Zebra Technologies is the global leader in providing top-quality, award-winning products that range from just starting out to advanced RFID equipment. Zebra offers an array of hardware and software options ranging from good, better, and best that will meet your budgetary needs.

From fast, simple solutions to planning long-term sustainability, the specialists at Imprint Enterprises can help you understand what you need for RFID mandate compliance. Imprint has over 30 years of experience helping businesses improve profitability and operational efficiency.

Zebra Technologies Has Top Quality RFID Products

Zebra Technologies RFID hardware and software is becoming more prevalent with the advancement of geo-location, security, and automation. More advanced than typical barcode solutions, RFID tags can be read without a direct line of sight and from as far away as 65 feet (or 20 meters). RFID readers can be fixed for maximum visibility and pinpointing location throughout the warehouse.

RFID Readers also come in handheld options to extend a network’s visibility beyond the walls of the warehouse. Processes can be automated to help ease worker shortages. RFID printer encoders are designed for manufacturing facilities, providing manufacturers the ability to incorporate application into their systems. Software systems are used for easy deployment and manageability of readers and tags.

Fixed Readers

Handheld Readers

Need a portable option? Handheld readers are an excellent option for carrying around:

MC3330R

• • • • Built on the Android platform with a large touch screen and keypad for comfortable, all-day use.
      • Best for omni-channel fulfillment, inventory management, automatic replenishment, control with receiving, trunk stock demo/sample inventory, and pharmaceutical and laboratory inventory.

MC3390R

• • • • Requires no hard wire connection.
      • Best for long-range, inventory management, item location and tracking, automatic replenishment, cross docking, and control with receiving.

FRD8500 Sled

• • • • Easily adds UHF RFID tag reading, writing, and locating abilities compatible with your Zebra TC20 RFID-ready mobile computer.
      • Best for inventory management.

Fetch Robotics AMRs are robots with built in intelligence systems to allow them to move and perform tasks autonomously. Most facilities do not have to be modified for AMRs to move around, using a localization map so they can start running upon deployment.

With better connectivity and enhanced safety features, AMRs can efficiently work around people and objects and can be scheduled to complete different tasks at different times. AMRs work great in warehouses for manufacturing, distribution, and fulfillment.

Printer Encoders

RFID printer encoders are designed for industrial durability and flexibility, with high print speeds and media roll capacity. Printer encoders can be easy to manage and simple to integrate into your facility. There is even a thermal desktop printer for both direct and transfer options.

ZT600 Series

• • • • Reduces media costs

      • Tags are spaced close together (0.6 in/16mm) or narrower on most RFID inlays.

ZT400 Series

• • • • Easy to manage and simple to integrate.
      • Adaptive encoding technology allows for excellent media flexibility and simple RFID calibration, eliminating complex placement guidelines.

ZD500R

• • • • RFID tag thermal desktop printer, available in direct thermal and thermal transfer models.
      • Compatible with inlays from all leading suppliers.
      • Able to be used with a variety of RFID labels and tags from small, item-level hang tags to large case and pallet labels.

Software

Existing barcode software management systems, such as an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, Warehouse Management Software (WMS), or Manufacturing Management Software (MMS), may already be compatible for a simplified RFID integration. This allows for quicker deployment and manageability of RFID readers within a facility. Typically, Windows Server 2003, Solaris® 9 or 10, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux® can all be integration compatible systems.

Another option is to upgrade to software systems that can manage all devices and data for you for a more efficient process, such as MotionWorks®. This platform collects, manages, and analyzes sense and state data from tagged enterprise resources, feeding into a single integrated management console for enhanced visibility of the location and state of every tagged item.

Imprint Enterprises is the Zebra Technologies RFID Specialist

The benefits of using RFID are seen across multiple industries, including automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical, retail, manufacturing, and distribution. Companies find they can track equipment, inventory, and parts more effectively while also providing an added layer of security. RFID technology has proven to increase operational efficiency by minimizing human error while providing real-time data and tracking.

Imprint Enterprises is a Premiere Solution Partner with Zebra Technologies, working with RFID installations since 2006. Imprint is a company that grows with you, providing your business with an affordably priced solution. Imprint builds a lifelong relationship with you and your company that is based on quality and trust with Specialists that can help you determine what you need. Imprint knows that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all.

Zebra Technologies has over 30 years of experience and is a leading expert in barcoding technology. Zebra rigorously tests their products in multiple R&D facilities, making sure you receive the quality you deserve. Originally founded in 1969, Zebra now has 10’s of millions of devices worldwide, creating end-to-end solutions.

Imprint Enterprises has decades of experience in RFID solutions – from printers, readers, and tags/labels.

Imprint will support you in making the most informed decision for your SMB and can outfit your company with RFID technology from Zebra Technologies. Contact us to begin building your comprehensive RFID solution for your SMB.

Customer expectations shape how business is done. As customers change their demands for greater convenience and speed, SMBs must incorporate the technology that can help meet the demands of the customers and requirements of contracts. Technological advancements have helped to ease that changing landscape.

