Over the past decade, intelligent labels embedded with a radio frequency identification (RFID) inlay have proven to deliver big benefits to apparel retailers. During the past several years, RFID has also expanded its foothold in other sectors, including cosmetics and beauty, food production and distribution, aviation, automobile manufacturing and logistics and fulfilment.
An inlay is the RFID transponder embedded or inserted in the label structure, thus making it a smart label. The key to developing a successful intelligent labels business is choosing the right inlay provider based on several key factors.
Product portfolio
It is important to choose an inlay provider that has a broad product portfolio so that tags with inlays will work on a wide variety of products. Avery Dennison Smartrac provides passive HF, NFC and passive UHF RFID inlays as well as an array of inlay sizes and shapes.
Quality
Just as important as a broad product portfolio is a high-quality product. A fraction of RFID inlays in a production run can have a short read range or be completely dead due to a defective chip or other issue.
Avery Dennison has extensive quality control checks at each stage of the inlay production process to ensure that every piece works properly and defective inlays don’t enter the market. The company has received ARC quality accreditation from the US-based Auburn University RFID Lab.
Sampling service
Getting sample tags quickly is essential so that converters can provide them to their customers, as they begin exploring whether RFID will work in their applications. Avery Dennison will provide samples of most of its inlays within 24 hours. It also provides samples of all new inlays developed for its label converting partners when available.
Technical support
Choosing the right inlay for a customer’s specific needs is crucial. It’s crucial to work with an inlay provider that can advise on the best solution and the right way to use the finished label on the product. In some cases, Avery Dennison will take product samples to its systems labs and reproduce the scenario in which the customer plans to use the intelligent labels and generate a professional analysis of the recommended inlay and its placement on the product.
Its design facilities can develop custom inlays where required, and if there is enough demand for them, the design can be created at no charge to the converter.
Avery Dennison also has deep expertise in label converting, can provide inlays in the proper or preferred formats, advise on direct converting without inserting the inlays and ensure converters are producing the highest quality finished labels.
Capacity
It’s vital to choose an inlay provider that has the manufacturing capacity to deliver the inlays in a timely manner. Avery Dennison has invested in expanding its capacity over the past five years and has set up distribution facilities around the world to deliver the inlays when and where they are needed.
Market development
Beyond the factors above, converters should also work with inlay providers that are helping to develop new markets. Avery Dennison has engaged with relevant organisations and associations to better understand the needs of different industries and promote the use of intelligent labels. These efforts ultimately benefit label converters as well as the inlay provider.
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