Where to Place an RFID Inlay
Printing and encoding RFID “smart labels” with an RFID-enabled printer has traditionally been difficult; a classic case of “the Devil is in the details.” One difficulty users have wrestled with has been “inlay placement.” Inlay placement refers to the location of the RFID inlay under the label’s face stock. Although inlays are generally oriented horizontally under the face stock, the inlays can be located towards the bottom of the label, towards the top, or anywhere in between. In the picture to the right, for example, the inlay is relatively close to the bottom of the label, the “leading edge” as it is often called, because this edge comes out of the printer first.
Almost every printer brand – and even model – has traditionally had detailed, complex specifications regarding inlay placement, with different specifications for each and every inlay on the market. The location of the inlay has to be a particular distance from the leading edge of the label in order to maximize the printer’s throughput (speed). Just a millimeter or two either way, and the performance of the printer can suffer dramatically. What a mess. Given that printing and encoding RFID labels is already slower than printing traditional barcode labels, any further loss in performance has often been catastrophic for the end-user. Waiting for your RFID labels to print and encode can hold up an entire production line. This all meant that for your printer brand and model, you needed to make sure to order labels with an optimal inlay placement.
Precise inlay placement also causes some additional problems:
- It makes selecting labels more difficult. Users need to order their labels very carefully to ensure correct inlay placement. Does your purchasing department understand inlay placement?
- It can cause delays in sourcing labels. Often, a convertor (label manufacturer) will have exactly the label size you need – but with incorrect inlay placement for your printer. To get labels with optimal inlay placement, the convertor needs to configure their entire production line and run a new batch of labels for you. This can take several days to several weeks.
- Finally, requiring a specific inlay placement can mean that users may pay more for their labels. A quick Google search of classic paper thermal transfer 4×6 RFID shipping labels will show some surprising results. The very same labels from the very same vendor can have dramatically different prices depending solely on inlay placement. It all boils down to supply and demand, but if you are on the wrong side of the equation, you may have to pay significantly more for your labels.
With Printronix Auto ID’s current line-up of RFID printers, these headaches associated with inlay placement are now a thing of the past. Printronix RFID printers have a unique firmware (the software brains in the printer), which does what they call “Encode During Print.” In clearer language, this means that the printer will first print some of the label, then switch over to encoding, then switch back to printing and finish up the label. The printer will automatically either print or encode at any given moment depending on where the label is relative to the printer’s printhead and RFID encoder. The traditional approaches for RFID printers were to either first print the entire label, then encode the RFID portion (“Print then Encode”) – or to first encode the RFID, then print the label (“Encode then Print”). But with these traditional approaches, if the inlay is not optimally placed, then the printer needs to back- or forward-feed the label to align it for an operation (printing or encoding) at any given moment. With Printronix’s Encode During Print functionality, back- and forward-feed are eliminated (other than to overstrike bad labels, which is another blog topic for another day), regardless of inlay placement.
So far, we have been talking about labels like 4×6 shipping labels that allow different inlay placements. But what about all of the RFID labels, “tags,” on the market that have predetermined inlay placement? For example, on-metal tags, plant stakes, small pharmaceutical labels for cold-chain applications, “RTI” tags (Returnable Transport Items), etc., etc. There are many such tags on the market, and more are being developed and released all the time. These tags generally have a fixed inlay placement based on their physical design and on simple commercial considerations – they are meant to be “Off-the-Shelf” (OTS) products. This is another area Printronix’s Encode During Print functionality shines even more. Because the Printronix printers do not care where the inlay is located, you can use any of these tags and still achieve maximum throughput.
And these unusual tags often pose physical feed challenges for RFID printers. For example, on-metal and RTI tags are often thicker than normal smart labels, and they can have abrupt edges between labels, large gaps, etc. Both Printronix’s T6000e and T4000 series printers were designed from the ground up to work with these more difficult constructions. The printers are spec’ed for labels up to 1.2mm thick and are available in 4” and 6” print-widths, allowing you to print and encode a wide variety of tags from a single printer – all without sacrificing performance.
Finding the right RFID solution is always a challenge and having the right resources and help are critical. If RFID sounds like a suitable solution for your business or you have additional questions, feel free to contact us at Barcodes, Inc. We’re always happy to help you find the right solution for your needs.
