Reutech Solutions – SACO Smart Labels

Smart Labels

Smart Labels, also known as Smart Tags, are extremely thin configured transponders that fit under a conventional print-coded label. This forms a combined RFID & barcode label, which includes chip, antenna and bonding wires, called an inlay. The labels, made of paper, fabric or plastic, are prepared as a paper roll with inlays laminated between the rolled carrier and the label media for use in specially designed printer units. The inlay is inserted in an automated processing step to ensure identical positioning for each label and careful processing to prevent any damage to the bonding.

Printing is processed in three steps:

Normal ink-jet printing, except the space with the bonded chip, with clearly intelligible text and either barcode or 2D-barcode for later semi-automatic reading with handheld readers or fixed-mount scanners
Writing coherently concatenated information to the RFID-chip
Reading the written information on the RFID-chip subsequently in the printer for control purpose (read after write)

Other customisations of smart labels include chip cards and combinations of magnetic stripes with RFID chips which are used in credit cards.

In many logistics and transportation processes the barcode or the 2D-barcode is established as the key means for identification in short distances. The automation of such optical coding is limited by the appropriate distance for reading success, and usually requires manual operation for finding the code, or alternatively scanner gates, that scan all the surface of a coded object. The RFID-inlay allows for better tolerance in fully automated reading from specified distances. However, the mechanical vulnerability of an RFID-inlay is higher than an ordinary label as it can be damaged by scratching.

The smart label overcomes the inherent design weaknesses of each method by combining the technologies of plain text, optical code and radio code.

Smart labels are applied directly to packages, pallets or containers.

Technologies using smart labels are mature and well standardised. With increasing sales quantities, the inlays are still annually redesigned and appear in releases with new extensions to performance. However, integration of RFID to handling processes requires sound engineering to ensure the balance of benefit and effort.

To find out more about using Smart Tags and Smart printers to effectively control stock, click here, and fill in a brief enquiry form. Our highly trained consultants will be in touch with you shortly.