RFID tagging allows businesses to see what is on an entire pallet as it comes in or out of docking. This automation provides greater visibility and ease with inventory management in a shorter amount of time, eliminating the need for manual scanning of every barcode. Software can provide notifications when inventory is low, monitoring levels and automating reorders, resulting in enhanced employee productivity.

RFID Enhances Profitability and Productivity

Change management is a constant reality in business. Consumer demands and market changes are a constant, especially as technology advances. Some of the reasons large companies mandate RFID technology are some of the same reasons why incorporating RFID into your SMB can help your profitability and overall efficiency:

• • • Visibility

    • Traceability

    • Regulatory requirements (government)

    • Automation

    • Digitization

    • Inventory Management

    • Temperature-sensitive Monitoring

    • Tag Durability

    • Cross-docking

RFID can provide a more automated, hands-off approach, reducing the amount of physical touch or individual scanning of items. From an inventory standpoint, RFID can quickly geo-locate an item so an employee can locate the item, get to the item, identify it, retrieve it, and put it into a load. This can help ease issues created during labor shortages when there is an increase in order volume.

RFID aids in cross-docking, providing fast and reliable information for forklift operators. RFID provides real-time visibility to products without having to actively scan a visible barcode at each stage. This helps to minimize errors as RFID has a 100% read rate on every item.

RFID tracking gives traceability to products in almost every industry as items move through a workflow or a supply chain. This provides a greater ability for tracking what the status of the product is as it is being manufactured, such as what station it is at. It provides real-time visibility to the product without having to actively scan a visible barcode at each stage.

RFID Use Cases

Many SMBs have taken the leap and incorporated RFID technology into their facilities in anticipation of future mandates. These businesses have seen improvements in the efficiency of their processes and a boost in their profits, creating growth for a bigger future. Here are some use cases from incorporating RFID technology.

Since the RFID rollout, the furniture manufacturer has found it can better track their products within their facility. The software quickly details where each product goes without having to manually update the information. 

Produce Distributor

A produce distributor that supplies lettuce, tomatoes, and onions to a nation-wide fast-food chain was required to incorporate RFID tags onto their cases. The priority of the mandate is to track products for freshness and manage source information in case of recalls. Upon assessment, the produce company incorporated:

• • • ZT411R Printer Encoder
    • FX9600 Fixed Readers with portals
    • MC3300R Handheld Readers
    • Custom middleware to provide RFID equipment control and integration into ERP/WMS

The produce company also found that using RFID tags helps with their own inventory management, keeping track of the products coming and going. The fixed readers improved the rate of cross docking, while handheld readers cut back on repetitive tasks for employees.

The distribution company found that not only do they have fewer lost packages to the end-customer, but their own facility can also more easily track packages moving through their warehouse, more quickly manage cross-docking, and scanning is quicker and more efficient with wearable scanning technology.

Imprint Enterprises is the Zebra Technologies RFID Specialist

The benefits of using RFID are seen across multiple industries, including automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical, retail, manufacturing, and distribution. Companies find they can track equipment, inventory, and parts more effectively while also providing an added layer of security. RFID technology has proven to increase operational efficiency by minimizing human error while providing real-time data and tracking.

Imprint Enterprises is a Premiere Solution Partner with Zebra Technologies, working with RFID installations since 2006. Imprint is a company that grows with you, providing your business with an affordably priced solution. Imprint builds a lifelong relationship with you and your company that is based on quality and trust with Specialists that can help you determine what you need. Imprint knows that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all.

Zebra Technologies has over 30 years of experience and is a leading expert in barcoding technology. Zebra rigorously tests their products in multiple R&D facilities, making sure you receive the quality you deserve. Originally founded in 1969, Zebra now has 10’s of millions of devices worldwide, creating end-to-end solutions.

Imprint Enterprises has decades of experience in RFID solutions – from printers, readers, and tags/labels.

Imprint will support you in making the most informed decision for your SMB and can outfit your company with RFID technology from Zebra Technologies. Contact us to begin building your comprehensive RFID solution for your SMB.

As technology has improved, so have customer expectations and mandate requirements. As customers change their demands for greater convenience and speed, businesses must incorporate the technology that can help meet those demands. RFID technology was expensive in the beginning and SMBs did not see the benefit of spending a lot of money on something without proof that it would benefit their own operations.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. paved the way for other larger companies with the start of their RFID mandate. In the beginning, Wal-Mart spent a lot of time researching and testing RFID usage. For more information on the Wal-Mart RFID mandate, do download the RFID Mandate white paper from Imprint.

As the cost of RFID started decreasing, more larger businesses started incorporating mandates for use. RFID has been proven to:

• • • Enhance the efficiency and accuracy of inventory management,
    • Have greater data storage capabilities than standard barcodes,
    • Be more durable than standard barcodes,
    • Provide greater visibility throughout a supply chain for accountability, and
    • Automate processes to ease labor shortages.

What’s in a Mandate

Simply put, a mandate is a contractual requirement to sell your products to a larger company. Mandates have been around for years, describing how products and materials are to be packaged, priced, displayed, or even requiring products to be ethically and environmentally friendly. What is in a mandate can vary by company and customer expectations.

