Method for affixing label to item of garment type

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for affixing a woven label to an article, such as a garment or accessory in the field of fashion, textile and apparel; the tag is affixed to the item and displays a 2D code, such as a QR code, encoding the identifier in a database. According to the invention, the method comprises affiliating a tag after the tag is provided to the purchaser or fashion contractor of the tag.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the fields of fashion and accessories, brand owners wish to communicate with the customers of their products (i.e., their clients). To this end, several solutions are known.

[0003] Emails can be sent to the customers identified in the brand owner's database, for example, based on the loyalty accounts of these customers with respect to the brand.

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

[0005] The drawback of these solutions is that the communication is pushed by the brand owner, rather than requested by the customer. Therefore, the latter may be dissatisfied with such unsolicited communication.

[0006] In addition, these communications are usually not related to the items actually owned by the customers. The communication is too general and does not properly target the customers to be informed.

[0007] Finally, these solutions are not compatible with the secondary market, because if the brand owner can know the first customer, the brand owner does not know whether and when the first customer has resold the initially acquired item. The brand owner cannot contact the second customer (i.e., the new buyer). Therefore, the brand owner misses part of its communication target.

[0008] In addition, there are labels displaying codes, such as barcodes or 2D codes (e.g., QR codes). Such codes can encode data (such as text) so that information can be displayed to the customer when the customer scans the code with a smartphone. These codes can encode Internet addresses (or "URLs", the English abbreviation of Uniform Resource Locator). These labels are fixed to the items and may thus follow the items throughout their life cycles, which makes it possible to contact the second customer. The drawback of such labels is that once the label is manufactured, the code cannot be modified anymore. Once the label is manufactured, the brand owner can no longer easily modify its communication content.

[0009] In addition, there are difficulties in attaching the labels displaying codes to the corresponding items. In fact, the codes are usually meaningless, so it is not known what information the code encodes when reading it with the naked eye. This fact is exacerbated when it is a barcode or 2D code.

[0010] In this case, for fashion contractors who label different items, it can be complex to know which label should be sewn on which item. Two labels may 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. These two labels cannot be distinguished by the naked eye. Therefore, there is a risk of not attaching the correct label to the correct item.

[0011] Then, attaching the previous affiliation of the label with the 2D code to a specific item requires the label manufacturer, the brand that purchases the label, and the fashion contractor that manufactures the item and attaches the label to the item to strictly track the inventory referenced by each label based on its affiliation, and not interchange labels that look similar but display different codes.

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

[0013] There is also a risk of forgery by fashion contractors: having the raw materials verified by the brand and the brand's labels ("textile claws"), fashion contractors can manufacture additional items without the consent of the brand and sell them on the secondary market on their own. This is the "gray market" as opposed to the "black market" because they are genuine items, not counterfeits, but are sold without the control or authorization of the brand.

[0014] Documents KR101075897B1, US20170132892A1, and US20190114584A1 describe data management methods, but they do not provide completely satisfactory methods: -KR101075897B1 relates to modifying data accessible on a website according to a QR code. This document does not provide teachings on brand database management, where the database includes a large number of entries corresponding to different items provided by the brand. -US20170132892A1 and US20190114584A1 relate to methods of affiliating the identifier carried by a label with an item during label manufacturing. These methods have the above-mentioned risk of incorrect label placement. Summary of the Invention

[0015] One of the objectives of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0016] Specifically, it may involve providing a developing communication medium to the brand so that the communication content can be updated according to the evolution of the data to be provided.

[0017] It may also involve facilitating the attachment of a woven label that displays a code to the corresponding item.

[0018] To this end, a method has been developed for managing data related to articles of the ready-to-wear or accessory type in the fashion, textile and clothing fields, the data being accessible via a label of the article, which label is preferably a woven label and displays an identifier such as a 2D code or a QR code, and which label is attached to the article, i.e., the QR code is linked to the article in a database, and scanning the 2D code, for example using a smartphone, allows access to and / or display of the data on a smartphone application or an internet browser; - The data is stored on a server and can be modified using an online platform executed on the server.

