Zebra Technologies RFID hardware and software is becoming more prevalent with the advancement of geo-location, security, and automation. Hundreds of tagged items can be quickly located, authenticated, and tracked all at once, reducing the amount of time needed for manual labor and routine tasks, such as an inventory count.
More advanced than typical barcode solutions, RFID tags can be read without a direct line of sight and from as far away as 65 feet (or 20 meters). RFID readers can be strategically placed throughout an entire facility (including a yard application) for a full-scale integration. The handheld RFID readers are similar to barcode readers.
Industrial designed printer encoders are available through Zebra Technologies for a full-scale package. The software system needed for RFID technology may even be compatible with your current system. Of course, as Zebra’s top Specialists, Imprint will help you determine what you have and need.
Zebra’s RFID Readers & Printers
RFID readers can be fixed for maximum visibility and pinpointing location throughout the warehouse. Readers also come in handheld options to extend a network’s visibility beyond the walls of the warehouse. This minimizes human input and allows for a 100% read rate on every item. RFID printers can also be obtained for a comprehensive in-house option.
Zebra Industries uses UHF – optimal processing of active and passive tags up to about 39 feet. However, UHF cannot read through metal or liquid, so thoughtful placement of the tag is necessary for an efficient process.
Fixed Readers
Fixed RFID readers are attached to warehouse doors, a production line, or within a warehouse for easy tracking and inventory automatically. Consider the following:
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- FX9600
- Requires no hard-wire connection.
- Best for warehouse, manufacturing, and loading dock environments with high-volume pallets and containers.
- FX9600
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- FX7500
- Requires a hard wire connection but provides faster and more accurate reads.
- Best for back-end applications in retails, warehouse, manufacturing, transportation, and business-class or office environments.
- Paired with a Linux-based network.
- FX7500
Handheld Readers
Need a portable option? Handheld readers are an excellent option for carrying around:
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- MC3330R
- Built on the Android platform with a large touch screen and keypad for comfortable, all-day use.
- Best for omni-channel fulfillment, inventory management, automatic replenishment, control with receiving, trunk stock demo/sample inventory, and pharmaceutical and laboratory inventory.
- MC3330R
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- MC3390R
- Requires no hard wire connection.
- Best for long-range, inventory management, item location and tracking, automatic replenishment, cross docking, and control with receiving.
- FRD8500 Sled
- Easily adds UHF RFID tag reading, writing, and locating abilities compatible with your Zebra TC20 RFID-ready mobile computer.
- Best for inventory management.
- MC3390R
Printer Encoders
RFID printer encoders are designed for industrial durability and flexibility, with high print speeds and media roll capacity. Printer encoders can be easy to manage and simple to integrate into your facility. There is even a thermal desktop printer for both direct and transfer options.
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- ZT600 Series
- Reduces media costs.
- Tags are spaced close together (0.6 in/16mm) or narrower on most RFID inlays.
- ZT600 Series
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- ZT400 Series
- Easy to manage and simple to integrate.
- Adaptive encoding technology allows for excellent media flexibility and simple RFID calibration, eliminating complex placement guidelines.
- ZD500R
- RFID tag thermal desktop printer, available in direct thermal and thermal transfer models.
- Compatible with inlays from all leading suppliers.
- Able to be used with a variety of RFID labels and tags from small, item-level hang tags to large case and pallet labels.
- ZT400 Series
RFID Software
Your current ERP, WMS, or MMS system may already be compatible for a simplified RFID integration. This allows for quicker deployment and manageability of RFID readers within a facility. Tag storage requirements range from 16-32 alpha-numeric characters up to 128KB of data per tag.
Determining Your Software
Think your current system may be compatible? Windows® Server 2003, Solaris® 9 or 10, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux® can all be integration compatible systems, but it is always best to contact a professional for specific information.
Another option is to upgrade to the innovative platform system called MotionWorks® that can manage all the devices and data for you, making for a more efficient process. This innovative platform collects, manages, and analyzes sense and state data from tagged enterprise resources, feeding into a single integrated management console for enhanced visibility of the location and state of every resource. MotionWorks® can also provide custom applications based on company needs.
As always, if there are any questions about having the right system requirements, please contact a professional. Your company needs will vary based on the specific details of your industry and what you have already in place.
Imprint Enterprises has decades of experience in RFID solutions – from printers, readers, and tags/labels.
We will support you in making the most informed decision for your enterprise and can outfit your company with RFID technology from Zebra. Contact us to begin building your comprehensive RFID solution for your enterprise.