A RFID mandate is just another step in continuing business in today’s economy. RFID has quickly become the solution to many problems companies have experienced with omnichannel commerce increasing consumer demands. RFID technology has been around for over 15 years, changing how businesses manage:

• • • Visibility
    • Traceability
    • Regulatory requirements (government)
    • Labor shortages
    • Loss prevention
    • Supply chain constraints
    • Inventory management
    • Automation
    • Marketing
    • Product Authentication
    • Temperature-sensitive monitoring

When a mandate is released, it should provide all the information you need to comply, including:

• • • Program requirements and overall objectives
    • Regulatory standards (e.g., GS1, ANSI, ISO)
    • Timeline for implementation with dates and deadlines
    • Testing requirements and/or validation steps
    • Resources for your businesses (e.g., Auburn, RAIN Alliance, GS1)

RFID Technology Review

Each RFID tag has its own unique serial number and can be read in groups instead of having to scan each one individually. RFID tags can be read from a great distance and does not have to be in the line of sight of the scanner to be read. RFID readers can be active (always awake) or passive (asleep until pinged with a signal).

RFID has encryption and password protection features and can be securely accessed to be changed throughout the life of the tag. Data storage on an RFID tag is available in various capacities, including 96-bit, 128-bit, and 512-bit. For more information and answers to common questions, please refer to Imprint’s RFID technology FAQ blog.

Large Companies with RFID Mandates

Wal-Mart is, perhaps, the most widely known for having started the RFID mandate movement. Wal-Mart spend years researching the impacts of incorporating RFID and found the benefits to far outweigh the costs for themselves and their suppliers. The benefits have created other companies to start implementing RFID mandates, such as:

• • • Target
    • Kohls
    • Nordstrom
    • Macy’s
    • Amazon
    • ZARA
    • H&M
    • Decathlon
    • BJC HealthCare
    • UPS
    • McDonald’s
    • Chipotle

Using RFID Tags on Products

Imprint Enterprises has decades of experience in RFID solutions – from printers, readers, and tags/labels.

Zebra Technologies is an award-winning company and Imprint Enterprises is a trusted partner for Zebra. Together, they bring you good, better, and best options to help your business step forward while considering future possibilities.

Ensuring the future longevity of your warehouse is what makes Zebra Technologies the best in the industry and is why Imprint Enterprises is a Premiere Solution Partner with Zebra.

Read on for highlights of the topics addressed in the webinar or go directly to RFID Retail Mandates – 2023 and Beyond with Zebra Technologies to watch the replay.

What is a Mandate?

By definition, a mandate is an official order to something. Businesses view mandates as contract requirements to assure business continuity. Mandates have been in place for years, such as packaging specifications, pricing, and even ethical and environmentally friendly manufacturing. Patti addresses how RFID mandates are different:

• • • Visibility
    • Traceability
    • Regulatory requirements
    • Change management
    • Technological investment

RFID is the New Reality

RFID has been in retail and other industries for over 15 years. The value of using RFID is more evident today than just simply counting product. Patti discusses the many use cases identified in studies by Auburn University for RFID that can help minimize problems seen with specific categories in stores.

Identifying and Preparing for a Mandate

Mandates have evolved since the early days of the Walmart 100 to be more thoughtful and complete. Patti discusses the information you should receive from the company that initiates the mandate:

• • • Program requirements or overall objective
    • Standards to use
    • Timelines required
    • Testing requirements
    • Resources
    • A Playbook

Responding to a mandate should include an evaluation of the project from a very holistic approach. It is important to read everything that is sent instead of trying to anticipate the requirements. Imprint and Zebra are the RFID experts that can help make the process easier and quicker, while mitigating risks along the way.

The Benefits are Not Just for Retailers

Incorporating RFID may not be an initial objective for your business, but it can be of value for your future. There are proven benefits of incorporating RFID at the manufacturing, logistics, and distribution center (DC) levels. RFID can automate and digitize your processes, impacting your bottom line. Patti discusses the following benefits:

• • • Visibility
    • Reductions
    • Enhancements
    • Loss detection

Equipment Implementation

Zebra offers an extensive portfolio of devices that can print on-demand RFID encoded labels. Your business environment can impact the type of products and materials that will best suit your needs. Patti provides a few examples of RFID products to incorporate:

• • • RFID Printers: Mobile, Desktop, Industrial
    • Handheld and Fixed Readers
    • Autonomous and Transition Readers

RFID in the News

Walmart and Chipotle are prime examples of setting RFID mandates. Walmart started RFID mandating in 2005 while Chipotle started their mandate in 2020. Both companies require products coming into their stores and DCs to be RFID tagged. Walmart requires tags on individual items while Chipotle requires case level tagging.