[0019] The method according to the invention comprises: - Assigning each identifier in the database to at least one category in the database; - Modifying the data related to several articles simultaneously by modifying the data related to the categories of these articles.

[0020] In this way, when the customer scans the 2D code, the communication is requested by the customer and no longer pushed by the brand. The customer no longer feels disturbed.

[0021] Furthermore, the label (preferably a woven label) is durable and has the same service life as the article. Thus, potential second-hand buyers of the article can access the code and can benefit from the brand's communication even if they are not identified through a loyalty program. The present invention also facilitates the brand's communication method to comply with the relevant requirements for protecting customers' personal data, such as the 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 are less durable. Woven labels are more complex and expensive than printed labels, but their durability is significantly better. The printing of printed labels can withstand at most dozens of washes, while the life of woven labels is at least equal to the life of the article.

[0023] Finally, since the data can be modified, the brand's communication content can be changed independently of the manufacture of the label carrying the code. Thus, the communication targeted at customers can evolve continuously.

[0024] The identifier can be an alphanumeric sequence or a code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code ("2D code"). Preferably, the identifier is a QR code: - Encoding the identifier such that scanning the QR code with a reader can identify the label, or; -Encode a source URL that includes an alphanumeric sequence corresponding to a 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 remainder of this document, reference is generally made to the "code" carried by the tag, without excluding the mode in which the tag carries only an identifier.

[0026] "Affiliation" means linking the identifier of a tag to an item that receives the tag in a database. Even if this affiliation occurs after the tag is provided, it can occur before or after the tag is attached to the item.

[0027] "Data related to an item" means any type of information, text, multimedia content, or the target URL of a web page.

[0028] "Online platform" means any utility executed on a server, such as a web page, whose graphical interface allows selection of the items for which data needs to be modified and entry of new modified values. It can also be a utility without a graphical interface, such as a program that executes a computer request to modify certain data in a database.

[0029] The data is updated "simultaneously" rather than "individually", i.e., the data modification of all related items is carried out simultaneously. Since database management is being studied, the normal execution delays of programs or requests on the server are not considered, nor is the fact that the data is actually modified one after another.

[0030] A category is a grouping of identifiers. It can be a collection in the sense of ready-to-wear ("Spring / Summer 2022 collection"), a family of items ("pants"), a niche market ("eco-materials"), etc. An item belongs to one or more categories.

[0031] According to a particular embodiment, the platform collects and records usage data of the identifiers and / or usage data of the data related to the items. Then this data is separated and edited so that the brand can perform data analysis, for example, on the usage of the items or the life cycle of the items.

[0032] Preferably, in order to ensure traceability and as fine-grained data analysis as possible, the identifier is unique.

[0033] For facilitating the modification of large amounts of data, it is carried out through the synchronization file integrating electronic data interchange (EDI), that is, the digital documents are exchanged in a standardized format, allowing automatic data transfer from machine to machine between two entities. In fact, the first computer application publishes an EDI file containing data for the second computer application. This exchange can be carried out by sending standardized information, or by the combination of file storage in a directory initiated by the first entity and the monitor of this directory implemented by the second entity.

[0034] The EDI file includes a list of identifiers of database rows to be modified, the fields involved in the modification, and the new values.

[0035] For the modification trigger (such as by label manufacturing), the EDI file is published by the enterprise resource planning (ERP) software of the label manufacturer. In this case, the modifications made by the label manufacturer are for the brand owner, and these modifications can be used as production tracking indicators.

[0036] Additionally or alternatively, for the implementation mode where the brand does not require additional computer tools for modification, the EDI file is published by the ERP software of the brand owner, that is, the label acquirer.

