Meet Retailer RFID Mandates with Cloud-Based Labeling Solutions

Meet Retailer RFID Mandates with Cloud-Based Labeling Solutions
Manufacturing

Retailers across the globe are driving the adoption of RFID technology by introducing mandates that suppliers must meet. Major companies like Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Macy's require products to be tagged with RFID labels. Initially focused on apparel, these mandates have expanded to cover more product categories, including home goods, kitchenware, toys, and sporting goods. As these requirements become standard across the industry, many brands encourage their suppliers to implement RFID labeling.

However, implementing RFID labeling can be complex. Seamless implementation of printers, tags, readers, and software is essential to ensure smooth adoption and functionality. Shanghai Fuda ("FUDA"), a provider of label printing systems, simplified the process by creating a cloud-based, turnkey RFID printing solution in collaboration with TSC Auto ID.

Solution Overview

FUDA's cloud-based RFID printing solution consists of multiple components, including:

Hardware: TSC Auto ID RFID printers, labels, and ribbons.

Software: FUDA's labeling software and cloud-based RFID system.

This solution enables real-time EPC encoding through a cloud-based system, automatically converting traditional UPC/EAN numbers into matching EPC values for RFID tagging. Manufacturers simply search for a product code or UPC/EAN number via labeling software, specify the required label quantity, and let the cloud handle the conversion. The system sends the processed data through the labeling software to the TSC Auto ID T6000e RFID Industrial Printer, which encodes and prints the RFID tags.

 

FUDA's Cloud-Based RFID Printing Solution

 

Figure: FUDA's Cloud-Based RFID Printing Solution

 

User Benefits

Adopting FUDA's cloud-based RFID labeling solution offers manufacturers many benefits that extend beyond meeting retailer mandates:

  • User-friendly system: Manufacturers can easily access the cloud-based system through labeling software with no encoding experience required. UPC/EAN number to EPC data conversion is done automatically in the cloud, reducing errors and saving time and resources. It eliminates invalid encodings and tag replacement.
  • Seamless implementation: FUDA has pre-matched and tested the software, printers, and consumables to ensure quick implementation for reduced integration times.
  • On-demand printing: RFID labels are encoded/printed on-site, eliminating pre-encoded/printed labels and reducing lead times. This capability is especially beneficial for small quantities or frequently changing label designs.
  • Cost-effective solution: With minimal investment required—printers, consumables, and a cloud-based RFID system—manufacturers significantly reduce in-house label printing costs and avoid complex system integration efforts.
  • Comply with standards: The EPC numbers generated in the cloud comply with the GS1 SGTIN-96 standard, ensuring adherence to retailer RFID mandates.

Why TSC Auto ID?

Selecting the right RFID printers is essential for operational efficiency and accuracy. The TSC Auto ID T6000e RFID Industrial Printer meets these requirements and provides additional advantages:

  • Versatile Label Support: The T6000e supports common label sizes, such as 54mm x 34mm, 76mm x 20mm, and 46mm x 18mm. Plus, it can encode, read, and print multiple tag types, including small RFID labels. The printer's memory stores up to eight different label constructions, offering flexibility for various applications.
  • Enhanced Operational Efficiency With its Encode During Print capability, the T6000e supports high-speed encoding for higher throughput. Its 4-inch model includes internal adjustable and external fixed antennas, optimizing encoding based on label types and improving production efficiency.
  • Unmatched Accuracy: Automatic and RFID calibration routines ensure precise printing and encoding without compromising throughput.
  • Advanced Features: Beyond basic commands like Permalock (required by retailer mandates), the T6000e supports advanced functionalities, such as encryption, digital signatures, high-memory encoding, and sensor integration for complex RFID applications.
  • Effortless integration: The T6000e seamlessly integrates with FUDA's labeling software, facilitating smooth data reception, encoding, and printing processes.

 

 

About FUDA

Founded in 2011, Shanghai Fuda Packaging Materials Co., Ltd. ("FUDA") specializes in providing label printing system services to foreign trade enterprises. FUDA operates facilities in Vietnam, Cambodia, and China, offering one-stop, cloud-based RFID printing solutions that include consumables, printers, and software systems. As a comprehensive RFID service provider, FUDA handles large-scale label printing using TSC Auto ID's MH Series industrial printers and RFID encoding machines. The company also offers RFID scanners and tunnels for verifying RFID tags, ensuring a complete RFID solution for its clients.