Smarter than “Smart Labels”?

This quick, one-time registration gives you access to members-only site benefits. Most barcode printer manufacturers, such as Zebra and Intermec, provide smart label machines to replace their own thermal barcode printers. These printers print on smart labels which typically range in size from 4x2” or 3x3” to 4x8” and contain an embedded RFID transponder. Although the existing barcode printer is removed and a completely new machine needs to be purchased, the process is similar to an upgrade, utilizing the existing backend integration systems and processes. Software migration tools allow users to convert from the printing of barcode labels to the encoding of smart labels. Paragon Data Systems, Inc., provides such a solution for clients who have opted for this approach. This solution works well when 100% of all cases or pallets will be tagged with RFID transponders, or when companies are working off-line in limited quantity. Many of our clients prefer an alternative approach, which leaves the existing barcode system in place and adds a separate RFID applicator system. With this arrangement, barcode labels are applied to 100% of all cases or pallets, but RFID tags are only applied to the subset of items, and for the particular retailers, that require RFID. This process has several important advantages. First of all, RFID tags are only used when needed, without having to switch back and forth between rolls of conventional barcode labels and rolls of RFID-embedded smart labels. For items that do require RFID tagging, an individual RFID tag is five to ten cents less expensive than a smart label that is embedded with a comparable RFID transponder. RFID tags are also more readily available and can be sourced from a larger number of suppliers. An RFID applicator can be installed with little disruption to the current manufacturing, packaging and shipping