RFID technology makes it possible to print labels quickly. That has a great influence on many industries, especially the apparel industry. Printable RFID tags are more convenient and more efficient than traditional bar codes. But before using it, you must better understand the various components of the RFID label printing process.
Electronic Product Codes (EPCs)
The process begins with electronic product codes, which are embedded within a printed RFID label and are essential for supply chain management and inventory tracking. EPCs are stored inside the RFID tag’s memory when the tag is printed by an RFID printer. Here’s what the EPC includes:
- The primary eight bits of the code contains a special header that identifies the EPC’s protocol.
- Subsequent 28 bits show the organization responsible for managing the tag’s data (this number is given by the worldwide consortium that manages EPC standards).
- Subsequent 24 bits identify the category of the thing being tagged, which identifies the sort of product.
- The ultimate 36 bits are uniquely assigned to the actual object being labeled.
The last two sections described above (3 and 4) are created by the apparel company that’s using the tag for its business operations. Through the utilization of EPC codes, retailers can track exactly what percentage of 1 sort of item they need and, if necessary, they will hunt an individually specific item at any time.
RFID Printing Process
Once an EPC is assigned to a selected item, it must be stored within the chip of the RFID tag by an RFID printer. Then it’s attached to the merchandise being tracked.
RFID tags are better than traditional barcode tags because radio waves are wont to capture the electronic product code information instead of an optical scanner. This way, tracking inventory is often done automatically without hunting down and scanning every item during a warehouse or store.
The RFID printer creates a finished label that has a uniquely printed inlay, which the printer puts inside a standard apparel label or tag. The inlay features a microchip with the EPC data stored inside it. It also has an antenna to speak with the RFID readers.
Where RFID Labels are often Printed
While you’ll already be conversant in how RFID tags work, you’ll not remember what percentage options the newest RFID technologies now provide for the printing and implementing them. RFID labels are often printed virtually anywhere your apparel company is doing business: at the source, at a service agency, at the distribution center, and even at the mercantile establishment where the things are sold:
- At the source: An RFID printer allows you to make custom labels on-demand within the exact quantity you need at the apparel manufacturing facility. This helps prevent wasted tags and excess tag inventory, and can ultimately streamline the tagging process.
- Within the store: Fully customizable print solutions allow you to quickly create cost-effective labels and to repair inaccurate tags and replace missing tags.
- At the distribution center: Printing at the distribution center allows you to simplify logistics by labeling items with specific information counting on the shop at which they’re going to find yourself being sold.
- At the service bureau: If it’s more convenient for business operations, MSM Solutions can print labels and tags in bulk at our service agency to be quickly delivered to your business.
If you have any questions about RFID tags and labels, feel free to contact us.