Both Walmart and Chipotle have phased in their tagging requirements based on critical items and/or specific categories, working through to smaller suppliers. Other companies with RFID mandates include:

• • • McDonald’s
    • Nordstrom
    • Target
    • Macy’s

Webinar Wrap-Up

Zebra Technologies is an industry leader in RFID technology. Imprint Enterprises has the tools, knowledge, and experience to help you move forward with the future of RFID mandate compliance. The webinar is completed with Patti and Bob answering the following questions:

• • • Patti: How long is the process from pre-planning, to mandate, to mastery? How long would an average company look for scheduling a response to a mandate?
    • Patti: We have our products manufactured overseas. How do we ensure that the mandate is being handled over there and what are some of the pitfalls of getting it shipped over, into the U.S., into our distribution system, and onto the actual end retailer?
    • Patti: What are some of the challenges or pitfalls that you’ve seen with having some of the products shipped over (e.g., container, pallet, package, and individual product levels)?
    • Bob: Do you have any case studies or examples where a company actually saw a big difference in their business from implementing this mandate?
    • Bob: Can you talk about the data integration into current systems, or do they have to update their complete system as far as software goes?

Watch the Webinar Replay

Integrating a RFID mandate does not have to be overly complicated. Zebra has good, better, and best options to match your budget, the mandate requirements, and to prepare you for the future. Zebra is the expert in RFID, staying on top of technological advancements for your benefit.

With 32 years of experience, Imprint Enterprises is a Premiere Solution Partner with Zebra. Imprint is an industry-leading provider of barcode printers, scanners, verifiers, software, RFID, labeling, warehouse labeling systems, as well as repair and maintenance solutions.

Watch the webinar replay, RFID Retail Mandates – 2023 and Beyond with Zebra Technologies. The experts are there to help you and your business. If you have questions, contact Imprint Enterprises today.

In this webinar, Bob Conti, President of Imprint Enterprises, and Keith Bossé, Senior Sales Engineer from Zebra Technologies discuss UHF Passive RFID technologies that are both useful and interesting. RFID started back in WW2 when people were using radar to detect airplanes. Keith provides an interesting brief on how the concept was discovered and used during the war.

Read on for some of the topics addressed in this webinar replay or go directly to Introduction to Zebra Passive UHF RFID & Keys to Success Webinar to watch it now.

Differences between Barcodes and RFID

RFID uses signals sent to and from the tags that are with the products, which contain all the product information stored within the tag. A passive tag wakes up when pinged by the signal while an active tag is actively sending information before being pinged by the signal.

RFID systems differ from barcode systems. Keith provides details as to the many benefits of using RFID as compared to using barcodes:

• • • Scanning capabilities
    • Line-of-Sight differences
    • Barcode data vs tag data
    • Location tracking
    • And more

RFID Project Planning

Keith describes the anatomy of a successful RFID Project:

• • • Realistic expectations
    • Wholistic vision
    • Use case
    • Finding ROI
    • Site survey and equipment selection
    • Software and professional services

RFID Use Cases

RFID can be used in almost any industry. There are similarities and differences between each industry and it’s important to understand the pain points for the business that is considering RFID.

Keith addresses the following industries, describing some of the benefits for these industries:

• • • Retail
    • Healthcare
    • Manufacturing
    • Transportation & Logistics

RFID Hardware

Zebra’s Passive RFID Hardware is some of the best in the industry. The type of equipment a business will need will depend upon the use case, the environment, and what the business wants to accomplish. Keith provides an overview of Passive RFID solutions, going into detail about the differences in antennas and read zones:

RFID Software Solutions

Software provides the ability to encode data into RFID tags, print RFID tags, and ensure the data is accurate.

• • • Zebra Designer PRO3
    • ZEBRA 123RFID Mobile
      • • Included on the MC3300, TC52ax, and RFD8500
        • Downloadable from Zebra website
    • Fixed Reader web browser interfacing

Webinar Wrap-Up

Without accurate and good tag encoding, systems will not work properly. The types of tags needed are going to depend on the use case, the placement of the tag, the type of tag material, and availability.

Bob and Keith complete the webinar by answering the following questions:

• • • How many retailers are actively mandating RFID?
    • How can we ensure RFID compliance throughout a supply chain?
    • Is it better to perform a use case tag survey in a business facility?
    • Do fixed or handheld readers have better read rates?
    • Where are Zebra RFID tags made?
    • What is Imprint’s favorite or most challenging use case?

Watch the Webinar Replay

With today’s on-demand economy, RFID technology is an excellent option to keep up with speedy order fulfillment and fast deliveries. RFID technology has been enhanced over the past several years to be easier to design, integrate, and deploy in most industries.

Zebra Technologies is the global leader in providing top-quality products that range from just starting out to advanced equipment. From fast, simple solutions to planning long-term sustainability, the specialists at Imprint Enterprises can help you understand what you need.

Watch the webinar Introduction to Zebra Passive UHF RFID & Keys to Success Webinar. The experts are there to help you understand the basics. If you have questions, you can always Contact Imprint Enterprises today.

In this webinar, Bob Conti, President of Imprint Enterprises, Marty Johnson, Global Product Management of Environmental Sensors from Zebra Technologies, and Ankan Basak, Principal Product Management of Environmental Sensors from Zebra Technologies discuss the new technologies that are both useful and interesting.

