SMART LABELLING SOLUTIONS
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within RFID labels can help trace back to the source of origin,” he says. “We’ve seen an increased demand for smart labelling across retail, transport and logistics, automotive, healthcare and pharmaceuticals in a drive to prevent counterfeiting, better inventory control for just-in-time production models and track and traceability.” Reseller conversations There are various facets of smart labels that resellers should be highlighting to customers. For instance, there’s greater desire by consumer and the supply chain for more data, visibility, transparency and authentication about the items we interact with every day, says the TSC spokesperson. Compliance is also important. “For example, UK and EU food companies exporting products to the US that are on the food traceability list, have until January 20, 2026 to comply with the country’s new regulations on traceability,” says the spokesperson. “It is QR codes that are recommended for traceability records because they link specific product or batch information to update Key Data Elements and Critical Tracking Events across the value chain. “The label printer therefore needs not only to be able to print QR codes but also needs to be versatile enough to handle various tasks and food types. Integrating QR codes with RFID, especially in food inventory management, can also reduce losses with accurate real-time data, enhance traceability and transparency in the supply chain, and improve customer satisfaction with product freshness. “Food producers therefore need to think about suitable QR code printers and ask: will the printer accommodate various label sizes to meet changing requirements? Can it be expanded to meet the growing benefits of RFID? Does print label quality need to withstand long-distance transport, storage or even freezing, or does it only require a short shelf life?” Deyon adds that resellers should highlight how smart labels improve inventory management and reduce manual errors. “They can also achieve improved accuracy with fast and accurate inventory counts,” he says. “Smart labelling aids in security as it can prevent counterfeiting as each RFID label has a unique digital identifier. They also enhance the visibility of the supply chain transparency offering real-time data on the products and their location.
decision-making. RFID-based automation can integrate with robotic systems to optimise warehouse operations like picking, packing and shipping, leading to faster order fulfilment and more efficient use of warehouse space.”
Sector demand Warehousing is just one sector that is
increasing its use of smart labelling. “While parts of the apparel and general merchandise (AGM) sector have been using 2D barcodes for some time to improve consumer engagement, the Sunrise 2027 initiative will see widespread adoption of QR codes by retail and healthcare,” says the TSC spokesperson. “Consumers will be able to access information like ‘how to’ instructions, recipe ideas and recycling advice. Manufacturers and retailers will likewise benefit from more comprehensive data, on fundamentals like expiry dates and batch numbers, enabling them to make faster, more accurate product recalls, improve inventory and waste management, and provide greater supply chain visibility and traceability.” Neil agrees that retail is the driving force behind smart labelling. “With the labelling of apparel, especially high value items for inventory identification, tracking and security,” he says. “Using RFID labelling as part of a technology bundle with fixed and mobile antennas, they allow seamless tracking and identification throughout the procurement chain.” Deyon agrees that demand started in the retail sector to help with inventory control of high value items. “Through the demands of retailers, it was rolled out across the supply chain not only for inventory management and tracking the progress of shipments throughout the supply chain but also for traceability in the event of product recalls as the data contained
Neil Baker head of auto ID sales, Northern Europe
bixoloneu.com
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