[0037] Additionally or alternatively, the modification is triggered by a certain category of labels being attached to the corresponding items. For example, this allows the update of data of the brand owner, such as logistics data or production tracking data, depending on how the attachment is organized. In this case, the modification is executed by a computer program that is implemented to perform this attachment. Preferably, the modification is executed when the labels are attached in batches.

[0038] To manage the end of life of the items and subsequently purge the redundant data in the database, identifiers are assigned to the so-called "end of life" category to prevent the modification of the content data.

[0039] The identifiers are preferably generated by a cryptographic algorithm based on a timestamp, that is, based on the duration elapsed between a fixed event and the generation moment of the identifier. This ensures their uniqueness without the need to verify the existing identifiers in the database.

[0040] To facilitate the reading of the identifiers and avoid reading obstacles, the algorithm provides a pseudo-random alphanumeric sequence for forming part of the identifier. "Pseudo-random" means an alphanumeric sequence that appears to be a random sequence: - Labels belonging to the same batch production do not show a sequence that increments from one label to another (for example, the sequence is not from "0001" to "0002", and then "0003", but from "L8OY" to "2R8L", and then "W82W"); - The alphanumeric sequence is still determined by the algorithm and is thus not random.

[0041] In a particular embodiment, the data associated with the article contains a target URL. In this case, for example, whenever the brand owner wishes to modify its communication, a new web page can be generated. The data modification mainly consists of replacing the URL of the old communication page with the URL of the new communication page.

[0042] In another embodiment, the data associated with the article contains a source URL. For ease of classification, several source URLs include a common root, that is, a part of the path and / or the domain name is common. This also facilitates the transfer of data management, since the transfer is carried out by transferring the domain name defined by the common root.

[0043] To facilitate and accelerate the selection of several tags for which the data needs to be modified, the selection is made by entering the grouping identifier of a predefined grouping category. In fact, the grouping category corresponds to the packaging of the processing unit of the tags, and all the tags are attached to the same type of article.

[0044] Preferably, the grouping identifier is entered by scanning a 2D grouping code. This eliminates the risk of typing errors. The 2D grouping code can appear on the packaging list of the tags, for example, during the delivery of the tags to the fashion contractor.

[0045] To avoid any risk of exchange between several 2D grouping codes, the grouping identifier is entered by scanning the 2D grouping code displayed on the packaging of the tag processing unit.

[0046] A method has also been developed for attaching tags (preferably woven tags) to articles of the type of ready-to-wear and accessories in the fields of fashion, textiles and clothing; the tag is attached to the article and displays an identifier, such as a 2D code or a QR code encoded with the identifier in a database.

[0047] According to the present invention, the tag is attached after the tag has been provided to the tag acquirer or the fashion contractor.

[0048] The attachment corresponds to the link between the tag identifier and the database key within the database, which allows the article to be identified within the article database. For example, the key can be: - A code common in the field under consideration, such as the stock keeping unit of the article, its universal product code or its European article number (respectively "SKU", "UPC" and "EAN"), - An internet web address ("URL").

[0049] Depending on the resolution required for data management: - The identifier of the tag is unique. In this case, all the manufactured tags can be interchanged by the fashion contractor, but the responsibility for verifying the uniqueness of each produced tag lies with the tag manufacturer. - The identifier of the label is not unique. In this case, it is convenient for label manufacturing, but the fashion contractor must be careful not to interchange labels of different collections (and with different identifiers). - The key designates the model of the item (e.g., the model of a bag). This solution is preferred for large-scale distribution, which does not require being able to distinguish an item from another item of the same model after the customer has acquired the item. - The key designates a unique item (e.g., all items of bags that are not of the same model). This solution is preferred for traceability or anti-counterfeiting applications because it allows being able to distinguish an item from other items of the same model after the customer has acquired the item.

[0050] In this way, the labels are attached latest, which facilitates their inventory management. Labels can be manufactured and stored in large quantities without the need to distinguish different batches based on the identifier of each label. In particular, since they are generic until they are attached, this reduces label inventory. Differentiation only occurs after delivery to the brand or the fashion contractor, and each label is associated with an item.

