MPI Label Systems: A Full-Service RFID Solutions Provider
By MPI Label Systems -- Modern Materials Handling, 7/15/2005
SEBRING, OH – July 15 2005 – MPI Label Systems, based in Sebring, Ohio, has long been a pioneer in the development of RFID and digital label production and application technology. Within the last year, use of the technology has exploded. The significant increase in RFID usage can be attributed to the January 1, 2005 Wal-Mart RFID mandate for the company’s top 100 suppliers and the January 1, 2006 deadline approaching for the next 200 largest suppliers. With other retailers following suit, RFID is here to stay.
The question for many companies now becomes: What level of RFID integration do I need, and how do I make it work? MPI understands these concerns and works personally with each customer to address its needs through MPI’s full line of RFID equipment and services. ReliabilityWith any new technology, there are bound to be issues with reliability. RFID is certainly no different. One common problem involves RFID tags with faulty transponders that can compromise the data in the tag. These bad transponders can lead to increased cost and misplaced shipments. MPI was the first converter to remove bad tags from the finished roll before shipment. MPI is able to do this by inspecting the read/write ability of each RFID transponder before it is embedded into the label. To guarantee 100 percent viable labels and tags as they enter the supply chain, MPI offers the 360RW applicator and the 3600RW RFID printer/applicator. The read/write head of each device inspects the transponder at the point of label application to ensure viability. Defective labels and tags are immediately discarded while good labels and tags are written to and then applied. The 360RW applies labels at speeds of up to 50 per minute, while the 3600RW can print and apply up to 30 labels per minute. MPI has become known and trusted for its speed and reliability with regards to RFID labels. Evidence of this trust in the company came in April when MPI received an order for 2 million RFID labels, its largest to date. Integration Flexibility
For a company taking the steps to integrate its RFID operation beyond the manual “slap and ship method,” MPI offers multiple levels off automation to fit each company’s needs in the form of RFIDirect and RFIDirect Mobile. RFIDirect consists of an MPI 360RW applicator or 3600RW printer/applicator incorporated into a scalable and modular conveyor loop system that is customized to fit each customer’s existing space configurations. The system, which can be run by a single operator, can achieve speeds of 20 cases per minute. While the RFIDirect offers an intermediate level of integration, RFIDirect Mobile is the ideal choice for low-volume customers just beginning RFID integration in multiple locations of their facility. A white paper offering more details on the RFIDirect line of products is available from MPI. Complete Network of RFID Partners
To meet the needs of an ever-diversifying customer base, MPI has partnered with leaders in all areas of RFID implementation to provide MPI customers with expanded capabilities such as:
- RFID transponders for HF 13.56 MHz and UHF 915 MHz class 0, 0+, 1 smart label conversion.
- UF and UHF readers and antennas for system integration.
- Thermal transfer printers providing RFID-enabled models for printing and encoding smart labels.
- Label design software for label creation and direct interface to all major brands of thermal transfer and direct thermal printers.
- Label applicators, printer applicators, product handling equipment and machine controls.
For more information on MPI Label Systems’ RFID Capabilities, please visit www.mpilabels.com. To speak with a sales representative to discuss RFID plan to fit you needs, call 800.837.2134.
About MPI Label Systems
MPI Label Systems, with more than 500 employees, seven manufacturing facilities and 35 sales offices, has specialized in pressure-sensitive, flexographic labels and labeling systems for more than 30 years. The company has been a pioneer in the development of RFID and digital label production and application technology. MPI’s Machine Division, is an authorized, licensed sales and service agent for Zebra Technologies RFID printers/encoders and for CTM label application equipment. The read/write head unit for the HF or UHF 360 RW applicator was designed by MPI Label Systems for RFID embedded label applications and is only available through MPI’s sales and service network.
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