IMPACT RNG LLC Partners with New Balance to Revolutionize Shoe Condition Assessment with Innovative RNG Technology

Seattle, WA – November 8, 2023 – IMPACT RNG LLC, a Seattle-based technology firm specializing in Random Number Generation (RNG) solutions, today announced a partnership with New Balance to bring a groundbreaking new approach to assessing the condition of returned or pre-owned shoes. This collaboration leverages IMPACT RNG’s cutting-edge technology to provide a truly unbiased and reliable evaluation system, benefitting both retailers and consumers. For years, the resale and returned goods markets, particularly within the athletic footwear space, have relied heavily on subjective human assessment. Determining whether a shoe is “like new,” “good condition,” “fair condition,” or “poor condition” often boiled down to individual interpretation, leading to inconsistencies and disputes. This isn't just about avoiding arguments; it's about building trust and streamlining operations. “We saw a real pain point in the industry,” explains Mark Johnson, CEO of IMPACT RNG LLC. “Retailers were struggling with the overhead of manual inspection, and consumers were often dissatisfied with condition ratings. We asked ourselves, ‘Can we take the human element out of the equation and create something objectively verifiable?’” The answer, according to IMPACT RNG, is a resounding yes. Their proprietary technology uses a highly sophisticated RNG algorithm combined with detailed image analysis and data points collected from a standardized inspection process. Instead of relying on a person’s opinion, the system assigns a “Condition Score” to each shoe based on a multitude of factors. How Does it Work? A Deep Dive into the RNG-Powered Condition Assessment The process is surprisingly simple. Here’s a breakdown: 1. Standardized Inspection: Trained technicians follow a precise checklist, documenting specific characteristics of the shoe. This includes things like: Upper Material: Checking for scuffs, creases, stains, and tears. Midsole: Evaluating compression, discoloration, and any signs of damage. Outsole: Assessing tread wear, patterns of wear, and any separation from the shoe. Insole: Examining for wear, odor, and structural integrity. Laces & Hardware: Checking for fraying, damage, and functionality. 2. Image Capture: High-resolution images are taken of key areas of the shoe – the upper, midsole, outsole, and insole. These images are crucial for the system’s analytical capabilities. 3. Data Input & RNG Integration: The technician inputs the observed characteristics (e.g., “light scuff on toe,” “moderate midsole compression”) into a secure platform. This data is then fed into IMPACT RNG’s proprietary algorithm. Here's where the magic happens. The RNG isn’t just generating random numbers for fun; it’s weighting various factors and creating a randomized analysis to minimize bias. 4. Condition Score Generation: The algorithm outputs a numerical “Condition Score” ranging from 1 to 100. Here’s a general breakdown of how the scores translate to condition ratings (these can be customized by the retailer): 90-100: Like New: Virtually no signs of wear. May have been tried on, but never worn outdoors. 80-89: Excellent: Very minor signs of wear, barely noticeable. 70-79: Good: Moderate wear, but still in good usable condition. May have some visible scuffs or creases. 60-69: Fair: Noticeable wear, with more significant scuffs, creases, or discoloration. Still usable, but showing its age. Below 60: Poor: Significant wear and tear, with potential damage. May not be suitable for athletic activity. 5. Automated Tagging & Listing: The Condition Score and corresponding rating are automatically applied to the shoe, generating a digital tag or label. This data is seamlessly integrated into the retailer’s inventory management system and online listings. Benefits for New Balance and the Wider Footwear Industry The partnership with IMPACT RNG promises significant benefits for New Balance: Increased Consistency: Eliminates subjective assessments, ensuring that all shoes are evaluated using the same objective criteria. Reduced Returns & Disputes: Clear and verifiable condition ratings build trust with customers, minimizing the likelihood of returns or complaints. Streamlined Operations: Automates the inspection process, reducing the time and labor costs associated with manual assessment. Enhanced Data Analytics: Provides valuable data on the condition of returned shoes, allowing New Balance to identify trends, improve product quality, and optimize its resale program. Building Brand Trust: Demonstrates a commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction. “We’re really excited about this collaboration,” says Sarah Chen, Head of Sustainability at New Balance. “IMPACT RNG’s technology aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and circularity. By providing a more accurate and transparent assessment of shoe condition, we can extend the lifespan of our products, reduce waste, and offer our customers a better value proposition.” Beyond New Balance: The Future of Condition Assessment IMPACT RNG isn’t just focused on New Balance. They envision their technology being adopted across the entire footwear industry, as well as other resale markets like apparel, electronics, and sporting goods. “We believe this is a game-changer,” says Johnson. “It’s about bringing a new level of objectivity and transparency to the resale market, benefiting both retailers and consumers. We’re not just assessing shoe condition; we’re building trust.” About IMPACT RNG LLC: IMPACT RNG LLC is a Seattle-based technology firm specializing in the development and implementation of Random Number Generation (RNG) solutions for a variety of industries. The company is committed to innovation and providing its clients with cutting-edge technology that solves real-world problems. For more information, visit [Insert Website Address Here - Currently None Available]. About New Balance: New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has been a leading athletic specialty brand for over 75 years. New Balance manufactures footwear, apparel and accessories with the goal of helping athletes reach their full potential. New Balance has a rich heritage and remains committed to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.