The Kennedy Group Puts Smart Labels To The Test

To support the growing number of CPG (consumer packaged goods) manufacturers faced with implementing RFID, more and more solution providers are establishing RFID labs and test centers of various shapes and sizes. In July, I wrote about Sun Microsystems' RFID test center in Dallas. (see Sun's RFID Test Center Offers Complete Tagging And Testing Service – And More) Later that month, I visited labeling systems provider The Kennedy Group (Willoughby, OH), toured its test center, and talked to Joe Jiner, director of business development for Kennedy's logistics and RFID division.

Kennedy's roots in pressure-sensitive labeling systems and applicators were evident in its ability to test automated smart-label encode/apply with in-line verification. As Jiner explained, "We have incorporated in-line inspection and verification in our manufacturing process for both 13.56 MHz and 900 MHz smart labels. This ensures the quality of the label stock going into the encode/apply system. Our applicator system can detect bad labels coming out of the encoder, eject them, and maintain synchronization with the high-speed line on which the boxes to be labeled are traveling."

As we walked the 7,000-square-foot building dedicated for RFID testing, Jiner explained some of the projects currently underway. Kennedy was just completing one engagement to determine optimum placement of 13.56 MHz tags on returnable plastic containers for tomato soup. In the project's final stage, Kennedy was tuning the reader and antennae configuration on the portal through which the containers would be carried via forklift.

At the other end of the building, pallets of products from several well-known CPG manufacturers could be found on storage shelves. Two additional portals (outfitted with reader/antennae systems from a variety of manufacturers) were situated about 20 feet from the storage area. Jiner pointed out that the portals were reading some of the pallets on the shelves. This is undesirable because the portal is only supposed to read product passing through it. Attenuating the signal strength of the reader antennae would solve the problem.

In my mind, Kennedy's jewel is the conveyor system in the middle of the facility. A smart-label encoder/applicator for high-speed lines is set up on one side of the oval-shaped conveyor. As boxes turn the corner to go down the backstretch, the conveyor speeds them past strategically placed antennae in order to test antennae placements and read rates. As we observed the conveyor in action, Jiner described the project to detect bad labels and eject them during the auto-apply process. This is a key capability that needs to be perfected before RFID smart-label technology can be fully integrated into manufacturing and warehousing operations.

Click here to download information about Turnkey RFID solution offerings from The Kennedy Group.