Read on for some of the topics addressed in this webinar replay or go directly to Reimagine Supply Chain Visibility with Zebra Environmental Sensors to watch it now.

Cool Chain Challenges

Increased on-demand and e-commerce economies can make it more difficult to ensure products are of top-quality from manufacturing, through shipping, to the end-user. Zebra Technologies merged with Temptime® technology to help ease the challenges businesses can face. 

Marty discusses:

• • • • Compliance regulations
      • Validation of processing
      • Assessing unexpected effects
      • Minimizing waste
      • Lower costs
      • Avoiding liability
      • Maintaining customer confidence
      • Improving profits while accelerating ROI

Cold Chain Monitoring

Core Markets and Applications

These environmental solutions are designed to meet different use cases among different industries, from cold chain, storage, monitoring, and even high heat processing. Marty addresses the following industries and how their sensors can help their processes:

• • • Transportation & Logistics

    • Food

    • Pharma

    • Manufacturing

Electronic Product Solutions

From extreme heat to freezing conditions, there are simple visual solutions that can be attached to your products, placed in cases, or printed out. Marty discusses the range of visual solutions, how they visually change, and what can be thermal printed and what cannot.

• • • Ready-to-Use Temperature Indicators
    • Temperature Printable Indicators
    • Humidity/Moisture Printable Indicators
    • Sterilization Printable Indicators

Webinar Wrap-Up

Reduce waste and eliminate assumptions that products have been kept within specific environmental parameters. Integrating environmental indicators and sensors can improve accuracy. Marty and Ankan complete the webinar by answering the following questions:

• • • Are there custom options for visual indicators?

    • How do the electronic sensors communicate?

    • Are there different label material (base substrate) options?

    • Can a regular Zebra printer print temperature labels?

    • Are there extra costs for the Cloud services?

Watch the Webinar Replay

Monitoring environmental conditions does not have to be a guessing game, potentially resulting in unnecessary fines and chargebacks. With the latest Zebra Technologies merger, there are more options than before to help you better track and/or monitor the quality of your products from beginning to end.

Stop relying on protective or qualified packaging that can still leave your customers wondering. Imprint Enterprises, partnering with Zebra Technologies can help guide you through where you are today and where you want to go in the future. There is a team of experts that understand the aspects of environmental sensors, to provide efficient solutions.

Watch the webinar Reimagine Supply Chain Visibility with Zebra Environmental Sensors. The experts are there to help you understand barcode solutions. If you have questions, you can always Contact Imprint Enterprises today.

The study highlights global views of consumers and food and beverage industry decision-makers. The study shows the challenges businesses face on information throughout the supply chain. Consumers want to know about the source, quality, and safety of their foods. Consumers do not feel they are sufficiently informed.

COVID-19 may have since impacted this study by increasing consumer concerns on traceability and transparency. Curbside and e-commerce deliveries add to the pressures of businesses.

Zebra Technologies has the solutions your business needs to ease consumer concerns while optimizing resilience.

Consumer Faith in Food Safety is Low

Consumer demand for unlimited choice, fast availability, and lower prices are increasing. This can impact your profit margins while generating pressure to maximize production. In some cases, it can cause manufacturing systems to exceed their limits. Food safety can quickly become compromised.

If consumers had the same access to information that decision-makers of the food and beverage industry have, they might have more trust in the processes. As it is, consumers’ top five food safety concerns are:

• • 1. Restaurant kitchen staff hygiene
    2. Foodborne outbreaks
    3. Illness from contaminated food
    4. Food and beverage recalls
    5. Restaurant wait staff hygiene

By the Numbers

80% of consumers surveyed had little to no trust in companies and brands to ensure food safety, compared to 63% of decision-makers who did not. When consumers lose trust in a company, it can drastically impact that company’s ability to generate profits.

69% of the industry decision-makers believed the industry can manage food traceability and transparency, compared to only 35% of consumers that agreed. This statistic shows the growing discrepancy between what information consumers have access to and what the decision-makers have access to.

Business Consequences of Food Safety

There are several consequences of food safety incidents that can negatively impact a business. First off, a business’s finances can be impacted by recalls and stopped productions. Their reputation can be damaged, discouraging consumers from future purchases. The internet and social media are quick to spread bad publicity.

Legal and regulatory factors can tie up a business in processes that affect long-term operations with potential economic and practical consequences. Partners of a business affected by food safety issues may end their association to protect their own image.

Benefits of Using Technology

Zebra Tech that can Increase Transparency & Safety

RFID is the leading technological innovation that can improve food traceability within the supply chain, yet only 31% of businesses surveyed have not yet incorporated them. This can provide a unique opportunity to get a distinct advantage in the industry over competition. Zebra Technologies is the leading provider of RFID equipment.

Rugged handheld mobile computers with scanners, mobile barcode labels and thermal printers, and rugged scanners have been identified as the top three most popular technologies to improve traceability. Zebra Technologies has options that can match your needs, ranging from good, better, to best.

Temperature monitoring and sensing technology is expected to play a crucial role in the industry in the coming years. Products that are damaged or destroyed by temperature and humidity fluctuations can be easily tracked. Zebra Technologies merged with Temptime® technology, providing the industries best labels, cards, and sensors.