Advantages of RFID for Retail
Apply the power of RFID (Radio frequency identification) in your retail environment! RFID technology goes beyond barcode scanning. It automates data collection without the risk of human error. With an RFID handheld scanner, you can read tags simultaneously and without direct line of sight increasing efficiency and productivity in a store.
All RFID tags within range can be tracked and located immediately to ensure the correct location from supply chain to on the floor. Retailers can have access to product information, item location, availability, item level tracking, stock maintenance to ensure greater efficiency and sufficient supply level to meet consumer demand.
Introducing the Alien ALR-S350 Sled RFID handheld reader, it is an robust, simple, cost effective RFID reader that is designed for all day use. Supports Apple iOS or Google Android via smart device you will be able to gain the flexibility and accuracy you need on the retail floor. Unlike competitive sled units, the Alien ALR-S350 RFID reader comes with everything required to begin to use, the kit comes with charging kit, cradle dock, and micro USB cable. All the user need is the smart phone or tablet device to bring visible information on the go.
Features:
- Capable of scanning 1D and 2D barcodes (QR codes)
- Reads up to 200 tags per second
- 3 LEDs and buzzer for user feedback
- Supports Apple iOS and Google Android Devices
- Robust Design IP54 feat Quadlock for phone mounting
- Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity for simple smart device pairing
- Up to 24 hours of intensive use- long battery life
Manually scanning barcodes or counting products is time extensive, employees must move aisle to aisle, locating items individually. With RFID scanners, workers can read tags as far as 20 feet away and at hundreds of tags per second. Contact Barcodes to learn more about how the Alien ALR-S350 Sled RFID reader can help you to increase accuracy and gain more visibility in your data collection.
Impinj’s Luggage Tracking Solution with Monza Tag Chips
With major airlines using Impinj Monza tag chips to help track luggage, it’s exciting to see this technology grow. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) voted to approve a mandate requiring member airlines to implement RFID baggage tracking. The implementation is set with the goal of rolling out the technology globally by 2020. According to IATA, member airlines represent 83% of the global air traffic, with the tracking solution in place consumers can track the movement of their luggage from their phone.
Airlines and airports are no stranger to RAIN RFID, London Heathrow and Las Vegas’s McCarran Airport already use the tracking solution from finding a trolley to sorting and tracking luggage. These types of baggage tracking solutions, among others, have helped the industry drop their lost luggage rate by 70% over the last decade.
Monza tag chips features:
- High performance to achieve excellent read and write sensitivity
- Interference Rejection to yield outstanding reads
- Omnidirectional Performance in every direction
This is great example of how technology impacts our everyday lives, whether its down on the ground or 40,000 feet above!
Talk to our dedicated account managers to see how we can help you with tracking solutions in your business today!
Simplify RFID Deployments with Alien’s RFID Readers
Alien Readers are built for challenging environments that commonly appear in the real world. Robust, tough, and high-performing for even the most challenging conditions. Alien readers come with advanced filtering and intelligence which benefits users with less network traffic, fewer additional pieces of network equipment, lower setup, and lower maintenance costs.
The ALR-F800 is Alien’s self-optimizing enterprise RFID reader. With a discrete architecture that intelligently adapts and configures based on its environment. The ALR-F800 has the industry’s best Power over Ethernet transmit power and performance. The ALR-F800 has the flexibility for system enhancements and future proofing such as the industry standard MicroSD and USB slots for adding memory along with additional capabilities such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular.
ALR-F800 Features:
- Global EPC Gen 2 platform.
- DSA (Dynamic Self-Adapting) real-time read optimization.
- Alien GateScape ease-of-use.
- Power source agnostic and auto-switching.
- Automatic inventory optimization.
- Feature-rich Alien Reader Protocol.
- Dynamic Authentication of Higgs ICs.
- Exceptional sensitivity and performance.
- Automode, with on-board state machine.
- High read rates for demanding applications.
- Enhanced noise rejection for reliable data capture.
- RSSI & speed filters.
- Easy RFID software integration.
- Easily configurable and upgradable.
- Industrial, installation-friendly I/O connector.
- Antenna reflection cancellation optimization.
- Supports extended / custom Higgs IC features.
- Auto “Seek” function for low duty cycle applications.
- RoHS EU 2002/95/EC compliant.
- Plenum Rated (EAHS) per UL 2043.
