Zebra unveils RFID encoder
which it claims is the first printer available with fully
integrated support for Class 0 (read only) and Matrics Class 0+
(read/write) smart labels.
The firm says that the R110Xi offers an immediate, low-risk and cost-effective solution for suppliers racing to conduct RFID pilot tests and for meeting RFID compliance mandates from major retailers such as Wal-Mart. It is ideal for use in a wide range of manufacturing and supply chain applications, including asset tracking, inventory management, work-in-process, shipping and receiving, and distribution.
The Zebra Xi Series printer platform has long been a popular choice of companies requiring high- volume label printing because of its rugged steel construction, around-the- clock reliability and trouble-free performance. Now, coupled with advanced UHF EPC-compliant Class 0 and 0+ read/write capabilities, the R110Xi printer/encoder offers a high level of on-demand printing flexibility in tag placement and label size.
" Zebra is an acknowledged leader and pioneer in printing and encoding for RFID smart labels and Matrics is extremely pleased that Zebra is supporting our Class 0 and Class 0+ read/write product," said Girish Rishi, senior vice president of marketing at Matrics. "We have been working closely with Zebra on many important projects and are thrilled that they chose our PR 100 reader module to embed in their R110Xi EPC-compatible printer/encoder."
A member of EPCglobal, Zebra has played a role in the development of RFID 'smart label' technology, standards and applications for supply chain and business improvement programmes designed to help suppliers meet the RFID EPC compliance labeling requirements set to take effect in January 2005.
"The top suppliers to Wal-Mart, Target, Albertsons have less than six months to comply with the new RFID initiatives these organizations have set forth for case and pallet labeling," said Bob Cornick, Zebra vice president and general manager of RFID.
"Zebra's objective is to provide a broad array of tools to help them meet this goal. The pilot programmes we are conducting with many of these suppliers validated the importance of supporting all major smart label technology standards."
Zebra has been researching and developing RFID technologies for more than eight years and was the first company to produce an integrated, on-demand RFID printer/encoder - the R140 - nearly four years ago. Zebra's RFID family of products now includes the popular R402 desktop model, the durable R4Mplus, the second-generation R2844-Z desktop, the R110Xi, and Zebra's Genuine Smart Media, providing customers and partners with a choice of RFID printing products available today.
This successful product line also is supported by a comprehensive nationwide network of more than 45 RFID-certified Zebra partners.
"The Danby Group has made a major commitment obtaining various RFID certifications and investing in the education of our customer base," said Genie Ragin, president of The Danby Group, a Zebra certified partner and RFID specialist. "We started betting on Zebra in 1982, and we've bet on it ever since to maintain its leadership and at being at the forefront of RFID development.
"Our partnership with Zebra is the keystone of our success and our role as an integrator enables us to bring our valued customers to the next level in automated data collection. Zebra's commitment to leadership in the industry and consistent, high quality product offerings take the worry out of the performance question."