[0051] Attachment after delivery also facilitates the fashion contractor to attach labels. The fashion contractor can attach labels to the clothing without distinguishing the labels. Since the risk of confusion between attached labels is eliminated, using meaningless identifiers (such as QR codes) no longer penalizes the fashion contractor.

[0052] In all cases, since errors in label inventory management and label attachment are eliminated, it is easier for the brand to manage its database.

[0053] To speed up attachment, several labels are attached simultaneously.

[0054] To facilitate the entry of the labels to be attached, the labels are selected by entering a predefined grouping identifier.

[0055] Still for this purpose, the grouping identifier is entered by scanning a grouped QR code.

[0056] To limit the risk of error between several grouping identifiers, scanning the grouped QR code displayed on the label grouping package allows the entry of the grouping identifier.

[0057] To only attach labels whose code reading has not been degraded during item manufacturing or label attachment, the labels are attached to the item after the item has been attached. In this case, the attachment can serve as production tracking data.

[0058] To limit the risk of forgery, when the item is sold in the store, the label is attached to the item. Therefore, only items placed on the market in a controlled manner by the brand carry attached labels and are thus useful.

[0059] For facilitating data entry during the attachment period, an application executed on a smartphone is used to perform data entry by identifying the model of the item to be attached in the application and by capturing a 2D code, which encodes an identifier and is carried by an item corresponding to the identified model. The order of execution of these two actions is immaterial.

[0060] Also for this purpose and for accelerating attachment, an application executed on a smartphone is used to perform the attachment of several items by identifying the model of the item to be attached in the application and then by continuously capturing 2D codes. The 2D codes encode identifiers and are carried by the items corresponding to the identification made. In practice, the type of item to be attached (e.g., a specific model of a handbag) is selected and then the labels of all bags of that model to be attached are continuously scanned.

[0061] In another mode, attachment is performed through a synchronized file integrating Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). In this way, attachment is performed automatically and no further action by the manufacturer, brand owner or fashion contractor is required.

[0062] In the first case, the synchronized file is issued by the enterprise resource planning (ERP) software of the label acquirer (i.e., the brand owner). This case applies when the server recording the database is hosted by a party other than the brand owner (e.g., the label manufacturer). Since only the labels selected for attachment by the brand owner are effective, this also allows the brand owner to control the attachment of the labels, thus limiting the grey market.

[0063] In the second case, the synchronized file is issued by the ERP software of the woven label manufacturer. This case applies when the server recording the database is hosted by a party other than the label manufacturer (e.g., the brand). This also allows for more flexible management of label manufacturing and storage, as only useful labels are attached, excluding labels with production defects.

[0064] The invention also relates to a device comprising a server, which includes a database and executes a computer program and / or an online platform, and is configured to implement the method according to the foregoing features. Description of the Drawings

[0065] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the material and non-material exchanges between the brand owner, label manufacturer, fashion contractor and brand customer.

[0066] Figure 2 shows a ready-to-wear item equipped with a label including a 2D code.

[0067] Figure 3 ​​​shows a graphical interface of a smartphone application that displays data related to ready-to-wear clothing, such as a T-shirt.

[0068] Figure 4 shows a database including thumbnail identifiers, categories, source URLs, and target URLs.

[0069] Figure 5 shows a database including thumbnail identifiers, categories, and related to ready-to-wear items, such as underwear items.

[0070] Figure 6 shows a graphical interface of an online platform that allows modification of item data in a category. Detailed Description

[0071] Referring Figures 1 to 3 , the present invention relates to data management that allows a brand owner (10) to contact its customers (20) through tags (31) attached to the items (11) it sells.

[0072] Referring Figure 2 , these tags (31) display codes, preferably 2D codes, such as QR codes. The code is scanned or displayed by the customer (20), for example, using a smartphone (21).

