How to design and encode RFID labels?

RFID TAGS and EPC Code with MAPPING Suite



RFID stands for « Radio Frequency IDentification ». This technology is used to identify and trace distant objects and allows the user to know the object characteristics by means of a simple label transmitting radio waves.

With RFID, labels are read even without a direct sightline and through thin layers of different materials e.g. paint, snow, etc.

A typical radiofrequency label (transponder, RFID label) is composed of a microchip linked to an antenna encapsulated in a medium (RFID Tag or RFID Label). It is then read by a device that captures and forwards the information.


Overview


Today, RFID labels aren’t just a simple tracking tool anymore. They are used to identify and track the product and also play an major role in the management of job-related processes in the company.

RFID tags and scanning devices (gates, readers…) are constantly evolving to meet the latest market demands: storing more and more information and reading a maximum amount of data as quickly as possible.

The ultimate goal being to speed up business processes while increasing reliability and information security.

RFID label with MAPPING


Standardization


In order to simplify the use of RFID tags, the industry is now using the EPC (Electronic Product Code) standard to identify the product in the production chain.
EPC code can be compared to the EAN13 standard in that it is used to identify the source.
Sample EPC code

  • Serialized Global Trade Item Number:
Used to create a reference for a unique item from a given supplier.

  • Serialized Global Location Number:
Used to create a reference for a location in a unique way

RFID chip

Synopsis


RFID synopsis

MAPPING Suite solution principle


  • Type A Supplier:

Sample EPC code:

- Type of supplier: Supplier whose information system requires relocating the print system.

- Our solution: EPC codes are generated and RFID labels are printed at the same place where the products are manufactured.

- Product strengths: Easy integration - XML, DB, Text
No need to change the existing data system
Printer monitoring

RFID - MAPPING Suite solution principle


  • Type B Supplier:

- Type of supplier: Supplier using some kind of Web portal for supply chain management.

- Our solution: Print RFID labels through a Web page.

- Product strengths: Monitoring is centralized.
Second RFID - MAPPING Suite solution principle

The MAPPING solution


MAPPING - through its complete output management solution - can print barcode labels as well as RFID labels.

A specific module is used to generate EPC code (Electronic Product Code) from existing databases.

MAPPING’s software solution makes it possible to print RFID labels on any kind of RFID printer in the marketplace (Zebra, Intermec, Printronix…).

MAPPING will support the evolution of EPC code (EPC Gen 1, EPC Gen 2) as well as the new models of RFID thermal printers.

MAPPING promises a simplified integration into existing information systems in combination with existing ERPs, databases or homegrown applications.


MAPPING RFID label


MAPPING can manage encoding standards supported in version 1.3 of the EPC standard (Electronic Product Code) :

GID-96 : General Identifier (GID)
SGTIN-96 SGTIN-198 : a serialized version of the GS1 Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)
SSCC-96 : GS1 Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC)
SGLN-96 SGLN-195 : GS1 Global Location Number (GLN)
GRAI-96 GRAI-170 : GS1 Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI)
GIAI-96 GIAI-202 : GS1 Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI)
DoD-96 : DOD Construct