Radio Frequency Identification tags (RFID tags) or smart labels, used as an alternative to barcode labels, are pressure-sensitive labels with a transponder (or inlay) underneath the label face stock. Transponders can be either passive or active.

Each transponder has a digital memory chip that is given a unique electronic code. When a reader decodes the data from the RFID tag's integrated circuit the information is passed to the host application for processing. The uniqueness of RFID tags means that a product may be individually tracked as it moves from location to location. This can help companies to combat theft, counterfeiting and other forms of product loss.

Unlike Barcodes, RFID smart labels do not require line of sight, and many labels can be read simultaneously. RFID readers can interrogate, or read, RFID tags much faster; read rates of forty or more tags per second are possible. Reading barcodes is much more time-consuming.

Furthermore, barcode labels have no read/write capability; that is, you cannot add to the information written on a printed barcode. RFID tags, however, can be read/write devices; the RFID reader can communicate with the tag, and alter as much of the information as the tag design will allow. On the downside, RFID smart labels can be much more expensive.

We supply RFID tags, smart labels and durable hard tags in the four main frequency standards;

RFID tags are available in varying sizes and materials. They can also be supplied embedded into luggage tags, garment labels and wrist bands. RFID implants are available for medical device manufacturers. We will match the correct RFID tags to your application. PRISYM Software supports stand alone RFID read/write units and integrated printers/encoders from leading manufacturers, including Zebra, Sato and Avery Dennison.

Please contact us for further information on RFID tags and Smart Labels using our enquiry form or by calling 0118 936 4400.