[0073] Referring Figure 3 , then the customer (20) accesses the data (51) related to the item (11). The data (51) can be: - Information about the item (11) itself, such as the composition of the item (11), its manufacturing location, care instructions; - Information about the item (11) from the perspective of the brand owner (10), such as suggestions for other complementary items or parts of the same series that the customer (20) may be interested in, which may be a shirt that matches the pants just scanned by the customer (20).

[0074] Since the tag (31) is no longer modifiable after its manufacture, the method according to the present invention allows easy modification of the data (51) after the tag (31) has been manufactured.

[0075] Since the tags (31) are usually manufactured by a company different from the fashion contractor (40), it is necessary to attach each tag (31) to the corresponding item (11) in a database. To manage the tags (31) manufactured without distinction, the attachment is made after the tag manufacturer (30) provides the tags. This applies to: - whether the tags are delivered to the brand owner (10), and then the brand owner (10) transmits them to its fashion contractor (40), or - whether the tags (31) are directly delivered to the fashion contractor (40). ​​​

[0076] Thus, all tags (31) are similar during their manufacture as they are interchangeable (except for the fact that they display different respective identifiers). Only when a tag (31) is attached to a specific item (11) does it cease to be interchangeable.

[0077] The delay differentiation according to the invention allows for simple production management and inventory management.

[0078] To speed up the attachment, several tags (31) are attached to their item (11) simultaneously. Several methods are considered for this purpose.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, before attaching the tags (31) to the item (11), the fashion contractor (40) attaches them using the grouped tags on the tag grouped packaging (21). For this purpose, the manufacturer (30) has predefined the grouped categories to include the tags (21) placed in the grouped packaging.

[0080] The grouped tags display a code encoding the identifier of the grouped category. Thus, entering or scanning this code allows a computer program to select all the tags (21) of the grouped category using their identifiers.

[0081] The fashion contractor (40) uses a computer program to indicate which type of item (11) they want to attach the tags (21) to and enters the identifier of the grouped category. Then the computer program attaches each tag (21) of that category to the type of item.

[0082] In fact, the fashion contractor (40) prepares the manufacture of the item (11) by selecting all the necessary components including the tags (31) delivered in the grouped packaging. They perform the attachment using the grouped tags and then start manufacturing the item (11).

[0083] This method is effective as a large number of tags (31) are attached simultaneously, for example between 100 and 500 tags (31).

[0084] In other embodiments, the attachment is done after the tags (31) are attached to the item (11).

[0085] The first method involves using an application executed on a smartphone to identify the type of item to which the attachment is to be made. Then, the fashion contractor (40) scans all the corresponding items (11) sequentially. In each iteration, the scanned tag (31) is attached to the selected item (11). It is also possible to trigger the attachment of all the scanned tags (31) simultaneously after all the scans, by a graphical interface component within the application.

[0086] The first method can also be implemented by the employees of the brand owner (10). It is also possible to scan all the tags (31) of the item (11) to be attached, and then select the type of the item in the application. In this case, the attachment of all the tags (31) is carried out simultaneously.

[0087] The second method involves using the EDI method to attach the tags (31) to the item (11) to which they will be attached or have already been attached. In this case, the EDI file is preferably issued by the brand owner (10). This EDI exchange is represented by Figure 1 the exchange (14) in. Then, the brand owner (10) instructs the fashion contractor (40) which tags (31) to use during the manufacture of the item (11) based on the identifiers of the tags (31).

[0088] This method provides more control for the brand owner (10), who knows in advance which tag (31) will be attached to which item (11), preventing the item (21) from being put on the market without the attachment authorized by the brand owner.

[0089] Through subsequent modification of the data (51) by the fashion contractor (40), this method can also be used as a logistics tool or production tracking.

[0090] Optionally, the third method involves attaching the tags (31) during the manufacture of the tags (31) by EDI, in which case the exchange (13) is implemented.