Get Ahead of the Competition Today

82% of consumers say the food and beverage industry has an ethical responsibility to ensure food safety. Ease consumer fears of foodborne illness and disease by integrating technology. Why wait on another public health crisis or some other market disruption? Close the trust gap and improve traceability and transparency.

Zebra Technologies is an award-winning company that knows and understands barcoding technology. Originally founded in 1969, Zebra now has 10’s of millions of devices worldwide, creating end-to-end solutions. Want to read the full report? You can get it by following this link.

With 32 years of experience and product knowledge, Imprint Enterprises is an industry-leading provider and a Premiere Solution Partner for Zebra Technologies barcode printers, scanners, and terminals. Some clients have been with Imprint Enterprises from the start of the company. Every client is about building a lasting relationship to facilitate client growth and future sustainability.

Get ahead of the game and contact Imprint Enterprises today to discuss Zebra’s solutions that will put you ahead of the competition.

In this third webinar, Bob Conti, President of Imprint Enterprises, Dave Redmond, RFID/Locations Solutions Manager with Zebra Technologies, and Lee Stevens Senior Sales Engineer with Seagull Scientific, discuss RFID barcoding equipment and system concepts and trends.

Read on for some of the topics addressed in this webinar replay or go directly to Barcodes for Business – 301 to watch it now.

RFID & Sensor-Based Products

BarTender® is a software company that has been working with RFID almost since its conception. Labels using RFID encoding can be generated from the web or in person. Mobile label production has increased as mobile technology has improved.

Lee discusses

• • • • Putting RFID labels and chips into context to affect action
      • An example of software integration
      • Rest API
      • Hybrid solutions
      • Labels are communications devices with lifecycles
      • BarTender® Librarian has a workflow designer that can save money
      • Security is essential for any enterprise application

Tag Identification

Active vs Passive RFID Systems

There are two forms of RFID tags, active and passive. Active tags have their own power source and are typically more expensive because of that. They are generally used for high value assets or even returnable containers. Passive tags are more disposable and can provide valuable information on process enhancement.

• • • Lee discusses how cost, communications, and value of the end result will determine need
      • • Provides examples of differences between passive and active
        • Safety and management can also impact decision
    • Dave addresses how the use case will drive the ROI, which will then drive a decision on best option

Webinar 301 Wrap-Up

• • Dave shares how the Food Safety Act has impacted distribution and restaurants
  • Bob discusses SMB’s and closed-loop operations
  • Lee mentions medical devices and pharmaceutical products

Watch the Webinar Replay

Integrating RFID hardware and software into your business does not have to be a confusing situation. Imprint Enterprises, partnering with Zebra Technologies and Seagull Scientific can help guide you through where you are today and where you want to go in the future, whether it’s getting a step ahead of mandates or complying with current mandates.

Watch the webinar Barcodes for Business – 301. The experts are there to help you understand barcode solutions. If you have questions, you can always Contact Imprint Enterprises today.

RFID technology uses a chip and antenna inlay that are attached to a physical tag or is inlaid within a principal label for identification purposes. RFID can increase operational efficiency, eliminate human error, and reduce capital costs. RFID technology also provides access to real-time data, offering insight for better business decision making and precise asset management. Real-time inventory visibility was the primary reason Macy’s deployed their initial RFID rollout in 2013.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. publicized the reintroduction of their RFID mandate program starting September 2, 2022. Over the past couple of decades, Wal-Mart has been working with some of their suppliers in the United States to incorporate RFID as a standard practice. These suppliers experienced the benefits within months of incorporating the technology, increase their efficiency and their profits.

Zebra Technologies is the global leader in providing top-quality products that range from just starting out to advanced equipment. From fast, simple solutions to a planning long-term sustainability, the specialists at Imprint Enterprises can help you understand what you need to become compliant with Wal-Mart’s mandate and avoid unnecessary fines.

A Quick Review of RFID Technology

RFID uses a miniature chip and attaches an antenna inlay to a hard, physical tag or is inlaid within a principal label for identification purposes. Breaking that down further, the miniature chip within an RFID tag is where all data and information is stored. The chip and antenna make up the RFID inlay, which is kept within tag material, which can then be encased and mounted to a physical item (device, equipment, etc.).

Each tag has its own unique serial number and can be read in groups instead of having to scan each one individually. RFID tags can be read from a great distance, and you don’t even have to be in the line of sight for the scanner to read the tag. Variable data can be stored on a RFID tag, which can be changed throughout the life of the tag.

Due to the RFID tag in its entirety being active or passive, the antenna is always waiting to receive a signal from the RFID reader. Active tags are always awake, have their own power source and transmitter, and respond to the RFID reader’s signals. Passive tags are asleep until pinged by a signal, at which point it will then wake up and respond to the RFID reader.

RFID is very secure, using encryption and password protection features. Data storage on an RFID tag is available in various capacities, including 96-bit, 128-bit, and 512-bit, and can be changed throughout the life of the tag. For more information and answers to common questions, please refer to Imprint’s RFID technology FAQ for more information.

