Integrating RFID Into Your Packaging

Written by Dennis Bacchetta


Market forces such asrepparttar RFID mandates from Target, Wal-Mart,repparttar 143908 Food and Drug Administration (FDA), andrepparttar 143909 U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) have many manufacturers and suppliers focused on RFID simply as a compliance tool, overlookingrepparttar 143910 significant additional benefits of automatic identification technology.

In fact, by design, RFID enables superior supply chain efficiency and inventory management, resulting in increased productivity and accountability, decreased shrinkage, and a more robust bottom line.

A packaging supplier who is knowledgeable about evolving RFID technology and applications is a valuable resource to help you maximize ROI with your RFID integration.

RFID systems are completely customizable with infinite combinations of hardware and software. Each system is comprised of a transponder, a reader and software. (Click here to read RFID: A Smart Tag Primer for a complete explanation of RFID technology.) In this article we compare several forms ofrepparttar 143911 RFID transponder and discuss possible applications of each.

RFID transponders are available in a variety of mediums, including:

- Smart tags - Chipless tags - Smart labels - Conductive ink - Traceless taggants

A smart tag is a microchip RFID transponder, which includes an integrated circuit (IC) and an antenna, encased in a protective coating. Smart tags most commonly contain a silicon-based IC and a copper coil antenna, although demand for less expensive tags has spurredrepparttar 143912 development of organic alternatives and chipless tags.

Smart tags can be applied to pallets, cases or item-level units at any point inrepparttar 143913 supply chain, or integrated intorepparttar 143914 product packaging atrepparttar 143915 point of production. They are readable through most materials (except liquid and metal) and many smart tag systems include anti-collision software, to enable multiple tags to be read simultaneously.

A basic smart tag offers a 96-bit EPC, which provides more than enough data storage capacity to track-and-trace items from point of manufacture to point of sale. Gen 2 tags offer a 256-bit EPC code, appropriate for specialized applications that require extensive data storage, such asrepparttar 143916 prescription drug pedigree.

Smart tags can be applied either externally to product packaging or imbedded withinrepparttar 143917 package or case. They are unobtrusive and do not interfere with graphic design elements, making them an easy addition to most consumer goods packaging.

Smart tags can also be implanted in key chain fobs or rigid plastic cards. Automobile keyless entry and Mobil Speed Pass are two well-known examples.

A chipless tag is an RFID tag that transmits data via either a conductive polymer or a reflective material instead of an IC microchip. Conductive polymer tags operaterepparttar 143918 same way as RFID smart tags do, differing only in component material.

Reflective tags return a radio wave image to a computer that compares it withrepparttar 143919 identifying image on file for that item. A positive match meansrepparttar 143920 item is correctly identified. Tags with RF reflecting fibers can be woven into paper or fabric for specialized applications.

Real Estate Investing - Buying Pre-Foreclosures?

Written by Lou Castillo


So you wanna buy pre-foreclosures? or atrepparttar courthouse steps? So many people ask us about this. Here's our '30 second seminar' on it. If you're going to buy PRE-foreclosures--afterrepparttar 143907 seller is behind on her payments, but beforerepparttar 143908 lender's auction date-then there are some pros and cons to consider.

Pros: 1) you've got a good possibility of buyingrepparttar 143909 house subject-torepparttar 143910 loan from a very motivated seller who just wants out. 2) you don't need to do any marketing, just readrepparttar 143911 foreclosure notices (more on this later), pull some comps and do drive-bys. 3) There are several *thousand* foreclosures published each month, inrepparttar 143912 greater Atlanta area-plenty to choose from.

Cons: 1) You've only got about 3 weeks (to beatrepparttar 143913 courthouse auction) to contact homeowners and get signed contracts, title work, funding, etc. 2) Most pre-fc homeowners are in denial about their situation and/or mad atrepparttar 143914 world due to all their stress and debt collection calls they get. Soooo, they're usually not very open or friendly to you and your offer. 3) Most really good deals are redeemed (caught up) byrepparttar 143915 homeowner, andrepparttar 143916 foreclosure cancelled, just beforerepparttar 143917 courthouse auction.

Say you decide to jump in and 'playrepparttar 143918 PRE-foreclosure game'. We'd recommend you subscribe torepparttar 143919 Atlanta Foreclosure Report at www.equisystems.com/default.htm (about $600/yr and we don't receive any commission for recommending them), and getrepparttar 143920 monthly list online. Also, consider doing a lot of bold, cut throughrepparttar 143921 clutter mailings torepparttar 143922 pre-foreclosures you're considering, to get their attention and have them call you. Remember, their mailbox and answering machine is filled with debt collection stuff. You need to stand out, and hit them often. You might want to mail a different neon postcard or lumpy mail (trash can, stick of dynamite, handcuffs, etc.) *every few days*, until they've grown to like you or are curious enough to call you.

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