[0091] In this case, the manufacturer (30) must produce the exact number of tags (31) based on the requirements of the brand owner (10). The tags (31) are delivered to the fashion contractor (40) and are attached to the item (11) even before its manufacture. Therefore, the fashion contractor (40) must be careful not to mix up the tags (31) at the risk of disrespecting the previous attachment.

[0092] The fourth method involves attaching the tags (31) to their items (11) individually without using grouping categories. In this case, the application is executed on the smartphone (21), the user identifies the item model, and enters the tag (31) identifier or scans its code with the smartphone.

[0093] This method is more cumbersome because the attachment is carried out 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 gray market is completely eliminated.

[0094] The third method and the fourth method allow the brand owner to have more control over the attachment of the tags (31).

[0095] Referring to Figure 4 andFigure 5 The data (51) is stored in a database on the server (50). The database includes identifiers of the labels (31), and the labels (31) are grouped into 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 ("End" status means "end of life", or "C" status means "in circulation"); and - Based on its series ("PE2022" means "Spring / Summer 2022" series or "AH2022" means "Autumn / Winter 2022" series).

[0097] These categories allow for a quick selection of all items (11) belonging to a certain category for batch modification of these items (11). For example, items (11) from an outdated series can be simultaneously changed from the "in circulation" status to the "end of life" status.

[0098] In this case, assigning an identifier to the so-called "end of life" category prevents the modification of other content data. This allows the brand owner (10) to manage which items (11) are still active or not in the market, and allows the server (50) administrator to delete outdated rows from the database when it is detected that an item (11) has been in the "end of life" category for a period exceeding a given threshold.

[0099] Figure 4 The case where the data (51) can be accessed via an internet browser is shown. In this case, the code of the label (31) encodes the source URL. To make the data (51) easy to modify, each source URL corresponds to a target URL, and updating the database involves modifying the target URLs of the items (11) in the relevant categories.

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

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

[0102] The category can also be based on a serial number, such that items (11) of the same type correspond to several categories, each category being defined by a batch of items (11). In this case, an item (11) is linked to several categories: - the type of the item mentioned (e.g., t-shirt) - the series (e.g., PE 2022); - the serial number.

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

[0104] If the data associated with several items (11) evolves, for example, if a new method for collecting end-of-life items (11) is proposed, the new method can be indicated for all relevant items (11) by appropriately selecting the category. For example, it may involve selecting all items made of 100% cotton fabric.

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

[0106] Reference Figure 6 , the selection of the categories corresponding to all these items (11) is made via an online platform. Modifying the data (51) may involve changing the values of certain fields in the database and / or adding additional fields. In the above example, for the relevant items (11), a new "end-of-life description" field can now be accessed.

[0107] When the customer (20) scans the code of the label (31) of their item, they will access the new information, which indicates that the new series method is now available.

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

[0109] The ability to modify the data (51) of several items (11) simultaneously makes the database easy to manage. In fact, the data (51) of several items (11) can be modified in batches in different ways.

[0110] First, data (51) can be modified via EDI. For example, if the cotton / elastane ratio of the raw materials is not constant, the fashion contractor (40) can declare the ingredients used in the EDI, i.e., the fashion contractor (40) will issue a standardized electronic message that will be remotely transmitted to the computer (or its IT service manager) of the brand owner (10), 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 owner (10) wants to add a new field to the database, an EDI file can be issued by the brand owner (10); then, the brand owner (10) publishes the EDI file to the server (50) host.

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

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

[0114] In any case, the EDI file is preferably issued by enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.

[0115] Additionally or alternatively, the modification of the data (51) can be performed using a computer program or a smartphone application in a manner similar to the previously described method for performing the attachment: - The selection of multiple tags (31) to be modified can be made by entering the identifier of the grouping category of these tags (31); - Preferably, the input is made by scanning a code (such as a 2D code or a QR code) that encodes the identifier; - The code is advantageously placed on the packaging of the grouping of tags (31) to be selected, for example, during their delivery to the fashion contractor (40).