The ALR-F800-X builds on the ALR-F800 with a revolutionary solution that simplifies RFID infrastructure installation, operations, and maintenance. Combines an Enterprise RFID reader and edge service to provide multiple-reader visualization and management. The ALR-F800-X comes with emissary which is Alien’s multi-reader configuration, management, and work-flow description solution. This means users can create names for each reader instead of using the standard serial number that a RFID reader normally identifies by. Making the management of multiple readers easy.
ALR-F800-X Features:
- Reader + Multiple Reader Configuration and Management in one device.
- Class leading Global EPC Gen 2 4-port RFID Reader.
- Same footprint as Alien’s ALR-F800 UHF Enterprise Reader.
- Built in handling of common chores.
- DSA (Dynamic Self-Adapting) real-time read optimization.
- Power source agnostic and auto-switching.
- Feature-rich Alien Reader Protocol.
- Dynamic Authentication of Higgs ICs.
- Exceptional sensitivity and performance.
- Automode, with on-board state machine.
- RoHS EU 2002/95/EC compliant.
- Plenum Rated (EAHS) per UL 2043.
For any questions or a quote on any of your RFID needs, please contact us at Barcodes, Inc.
Barcode Vs. RFID: Things to Consider Before You Choose
Barcode and RFID labels are choices that enterprises must choose to improve efficiency. Which are the most cost- effective and reliable in the long run for your operation?
Here are a few things you should consider
Barcodes Vs. RFID
RFID labels have electronically generated unique codes and barcodes use standard protocols. In an inventory collection setting, a barcode label can tally up items in the stock according to product type, manufacturer, and stock level. Employees will have to manually check for item specifics such as color, price, and purchase date of individual items. On the other hand, RFID labels are capable of loading up 2,000 proprietary byte of information and be able to tally up individual items in inventory too.
For example: A barcode label would be able to tell a grocer how many gallons Milk A and Milk B was in the cooler but an RFID label will be able to disclose where each gallon of milk came from the farm and distributor.
Ultimately, if printer properly both barcode and RFID tags can eliminate human error and contribute to enterprise efficiency compare to when items are accounted for by hand. Purchasing either barcode or RFID solutions depends on the depth of data required by an enterprise and how the system will be used in the field. Label consumers have to make a decision based on the needs and financial constraints.
If you need guidance on which solution to choose, feel free to contact one of our dedicated account managers and we will be happy to help.
Metalcraft RFID Assest Tags Printed on SATO CL4NX
Retail Stores are Being Revolutionized with the Help of RFID
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) are helping retail stores across the country improving customer experience, inventory accuracy, and a way to present wider sets of products to customers who are a little more selective.
RFID Tags have the ability to hold information that identifies the products, its country of origin, materials used, production date, the handling process, and any other important information that took place in the supply chain. Some retailers are using RFID tagging to track products at all of their locations. According to a research study from the RFID Lab at Auburn University, RFID tagging can increase inventory accuracy from an average of 63 percent to greater than 95 percent. This helps enable speed and accuracy for consumers concerning fulfillment for two-day, one-day, or same day delivery. According to Kurt Salmon and the Platt Retail Institute, with RFID tagging, out of stocks can be reduced by up to 40 percent and increase profit margins by 60 percent.
According to the RFID Lab, manufacturers using RFID tagging will see an 80 percent improvement in shipping and picking accuracy, at the same time being able to increase the receiving time by 90 percent. This will allow retailers to communicate more efficiently with their manufacturers for expedited reorders, improved planning, and forecasting of products.
To read more about how RFIDs can help retail stores click here.
For any questions or a quote on any of your RFID needs contact us at Barcodes, Inc.
RFID Tags Made to Monitor Vital Signs
The possibility of being able to continuously monitor a person’s vital signs to detect early warnings on potential abnormalities is coming. All thanks to researchers at Cornell University that have been working on a new project. For this to really get off the ground it’ll have to be as noninvasive as possible with no interference of wires and electrodes. With RFID technology that’ll be possible. Researchers have created a new touch free monitoring system that’ll be able to monitor an individual’s breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure all with a RFID Tag small enough to fit in someone’s shirt pocket.
A professor of electrical and computer engineering at Cornell University, Edwin Kan and graduate student Xiaonan Hui developed the technology. Their method relies on near-field coupling. Near-field is the region of the electromagnetic field right around an RFID Antenna with a distance of up to 35 centimeters, or one wavelength, away. Kan and Hui’s demonstrations were able to pick up an individuals’ blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing measures with a high level of accuracy. All of it was possible using a small RFID antenna and RFID tag placed within 10 centimeters of an individuals’ body, and a RFID Reader located up to two meters away. According to Hui this method increases the sensitivity and the signal quality.
