Symbol Technology Introduces RFID Gen 2 Tag Inlays

Symbol Technologies, Inc. (The Enterprise Mobility Company(TM)) (NYSE: SBL) today introduced the Electronic Product Code (EPC) Standards Agency at RFID Journal Live! Developed a second generation (Gen 2) radio frequency identification (RFID) inlay combination. Symbol also introduced a prototype of a rugged metal frame label that will be the first product in the family of RFID asset tagging products designed to provide customers with intelligent asset management solutions.

Symbol's patented double-dipole technology allows the company's high-performance second-generation RFID inlays and tags to be read at distances up to 30 feet. The innovative RFID antenna design uses two antennas. The RFID reader antenna can perform reading and writing functions quickly in any position. This is ideal for high-speed conveyor applications used in distribution warehouses and airport baggage handling. Symbol's antenna design and packaging methods further enhance the performance of the tag. The encapsulation method is to compress the antenna and chip into a small, low-power inlay that can be easily attached to a variety of materials, from plastic and glass to paperboard and wood.

Symbol’s first RFID asset tag will be a 6x6-inch metal framed tag specifically designed for intelligent asset management applications that require not only reading asset information but also writing information in the process. This reusable, specialized label will be able to track assets in tagged items that are subject to heavy strikes and can't be covered by up to 50 feet of reading range.

Anthony Bartolo, Vice President and General Manager, Symbol RFID and Wireless Architecture, said: “By using readers and tags to understand their supply chain processes and better quantify working capital, customers are getting more real value from RFID. By leveraging Symbol's patented dual dipole antenna design and unique charge pump technology, Symbol RFID inlay products can be optimized to suit different applications, helping to ensure fast business processes or optimal reading performance over long distances. By providing a complete, high-performance RFID tag and reader system that complies with second-generation standards, Symbol is helping companies seeking the true benefits of RFID to gain a competitive advantage."

New Channel for RFID Label Products

Symbol's inlay portfolio will be sold to customers through the Symbol Certified Label Converter Program (SCLC) partner, who will convert the inlays to a variety of EPC tags of different specifications. Symbol has worked closely with authorized label converters to train and ensure that they provide the highest quality RFID tags. Symbol’s portfolio of RFID inlays of all sizes is being introduced today for label converters that meet the needs of customers in retail supply chains and aviation, consumer packaged goods (CPG), government and manufacturing.

William Gunther, president of George Schmitt & Co., pointed out: "George Schmitt & Company has gained a competitive advantage by leveraging Symbol's RFID experience and a broad product portfolio that makes Symbol a leader in the RFID market. Bao Certified Label Switchers, our customers can be confident that we are receiving the best RFID education and training, and provide them with the industry's best performing inlay products.”

Companies entering Symbol's SCLC network are selected based on their experience and commitment to RFID, and have been fully trained and certified by Symbol as experts in RFID tag supply and system support. Partners can choose from standard Symbol partner certifications or advanced certifications, while advanced certifications allow Label Switchers to use Symbol's inlay portfolio more.

SCLC members currently include senior partners George Schmitt & Co.; partners The Kennedy Group, Lowry Computer Products, Marnlen RFiD, Mid South Graphics, Moore Wallace, National Label Company, NCR, Paxar Corp., Plitek, LLC, The R and V Group, LLC, Repacorp Label Products, RSI ID Technologies, and Zebra Technologies.

Source: Wireless Information Network