[0116] All these modes also apply to the delivery of the article (11) from the fashion contractor (40) to the brand owner (10) after manufacture. In this case, the fashion contractor (40) must create the grouping category.

[0117] In order for the brand owner (10) to have information about the use and life cycle of its articles (11), and favorable information about its customers (20), the platform collects and records the usage data of the scanned source URL (or identifier), and / or the usage data of the relevant article data.

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

[0119] Therefore, the device for implementing the method of the present invention includes: - A number of tags (31) which are intended to be attached to the article (11); - At least one server (50) which stores a database (51), the data (51) including the identifier of each tag (31), a number of fields, and at least one piece of data, the number of fields corresponding to at least one category of the identifier, and at least one piece of data such as a target URL; - At least one computer which runs a computer program to display information related to the article (11) to the customer (20) before, during, or after the purchase. Preferably, it is a smart phone running an application program.

[0120] At least one supplier related to the brand owner (10), and usually two suppliers: the manufacturer (30) of the tag (31) and the fashion contractor (40) who produces the article (21) and attaches the tag (31) to the article.

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

[0122] In the case where data modification is only carried out through EDI, the online platform is a computer program and does not necessarily require a graphical interface.

[0123] In any case, the terms "smart phone application program" and "computer program" should be interpreted in a broad sense. It should be noted that the brand owner (10), the customer (20), the manufacturer (30), or the fashion contractor (40) can use different application programs.

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

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

[0126] It can also be a single application program, depending on their identifiers and access codes, providing different user profiles for a single application program.

[0127] In addition, without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the claims, the method and device can be configured differently from the given examples.

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

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

[0130] In addition, the technical features of the above different embodiments and variations 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 attaching a label to an item, said label being preferably a woven label, and said item being, for example, a ready-to-wear garment or an accessory in the fields of fashion, textiles, and clothing; The label is attached to the item and displays an identifier, such as a 2D code or a QR code that encodes the identifier in a database; Characterized in that, The method includes attaching the label after providing the label to the acquirer or fashion contractor of the label.

2. The method according to claim 1, Characterized in that, The label includes a set of labels, and the method includes attaching several labels selected from the set of labels simultaneously.

3. The method according to claim 2, Comprising: Selecting several labels from the set of labels by inputting a predefined grouping identifier.

4. The method according to claim 3, Comprising: Inputting the grouping identifier by scanning a grouped QR code.

5. The method according to claim 4, Comprising: Inputting the grouping identifier by scanning the grouped QR code placed on the packaging of the label grouping.

6. The method according to claim 1, Characterized in that, After the label is attached to the item, the label is affiliated with the item.

7. The method according to claim 6, Characterized in that, Using an application running on a smartphone, by identifying the model of the item to be affiliated in the application, and then performing the affiliation of several items by continuously capturing 2D codes that encode the identifier, and the 2D codes are carried by the items corresponding to the identification performed.

8. The method according to claim 6, Characterized in that, Using an application running on a smartphone, by identifying the model of the item to be affiliated in the application, and performing the affiliation of the item by capturing a 2D code that encodes the identifier, and the 2D code is carried by the item corresponding to the identification performed.

9. The method according to claim 8, Characterized in that, When the item is sold in a store, the label is affiliated with the item.

10. The method according to claim 1, Characterized in that, Performing the affiliation by integrating a data exchange file called an "EDI file".

11. The method according to claim 10, Characterized in that, The EDI file is issued by the enterprise resource planning software of the acquirer of the label.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, Characterized in that, The EDI file is issued by the enterprise resource planning software of the manufacturer of the label.

13. A device, including a server, the server including a database and running a computer program and / or an online platform, and the server being configured to implement the method according to one of the foregoing claims.

14. The device according to claim 13, Characterized in that, The 2D code of the label encodes a URL.

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