RFID transponders use a technology called Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). The technology is not new; what is new is that RFID transponders are now small and inexpensive and can attach to many items. An RFID transponder antenna receives a signal from an RFID reader and sends a signal back. Businesses use RFID technology for tracking their inventory and authenticating their products.

Businesses like Wal-Mart and the US Department of Defense require that some of their vendors put RFID tags or labels on items they sell to them. Merchants use RFID labels and tags like bar code labels to track items in the shipping process or for inventory control; the difference is that an RFID reader reads tags without line of sight or direct contact with the tag.

Kinds of RFID transponders include:

1. Smart labels display a bar code or other printed information but also contain an RFID transponder;

2. Smart cards, similar in size to a credit card or ID tag, that contain a transponder;

3. And transponders in special shapes including key fobs, tags that can be strapped to a larger item, and transponders which won't be damaged by heat, water or chemicals.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy various types of RFID transponders for use in your business

Companies manufacture RFID transponders in all shapes and sizes. They design them to fit the type of item they will attach to. Some types work in a specific type of environment. Buy ready-made RFID tags and transponders for inventory tracking and control or custom-designed transponders for special situations.

I recommend: SYNOMETRIX designs and manufactures many types of RFID transponders, including passive RFID tags & transponders, wristbands, jewelry management tags, laundry tags and RFID Meter Seal tags for use with utility meters. ASK offers a range of products for object identification, traceability and secure documents, including contact-less paper tickets, cards, OEM readers, terminals and RFID labels. Vanguard ID Systems manufactures custom-made RFID cards, key tag, labels and bands in many shapes and sizes.

Use RFID transponders labels for inventory and product tracking or authentication

The pharmaceutical industry uses RFID transponders, called smart labels, for product authentication and protection against counterfeit products. High-frequency (HF) and ultra-high-frequency (UHF) are the most common types of transponders. HF transmits a signal through metal and other dense materials and UHF helps a signal travel further.

I recommend: CCL Label provides RFID labels and tags for the Pharmaceutical industry. RR Donnelley offers a wide variety of smart labels, high-temperature tags and metal stand-off labels. Checkpoint Systems, Inc. provides RFID labels for consumer packaged goods and the retail and pharmaceutical industries, and also can design a HF and UHF RFID transponder for product identification and tracking applications.

Get help implementing RFID from an RFID transponder supplier

Expert advice ensures you set up the best RFID system for your business needs. It also helps you avoid costly mistakes.

I recommend: Obtain an RFID Starter Kit from Bentonville International Group, which provides RFID solutions. Buy RFID transponders and a variety of RFID tags, including a passive RFID transponder for metal surfaces and EPC2 Gen Tags and Labels, from RFID TagSource. Get help purchasing and integrating a variety of smart label solutions from Mid South RFID, a division of Resource LabelGroup.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If RFID transponder price keeps you from implementing this technology in your business, shop around to find a better price. The prices continue to lower as more businesses adopt this technology.