| Market forces such as the RFID mandates from | | | | They are readable through most materials |
| Target, Wal-Mart, the Food and Drug | | | | (except liquid and metal) and many smart tag |
| Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Department of | | | | systems include anti-collision software, to enable |
| Defense (DOD) have many manufacturers and | | | | multiple tags to be read simultaneously.A basic |
| suppliers focused on RFID simply as a compliance | | | | smart tag offers a 96-bit EPC, which provides |
| tool, overlooking the significant additional benefits | | | | more than enough data storage capacity to |
| of automatic identification technology.In fact, by | | | | track-and-trace items from point of manufacture |
| design, RFID enables superior supply chain | | | | to point of sale. Gen 2 tags offer a 256-bit EPC |
| efficiency and inventory management, resulting in | | | | code, appropriate for specialized applications that |
| increased productivity and accountability, | | | | require extensive data storage, such as the |
| decreased shrinkage, and a more robust bottom | | | | prescription drug pedigree.Smart tags can be |
| line.A packaging supplier who is knowledgeable | | | | applied either externally to product packaging or |
| about evolving RFID technology and applications is | | | | imbedded within the package or case. They are |
| a valuable resource to help you maximize ROI | | | | unobtrusive and do not interfere with graphic |
| with your RFID integration.RFID systems are | | | | design elements, making them an easy addition to |
| completely customizable with infinite combinations | | | | most consumer goods packaging.Smart tags can |
| of hardware and software. Each system is | | | | also be implanted in key chain fobs or rigid plastic |
| comprised of a transponder, a reader and | | | | cards. Automobile keyless entry and Mobil Speed |
| software. (Click here to read RFID: A Smart Tag | | | | Pass are two well-known examples.A chipless tag |
| Primer for a complete explanation of RFID | | | | is an RFID tag that transmits data via either a |
| technology.) In this article we compare several | | | | conductive polymer or a reflective material |
| forms of the RFID transponder and discuss | | | | instead of an IC microchip. Conductive polymer |
| possible applications of each.RFID transponders | | | | tags operate the same way as RFID smart tags |
| are available in a variety of mediums, | | | | do, differing only in component material.Reflective |
| including:Smart tags | | | | tags return a radio wave image to a computer |
| Chipless tags | | | | that compares it with the identifying image on file |
| Smart labels | | | | for that item. A positive match means the item is |
| Conductive ink | | | | correctly identified. Tags with RF reflecting fibers |
| Traceless taggantsA smart tag is a microchip | | | | can be woven into paper or fabric for specialized |
| RFID transponder, which includes an integrated | | | | applications.Although chipless tags typically cost |
| circuit (IC) and an antenna, encased in a | | | | less than silicon-based tags, their use in supply |
| protective coating. Smart tags most commonly | | | | chain management is limited by their inability to |
| contain a silicon-based IC and a copper coil | | | | read multiple tags at one time.A smart label is |
| antenna, although demand for less expensive tags | | | | simply a label with an RFID tag integrated into it. |
| has spurred the development of organic | | | | An RFID microchip is sandwiched between a |
| alternatives and chipless tags.Smart tags can be | | | | paper substrate and an adhesive, resulting in an |
| applied to pallets, cases or item-level units at any | | | | RFID transponder that can be printed and applied |
| point in the supply chain, or integrated into the | | | | like a traditional label. |
| product packaging at the point of production. | | | | |