Zebra Technologies Expands RFID Smart Label Business

VERNON HILLS, Ill. -- Zebra Technologies, a global leader in delivering on-demand printing solutions for business and process improvement, has added converting equipment for smart labels to its Greenville, Wis. supplies facility. With in-house production, Zebra now provides one of the broadest selections of high quality, cost-competitive smart labels to meet different application needs.

A smart label is created by embedding a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip and antenna within the label material. Zebra is working closely with chip providers, such as Alien Technology, to ensure the quality and performance of each tag. With its expanded RFID label converting capabilities, Zebra can offer a wide range of high- and ultra-high frequency inlays to meet a variety of application needs as well as customized label facestocks, adhesives, sizes and formats.

On-site production of smart labels enables Zebra to have total control of the product, including in-line testing to ensure optimal chip codability and readability, and regulation of deliveries to ensure the highest quality available. "The combination of printer/encoders and Genuine Zebra supplies allows RFID users to be assured of the highest quality smart labels and maximum interoperability," said Bob Cornick, vice president and general manager RFID, Zebra Technologies.

Zebra also has been qualified by Alien Technology as a supplier of Alien Class 1 RFID smart labels. The qualification process included audited production of large quantities of Alien product to ensure that Zebra is capable of delivering Alien smart labels at the highest level of quality and performance.

"Alien is a market leader in EPC tag manufacturing and is extremely pleased to have Zebra as a qualified Alien tag supplier. Zebra has shown outstanding commitment to delivering the highest quality in printer/encoders and smart labels, which will provide substantial benefit to customers," said David Bledsoe, Alien Technology director of OEM and consumables.

Zebra currently sells smart labels using inlays for ultra high frequency (UHF) applications including inventory management and supply chain shipping, and high frequency (HF) inlays for applications such as check-in/check-out and asset tracking. Zebra continues to extend its smart label product line, offering maximum RFID reliability and performance, in response to emerging customer application needs.

According to a Venture Development Corp. (VDC) study and AMR Research, Zebra is the RFID market leader with more printer/encoders sold than any other company worldwide. An industry pioneer, Zebra first made its name helping customers harness the power of bar codes, and has now captured the largest installed base of both high frequency and EPC ultra-high frequency (UHF) models in every geographic region.

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