Welcome to.....

VENDORCOMPLIANCE.INFO

Specializing in EDI and vendor compliance for manufacturers, distributors, &  retailers.

CHARGEBACK CORNER:  Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Increasingly, more retailers are beginning to require RFID on cartons, pallets, and perhaps even items in the near future.  Just like the failure to print barcode item, carton, and pallet labels correctly, the failure to RFID tag cartons and pallets, and one day items, will result in vendor compliance chargebacks.

As with barcodes, it is always important to review the technology requirements of your trading partner to be sure you implement the correct solution.  Your trading partner may also suggest RFID vendors who are qualified as a solutions provider.  However, as with EDI and barcode labeling, these may not be the only or even best vendors to use for the technology.

While many companies have successfully integrated the printing of a barcode label into their processes and procedures, can the same be done for RFID tags?  Depending on the RFID tag requirement, the answer may be YES.  Some models of thermal-transfer barcode printers are cable of not only printing the familiar barcode labels we're used to seeing today, but also "printing" (recording) RFID tags.  In fact, it's even possible to embed an RFID tag in a label such that when you print a label (i.e. the 4"x6" UCC-128 carton or pallet barcode label), you will also "print" (record) the serial number (and other information) in the RFID tag embedded in the label.  As such, the conversion from barcode label printing to RFID tagging may not be a drastic change from the label printing a company is currently performing, and may not necessarily require expensive technology or hardware upgrades.

RFID Tag Types        RFID System Components