software of the purchaser of the labels.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The EDI file is issued by the enterprise resource planning (ERP) software of the manufacturer of the label.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The modification is triggered by attaching the tag of a category to the corresponding item.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Assigning the identifier to a category called "end of life" prevents modification of the content data.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The identifier is unique.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The identifier is generated by an encryption algorithm based on a timestamp.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The algorithm provides a pseudo-random alphanumeric sequence which is intended to form part of the identifier.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The data associated with the item includes a target URL.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The data associated with the item includes a source URL, and several source URLs include a common root.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The selection of multiple tags is performed by entering a grouping identifier of a predefined grouping category.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The input of the group category identifier is performed by scanning the group QR code.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that Scanning the group QR code present on the group label packaging allows entry of the group category identifier.

16. An apparatus comprising a server comprising a database and executing an online platform, the server being configured to implement the method according to one of the preceding claims.

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