Smarter Than 'Smart Labels'? By Giles Manias, Paragon Data Systems

Written by Giles Manias, vice president, Paragon Data Systems

A Flexible and Cost-Effective Alternative for Slap-and-Ship RFID

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is gaining wider adoption among consumer packaged goods (CPG) suppliers, driven in large part by a recent mandate by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. In 2004 Wal-Mart announced that its largest 100 suppliers were required to begin using the technology by the beginning of 2005. This announcement, along with the technological standards that have made B2B use of RFID technology possible, has contributed to the boom in interest and sales of RFID solutions.

CPG suppliers are looking for ways to begin implementing RFID solutions that require minimal initial investment, while still being capable of evolving and expanding in the future. As the usage of this RFID technology becomes more widespread, the CPG suppliers will want to better integrate RFID into other processes.

In supply chain automation applications, RFID serves the same function as printed barcodes, but RFID offers a number of distinct advantages. Data is automatically transmitted by radio waves and, therefore, RFID readers do not need the "line of sight" required by optically-scanning barcode readers.

Giles Manias is a vice president at Paragon Data Systems, the premier provider of RFID, barcode, and data collection solutions. For more information on Paragon Data Systems call 800-211-0768, or visit www.paragondsi.com.