Understanding Smart Label Technology

Much has been written and said about the use of RFID tags (Radio Frequency Identification) and the Electronic Product Code (EPC) that is stored on them. Large organizations like Wal-Mart and the U.S. Department of Defense (the DOD) have mandated the used of RFID tags by stating that they will be required as a condition of participation for their vendors. Beyond mere compliance with mandates, producers have been tantalized with the prospect of significant benefits to their own bottom line if they make the leap to RFID.

Many producers are interested in both aspects of this new technology, but are concerned about the associated cost and risk. The purpose of this white paper is to talk about a critical component in both the realization of the potential benefits and managing the risks of a still-evolving technology.

It all starts with the label.

Before any of the benefits, profits, or even compliance with mandates can become reality, an RFID tag must be attached to a product. The term "smart label" is typically used to describe a label that combines a conventional bar code, human readable text, and an RFID tag into a single piece. The use of smart labels provides an easy, inexpensive, and low-risk way to bring RFID & EPC technology into an existing production environment.