Benefits of Incorporating RFID Technology

RFID can provide a more automated, hands-off approach, reducing the amount of physical touch or individual scanning of items. From an inventory standpoint, RFID can quickly geo-locate an item so an employee can locate the item, get to the item, identify it, retrieve it, and put it into a load. This can help ease issues created during labor shortages when there is an increase in order volume.

RFID aids in cross-docking, providing fast and reliable information for forklift operators. RFID provides real-time visibility to products without having to actively scan a visible barcode at each stage. This helps to minimize errors as RFID a has 100% read rate on every item.

Wal-Mart’s Mandate and What it Means for Your Company

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. started researching and experimenting with the potential of using RFID in 2003 to help with inventory and loss management. The pilot programs started at their distribution centers in Dallas, Texas. Within about a year, Wal-Mart saw cost savings that spurred them to invest in RFID technology.

Daisy Brands started using RFID in 2005, being one of the first companies to volunteer for the initial Wal-Mart mandate. Daisy discovered that it cut truck loading times in half within a few months. In January 2006, Texas Instruments, Inc. (TI) incorporated RFID into their facilities. TI was tagging pallets and cases of goods that were being shipped to Wal-Mart, easing the tracking of inventory.

Apparel companies like Levi Strauss & Co and Nike started incorporating RFID technology, seeing improved inventory accuracy throughout their supply chains while minimizing theft. Over the course of the past 20 years, companies have experienced dramatic improvements of on-hand accuracy, online order fulfillment, and sell-through.

In January 2022, Wal-Mart announced its reimplementation of the RFID mandate to many of their suppliers. Failure to comply with the mandate could result in fines and the loss of contracts. The technology is more mature and more financially viable, with a proven history of effectiveness. The new mandate requires the following suppliers to implement RFID onto its products:

• • • Apparel
    • Automotive Batteries
    • Entertainment/Electronics
    • Home – bedding, furniture, bath, storage, décor, kitchen
    • Sporting Goods
    • Tires
    • Toys
    • Wireless products

Zebra Technologies Products

RFID readers can be fixed for maximum visibility and pinpointing location throughout the warehouse. Readers also come in handheld options to extend a network’s visibility beyond the walls of the warehouse. RFID printer encoders are designed for manufacturing facilities, providing manufacturers the ability to incorporate application into their systems. Software systems are used for easy deployment and manageability of readers and tags.

Fixed Readers

Fixed RFID readers are attached to warehouse doors, a production line, or within a warehouse for easy tracking and inventory automatically. Consider the following:

FX9600

• • • • Requires no hard-wire connection.
      • Best for warehouse, manufacturing, and loading dock environments with high-volume pallets and containers.

FX7500

• • • • Requires a hard wire connection but provides faster and more accurate reads.
      • Best for back-end applications in retails, warehouse, manufacturing, transportation, and business-class or office environments.
      • Paired with a Linux-based network.

Handheld Readers

Need a portable option? Handheld readers are an excellent option for carrying around:

MC3390R

• • • • Requires no hard wire connection.
      • Best for long-range, inventory management, item location and tracking, automatic replenishment, cross docking, and control with receiving.

FRD8500 Sled

• • • • Easily adds UHF RFID tag reading, writing, and locating abilities compatible with your Zebra TC20 RFID-ready mobile computer.
      • Best for inventory management.

Printer Encoders

RFID printer encoders are designed for industrial durability and flexibility, with high print speeds and media roll capacity. Printer encoders can be easy to manage and simple to integrate into your facility. There is even a thermal desktop printer for both direct and transfer options.

ZT600 Series

• • • Reduces media costs
    • Tags are spaced close together (0.6 in/16mm) or narrower on most RFID inlays.

ZT400 Series

• • • Easy to manage and simple to integrate.
    • Adaptive encoding technology allows for excellent media flexibility and simple RFID calibration, eliminating complex placement guidelines.

ZD500R

• • • RFID tag thermal desktop printer, available in direct thermal and thermal transfer models.
    • Compatible with inlays from all leading suppliers.
    • Able to be used with a variety of RFID labels and tags from small, item-level hang tags to large case and pallet labels.

Software

Existing barcode software management systems, such as an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, Warehouse Management Software (WMS), or Manufacturing Management Software (MMS), may already be compatible for a simplified RFID integration. This allows for quicker deployment and manageability of RFID readers within a facility. Typically, Windows® Server 2003, Solaris® 9 or 10, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux® can all be integration compatible systems.

Another option is to upgrade to software systems that can manage all devices and data for you for a more efficient process, such as MotionWorks®. This platform collects, manages, and analyzes sense and state data from tagged enterprise resources, feeding into a single integrated management console for enhanced visibility of the location and state of every tagged item.

Call Imprint Enterprises to Enhance Operations with RFID Technology

Wal-Mart’s RFID mandate for their suppliers started September 2, 2022, for items sold in their stores across the U.S., in Puerto Rico, and online. The visibility RFID provides can show insights to shopping trends while minimize costs associated with out-of-stocks and theft. RFID tech has proven to increase operational efficiency while eliminating human error and minimizing costs, providing real-time data and tracking.

