RFID/Smart Packaging

RFID label substrate
Posted by Jenni Spinner, Senior Editor, April 13, 2012
PointTrac TT is a paper-based substrate for printed RFID labels, said to offer lower production cost of printed paper RFID labels than traditional multi-layer plastic film substrates More
Pharma industry seeks track-and-trace law
David Vaczek, Senior Editor, PMPN, April 9, 2012
With the RxTEC Act, pharmaceutical supply chain members are proposing a phased-in approach to track-and-trace with a federal law imposing uniform requirements on all states. The act was developed by the Pharmaceutical Distribution Security Alliance, manufacturers, wholesalers, and pharmacy chains joining to offer an alternative model for tracing prescription drug distribution More
Raising the bar on supply-chain efficiency
Lisa McTigue Pierce, April 2, 2012
Using linear bar codes, unique identifiers and global standards, BD has synchronized data on nearly 500 products with a single customer to eliminate product errors, ensure patient safety, reduce stock outs, improve traceability and speed up payments. More
Produce Traceability Initiative survey to gauge industry adoption
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, March 26, 2012
Businesses and associations facilitating the Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI) have released a new online survey to assess the extent of the industry's adoption of PTI milestones. The survey is open to all businesses in the produce supply chain. Results will be shared publicly after they have been computed and analyzed. More
New scanner recognizes foods at checkout; may bag bar codes
Posted by John Kalkowski, March 26, 2012
New food-recognition technology developed by Toshiba can recognize foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables using technology to determine the type by utlizing pattern and color, writes Brazilian blogger Anton Steeman. It may eliminate the need for bar codes. More
Cheap, intelligent item-level RFID tags now possible
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, March 1, 2012
European researchers have made the first reader-talks-first low-temperature thin-film transistor (TFT) RFID circuit. This technology will allow the creation of RFID tags that are cheap enough and have enough performance to be used as intelligent item-level tags on the packaging of retail consumer goods. More
Interactive makeup pack speaks to consumer passion points
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, February 8, 2012
Urban Decay's Book of Shadows IV lets consumers download tutorial videos on how to apply the makeup through QR codes printed on enclosed "Look" cards. Users then plug their smartphone into the portable speaker provided in the package to help recreate the stunning looks. More
Sanofi Pasteur U.S. leads industry project to put 2D codes on vaccine packaging
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, January 5, 2012
New two-dimensional bar code technology, which launched on Sanofi Pasteur U.S. packages in December 2011, is designed to reduce medical errors and help health care providers in pediatric offices document vaccine information in patient records with greater accuracy. More
Barcode reader
John Kalkowski, December 18, 2011
A wireless communication module and base station with Cognex Connect capabilities is now available for users with extended range cord-free code reading applications. It provides the most flexibility for communicating via industrial protocols, in addition to support for USB and RS-232. The DataMan 8000 series supports protocols for both corded and cordless models, allowing easy integration, reduced installation costs and remote diagnostics.The wireless reader provides a working range up to 100 m, with a large memory for reading codes when offline. More
Practical Advice for Implementing RFID Applications
Posted by Jack Mans, Plant Operations Editor, December 1, 2011
Your radio-frequency identification (RFID) automation project has been approved and is under way. The technology is available, the application scenarios have been formulated, and the economic benefit has been assessed. So how does your vision become reality, and what are the next steps you need to take as you implement your application? More
Toys R Us: QR codes to enhance holiday toy shopping experience
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, November 18, 2011
"Mobile commerce is our fastest growing channel of consumer engagement, as shoppers increasingly use their smartphones to research gifts, get product reviews, compare prices, check availability of an item at a local store, save money with deals and pay for their purchases," says Greg Ahearn, chief marketing officer, Toys"R"Us, U.S. More
GS1 Connect 2012 conference details announced
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, November 17, 2011
Newly named GS1 Connect 2012, with the theme, "Business Moving Forward," continues the model of a conference planned by industry, for industry. The annual conference for supply-chain executives and professionals will be held June 4 to 7, 2012, at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, says its host GS1 US. More
LED label lights up beverage bottle
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, November 3, 2011
An interactive label that activates a sequence of flashing lights when a beverage bottle is held is the first prototype of a successful integration of printed electronic functionality onto BOPP label substrates from Innovia Films Ltd. More
Alpha Baking pilots asset tracking to improve tray use throughout its supply chain
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, October 17, 2011
Alpha Baking is testing an integrated asset tracking solution to reduce bakery tray loss. It is conducting a nine-month pilot using radio frequency identification tag (RFID) technology to track trays and determine areas of tray loss within its supply chain. More
Barcode/RFID software
Jenni Spinner, Senior Editor, October 11, 2011
The company has added direct support for Oracle enterprise management systems to its EASYLABEL 5 Platinum barcode/RFID software. The product's XML Monitor feature will 'watch' a file directory or TCP/IP port and will automatically print RFID or bar code labels when a compatible XML file is received. More
Mobile app ties a product's bar code to customized nutritional info
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, September 22, 2011
The new Honest Label Foods Scanner smartphone application lets consumers scan bar codes of food products and receive clear, concise nutritional information based on customized settings. Shoppers can quickly identify products made with ingredients they want to avoid. More
Study IDs the 14 million Americans who scanned QR or bar codes in June 2011
Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce, August 12, 2011
In June 2011, 14 million mobile users in the U.S., representing 6.2 percent of the total mobile audience, scanned a quick-response (QR) or bar code on their mobile device, according to a study by comSource Inc. Users are most likely to scan codes found in newspapers/magazines and on product packaging and do so while at home or in a store. They were also more likely to be male, skew toward ages 18-34 and have a household income of $100k or above. More
Virtual conference focuses on track-and-trace for pharma
Posted by John Kalkowski, August 11, 2011
A just-announced virtual conference on Sept. 13 will examine counterfeiting, one of the key issues facing the Pharma and BioPharma supply chain. The conference will include resources for buyers and sellers of technologies and services that address track and trace applications, authentication, labeling and coding, tamper evidence, automatic identification and more. More
DNA protection offered on packaging
Posted by John Kalkowski, July 22, 2011
DISC, a leading source of specialty packaging solutions for more than 40 years, is adding the latest DNA security technology to its capabilities.DISC will utilize a uniquely sequenced SigNature DNA taggant,, which is made from botanical material, is virtually impossible to copy. More
New technology aids fight against counterfeiters
By William Llewellyn, AWA Alexander Watson Assoc., July 10, 2011
Developments in nanotechnology, alongside increasing sophistication in converting, including electronic printing, are making it possible for brand owners to be even more clever in confronting fraudsters. They need to be. Counterfeit goods today are worth well in excess of $250 billion worldwide and account for 8 percent of China's GDP alone. More