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Integrating RFID Into Your Packaging

Market forces such as the RFID mandates fromthe product packaging at the point of
Target, Wal-Mart, the Food and Drugproduction. They are readable through most
Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Departmentmaterials (except liquid and metal) and many
of Defense (DOD) have many manufacturers andsmart tag systems include anti-collision
suppliers focused on RFID simply as asoftware, to enable multiple tags to be read
compliance tool, overlooking the significantsimultaneously.A basic smart tag offers a
additional benefits of automatic96-bit EPC, which provides more than enough
identification technology.In fact, by design,data storage capacity to track-and-trace
RFID enables superior supply chain efficiencyitems from point of manufacture to point of
and inventory management, resulting insale. Gen 2 tags offer a 256-bit EPC code,
increased productivity and accountability,appropriate for specialized applications that
decreased shrinkage, and a more robust bottomrequire extensive data storage, such as the
line.A packaging supplier who isprescription drug pedigree.Smart tags can be
knowledgeable about evolving RFID technologyapplied either externally to product
and applications is a valuable resource topackaging or imbedded within the package or
help you maximize ROI with your RFIDcase. They are unobtrusive and do not
integration.RFID systems are completelyinterfere with graphic design elements,
customizable with infinite combinations ofmaking them an easy addition to most consumer
hardware and software. Each system isgoods packaging.Smart tags can also be
comprised of a transponder, a reader andimplanted in key chain fobs or rigid plastic
software. (Click here to read RFID: A Smartcards. Automobile keyless entry and Mobil
Tag Primer for a complete explanation of RFIDSpeed Pass are two well-known examples.A
technology.) In this article we comparechipless tag is an RFID tag that transmits
several forms of the RFID transponder anddata via either a conductive polymer or a
discuss possible applications of each.RFIDreflective material instead of an IC
transponders are available in a variety ofmicrochip. Conductive polymer tags operate
mediums,  including:Smart  tagsthe same way as RFID smart tags do, differing
only in component material.Reflective tags
Chipless  tagsreturn a radio wave image to a computer that
compares it with the identifying image on
Smart  labelsfile for that item. A positive match means
the item is correctly identified. Tags with
Conductive  inkRF reflecting fibers can be woven into paper
or fabric for specialized
Traceless taggantsA smart tag is a microchipapplications.Although chipless tags typically
RFID transponder, which includes ancost less than silicon-based tags, their use
integrated circuit (IC) and an antenna,in supply chain management is limited by
encased in a protective coating. Smart tagstheir inability to read multiple tags at one
most commonly contain a silicon-based IC andtime.A smart label is simply a label with an
a copper coil antenna, although demand forRFID tag integrated into it. An RFID
less expensive tags has spurred themicrochip is sandwiched between a paper
development of organic alternatives andsubstrate and an adhesive, resulting in an
chipless tags.Smart tags can be applied toRFID transponder that can be printed and
pallets, cases or item-level units at anyapplied like a traditional label.
point in the supply chain, or integrated into



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