In the long term there could be life changing uses that come from Kan and Hui’s research. “There are several potential real-world applications for this, such as the next generation wearable devices, smart garments, healthcare monitoring, and clinical studies,” Hui continued. “The convenience and the high performance could be particularly helpful for smart garments. Imagine if your daily garments were able to gather your vital signs directly, and then report them straight to your cell phone.”
In the short term Kan and Hui are interested in using this RFID technology in hospitals. It could be used to monitor a large number of patients without hooking them up to separate machines and devices to check their vitals. The study also showed that their system could detect up to 200 RFID tags at once, all over the same wireless communication channel.
To read more about Edwin Kan’s And Xiaonan Hui’s research, click here.
For any questions or a quote on any of your RFID needs contact us at Barcodes, Inc.
MIT Researchers Develop RFly, an Inventory Management Drone
MIT researchers have developed a system that will allow small drones to read RFID tags from up to ten meters away, as well as identify the tags locations with an average error of about 19 centimeters. These researchers believe that this system could be used in large scale warehouses for both monitoring, to help prevent inventory mismatches, and to find the location of items to make it easier for employees to quickly meet customer requests. Safety won’t be an issue as these drones will be small and lightweight equipped with plastic rotors.
This will help many businesses as each year billions of dollars are lost all because of mismatches in inventory. Even the U.S. Army has had the problem of losing track of supplies.
“Between 2003 and 2011, the U.S. Army lost track of $5.8 billion of supplies among its warehouses,” says Fadel Adib, the Sony Corporation Career Development Assistant Professor of Media Arts and Sciences, whose group at the MIT Media Lab developed the new system. “In 2016, the U.S. National Retail Federation reported that shrinkage – loss of items in retail stores – averaged around $45.2 billion annually. By enabling drones to find and localize items and equipment, this research will provide a fundamental technological advancement for solving these problems.”
Watch how the system would work below.
Interested in learning more? Read the full article here news.mit.edu.
Zebra’s Silverline On-Demand RFID Metal Asset Tagging Solution
Zebra and Confidex have worked together to develop this unique solution consisting of a redesigned ZT410 RFID printer, optimized Silverline labels and high quality Zebra ribbons. This combination provides for excellent print quality, encoding accuracy and ease of solution deployment and use. Silverline labels, now offered exclusively by Zebra, are available in three sizes to meet the needs of a wide variety of applications. When combined with Zebra’s RFID reader portfolio, the launch of Silverline enables complete Zebra RFID solutions for the most critical Enterprise Assets. For example in healthcare, hospital assets like wheel chairs, beds, oxygen canisters, IV pumps, medical diagnostic instruments, etc. can now be accurately and efficiently RFID tagged. In manufacturing, it enables tagging of tools, fixtures, metal parts, returnable containers, etc. Tagging of IT assets such as laptops, servers, tablets, etc. is another ideal use case.
Silverline Solution:
• Total Solution: Silverline RFID tags and Zebra ZT410 Silverline printer
• Provides RFID labels that work directly on all surfaces
• Prints and encodes labels for metal and liquid-filled assets
• Choose from three types of RFID labels: standard, slim and micro
• Available Globally
• Read range of up to 5m
• Reliable, flexible and scalable
Track/Trace Solutions for the Logistics Supply Chain
Consumer satisfaction with the quality of your products is clearly important, but the service you provide before and after the sale is equally important to any business, but often overlooked as benefiting the bottom line. However, providing efficient tracking and tracing of shipped products enhances customer loyalty and your company image. Obviously, satisfied customers are a company’s greatest asset.
Track/Trace solutions including software and Automatic identification technologies such as barcoding and RFID are both reliable and effective in ensuring the efficient delivery of materials and components to you and to your customers.
According to Claes Fornell, University of Michigan, Ross School of Business and The American Customer Satisfaction Index, “As long as repeat business is important, and as long as customers have a chance to go somewhere else, employees must deliver high levels of satisfaction for a company to be successful.” In other words, satisfied customers often become repeat customers and one way to ensure satisfaction is to provide complete visibility from sale to delivery.
Simply stated, an efficient logistics supply chain accurately tracks and traces the delivered materials used to create finished products and then stores the inventory until picking, packing, shipping, and delivery of sold products are completed.