Many major retailers are requiring RFID to be used on the products sold in stores. Target, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Zara, Lululemon, Levi’s, Nike, Dillard’s, and Macys find RFID helps with increasing customer experiences, helps manage loss prevention, and can keep a more accurate inventory log.

The benefits of using RFID are even seen across multiple industries, including automotive, agriculture, oil and gas, aerospace, and construction. These companies find they can track equipment, inventory, and parts more effectively while also providing an added layer of security.

Zebra Technologies has over 30 years of experience and is a leading expert in barcoding technology. Zebra rigorously tests their products in multiple R&D facilities, making sure you receive the quality you deserve.

Imprint Enterprises is a Premiere Solution Partner with Zebra Technologies. Imprint is a company that grows with you, providing your business with an affordably priced solution. Imprint builds a lifelong relationship with you and your company that is based on quality and trust with Specialists that can help you determine what you need.

Contact Imprint Enterprises today to discuss Zebra’s RFID solutions to ease you into a smarter future.

Regular barcode labeling requires a direct line of sight to scan, which can slow processes down. RFID labeling can provide greater accuracy of scanning without a direct line of sight, even reading through a wall, without having to manually scan the label. Items tagged with RFID technology simply need to be within proximity of the reader. This provides easier reading of similar inventory items, increases the tracking of totes, and can direct cross-docking.

Zebra Technologies is the global leader in the barcoding industry. With technology constantly updating, Zebra Technologies ensures their product are up to date with top-of-the-line quality and support. Zebra Technologies is always looking at ways to expand industry needs, helping other companies to keep up with economic demands.

RFID Refresh

RFID technology can provide real-time data, offering insight for better decision making and precise asset management. It uses a miniature chip and attaches an antenna inlay to a hard physical tag or is inlaid with a principal label for identification purposes. Each tag has its own unique serial number and can be read in groups as far away as 65 feet (20 meters), instead of having to scan each one individually and within eyesight of the barcode.

RFID is becoming more prevalent with the advancement of geo-location, security, and automation. Hundreds of tagged items can be quickly located, authenticated, and tracked all at once by waving a handheld reader or automatically with a fixed reader. This can reduce the amount of time needed for a manual labor and routine tasks, such as an inventory count, or locating the exact item needed in a sea of similar items.

RFID is very secure, using encryption and password protection features. The miniature chip within an RFID tag is where all data and information are stored, available in various storage sizes, or capacities, including 96-bit, 128-bit, and 512-bit. For more information and answers to common questions, please refer to our RFID technology FAQ.

RFID for Tires

This solution solves real business problems in lack of visibility with inventory, which can also be applied across multiple locations within the same database. Connecting databases across multiple locations helps companies know which store has what items, what stores need to stock up on, and what is being sold.

For example, a company has multiple stores all using the same system. A customer can go into one location for new tires. Employees can easily find out if they have the tires the customer needs in stock, and where those tires are located. If their store doesn’t have the tires in stock, they can easily see what location does or order them on the spot.

RFID for Totes

RFID can provide precise and accurate tracking to products moving through workflows or supply chains, such as totes. Reusable totes can be a costly investment to carry raw materials for order fulfillment, or even be used for products that have timed needs (such as curing materials or rising dough). When those totes go missing, that is money lost.

RFID increases real-time visibility without having to actively scan items at each station. For constant-loop uses, this provides the company with data on the status of items the totes are used for. It also provides data on when the tote leaves the facility, where it is at, and when it is returned.

For closed-loop totes, RFID can be used to track how long it takes to pack an order at each station and where the order goes for packing. This can minimize confusion and unnecessary paperwork. It can also keep track of time to properly cure materials or to complete rising times for dough without having to keep an eye on items. This can increase effectiveness and efficiency.

RFID for T&L

For example, a distribution center receives an entire truck load of soap. Each store that the DC provides stock to only need so many pallets of soap. The RFID tags can indicate how many pallets of soap go to each dock to be transported out for delivery.

For bigger items that are shipped upon purchase, such as furniture, forklifts that are equipped with RFID readers can accurately and quickly locate the furniture and place it at the appropriate dock for shipping. RFID enhances the visibility and movement of bigger items, making processes more accurate and less of a hassle.

Imprint Enterprises is the RFID Specialist for Zebra Technologies

Thinking about making the switch? Imprint Enterprises can help make the discussion and transition to RFID painless and seamless, giving your company a cutting technological edge on all available markets. Imprint Enterprises is a Premiere Solution Partner with Zebra Technologies, a leader in the RFID technologies industry.

Reduce the amount of time it takes to track inventory, while increasing the accuracy of locating items. Reduce the cost of replacing expensive totes. Minimize confusion and complications within distribution centers and with cross-docking. Automation using RFID technology can assist with labor shortages and make inventory management more hands-off.

RFID technology can give your company a technological advantage over your competition. Maintain compliance with industry regulations with multiple options available between hardware and software.

Imprint Enterprises has decades of experience in RFID solutions