RFID systems
Label Needs ltd. are now supplying RFID printers to support RFID inventory control systems
What is RFID?
Labels with RFID tags allows for a product to be individually tracked as it moves from location to location, finally ending up in the hands of a consumer. This helps companies to combat theft, counterfeiting and other forms of product loss.
In typical RFID systems labels have a small, inexpensive tag which consist of a microchip and an antenna. Most tags are only activated when they are within the interrogation zone of the interrogator; outside they "sleep". Chip tags can be both read-only (programmed during manufacture) or, at higher complexity and cost, read-write, or both. Chip tags contain memory. The size of the tag depends on the size of the antenna, which increases with range of tag and decreases with frequency. The reader decodes the data encoded in the tag's silicon chip and the information is passed to the host application for processing.
RFID systems provide a complimentary technology to barcodes however, barcodes will still be around for a very long time. RFID technology has a number of important advantages :
- Provide real-time, wireless transmission of data without human intervention
- Do not require line-of-site scanners for operation
- multiple product reads in one pass
- store a larger amount of information which can be altered during sorting
- Works effectively even in harsh environments with excessive dirt, dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures
“Smart labels” go beyond simple tag functionality by combining human-readable information and bar code technology with RFID. A smart label consists of an adhesive label that is embedded with an ultra-thin RFID tag “inlay”. Smart labels combine the read range and unattended processing capability of RFID with the convenience and flexibility of on-demand label printing. Smart labels also can be pre-printed and pre-coded for use. In on-demand applications, the tag inlay can be encoded with fixed or variable data and tested before the label is printed, and the label can retain all existing formats and layouts that are required to support bar codes, text, and graphics used in established applications. A read/write smart label also can be programmed and reprogrammed in use, following initial coding during the label production process.
RFID reader software is used for managing RFID devices and printed “Smart labels” labels, combing a bar coding system and advanced RFID. It allows the user to take variable data from databases and design, print and write to RFID labels, or just write to an RFID tag. The software provides the bridge between the interrogator and the existing company databases and information management software
Label Needs Ltd. offers a complete RFID product suite including readers, printers, tags, labels and inlays supported by RFID implementation services to guarantee system performance, all from a single source. With an RFID printer at the centre of your RFID application, you can simultaneously print, encode and verify RFID labels with ease.
If you need advice on RFID systems or if you need to modify existing systems, please call us on 029 2057 5799