Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags

The self-adhesive labels manufactured with RFID technology (Radio Frequency Identification) allow identifying, storing, managing and tracing quickly and precisely the goods production flows without physical or visual contact. This system consists mainly in TR9 (tag or transponder) and reading and writing devices with specific antennas. These labels do not have a standard size since the measure depends on the size of the objects you want to label (envelope, box, pallet). In general, the upper cover is in thermal paper whereas the lower cover is in silicone adhesive, the device known as TR9 is between the lower and the upper layer. In the TR9 memory (or transponder) it is possible to electronically write a series of variable data.

The readers communicate with the tags by means of a radiofrequency-modulated signal. The reading systems can be fixed or portable according to the need and use. The portable systems can be simple readers or terminals with display, keyboard and memory that can store information working off-line until they are connected to a PC by a cable to download the data. The logistic and production sectors are the ones that take advantage of this system since the variable data are stored in the tag (machining operation codes, type, model, etc.), readable then in the facilities by passing through a reading unit.

The food sector is especially interested in this technology since food stored in warehouses must report all the reference data of the batch from its beginning up to its consumption. The main advantages that the labels with RFID technology offer are the following:

- Possibility of reading without re-orienting the object to be read, so better applicability compared to the conventional bar code
- Possibility to reduce or eliminate frauds, thefts, infringement and vandalism
- The tags hidden inside the labels can always be read and written even in dirty, dark or open areas
- Possibility to read even through great thickness of non-conducting material