Solutions That Easily Support New RFID Standards & Protocols

Building on a strong foundation of more than 60 years of experience, SATO offers a wide selection of Automatic Data Collection Solutions for a range of industries. SATO solutions enable any business to quickly and efficiently identify items, be it products, components, actions or people. Labelling an item with a barcode, or RFID tag, allows that item to be immediately and accurately tracked throughout its journey.

Whether you are required to implement an RFID compliance system, or are just looking to increase efficiency internally, trust SATO to provide you with complete support, from start to finish.

RFID vs Barcode
What is the difference? Both barcode and RFID are identification technologies. That is, they hold data you can access by using a reader. The two technologies differ in that barcode uses optical while RFID uses radio technology. The differences in data exchange between the two can help to decide where each technology can be most effective. RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) is best described as a wireless memory chip. That means you can pinpoint a product. By placing it on a product, you can track the product throughout the supply chain - from the manufacturer all the way to the customer. Today RFID is the most intelligent technology for managing and collecting a product's data or tracking it as it moves through the supply chain.

Because barcode and RFID technology exchange data in different ways, the two systems complement each other. They are both valuable in different situations, and can often be used together effectively for many purposes.

RFID technology has been used in various applications for many years, but now chips are getting smaller and tags cheaper. With new applications developing, the benefits are undeniable.

RFID is moving into a new era: The "Smart" Era.

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Easy Tracking with the SATO RFID Printer

The SATO RFID printer reads, writes and prints your "Smart" labels. As well as printing a visual image, text or barcode on the label surface, the RFID printer reads and writes on the thin transponder, embedded in the label.

Tracking is easy. Radio waves are used to interpret the transponder, thus labels can be read without the need for line of sight, through substances such as paint and non-metallic packaging. Multiple labels can also be tracked at one time, enabling a much faster trace system.

During the lifetime of the label, the information encoded on the transponder can be not only read but changed repeatedly, without having to relabel the article, increasing response times.

Based on the success of the SATO CL Series, this printer delivers a high quality performance in a robust design. The RFID printer has been developed for use in a wide variety of applications, including asset tracking, patient identification, baggage tags, factory automation, pallet tagging and access control

• RFID Labelling
• 13.56 Mhz RFID Labels
• Heavy Duty Construction
• Industry Leading Throughput
• Easy Connectivity (including wireless LAN)
• Windows® Compatible
• Ideal Track and Trace Solution

General Specification

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SAMSys MP9320 EPC Reader

The MP9320 EPC reader provides unparalleled flexibility in supporting multiple tag protocols, multi-regional regulatory compliance, and programmability for a multitude of EPC applications environments.

EPC applications

Warehouse Logistics Item-level inventory tracking Container tracking Asset management Pallet tracking Baggage handling

Features/Benefits

• Multi-protocol agility
  • Supports all EPC tag protocols (EPC Class 0, 0+, Class 1, ISO18000-6A, 6B, 6B "fast", Philips U-code 1.19, 1.19 "fast", Intermec Intellitag, EM Marin 4022, 4222, 4223
    
  • Upgradeable to EPC Class1 Gen 2
    
• Multi-regional support
  • Configurable for North America FCC (902-928 MHz) and European ETSI (865-869 MHz) regulatory environments
    
• Multiple I/O ports
  • RF ports for up to 4 antennas
    
  • 4 digital input and 4 digital output lines
    
  • Enables increased installation flexibility by supporting multiple read points with a single reader
    
• Multiple communications options
  
  • RS-232, RS-485, and 10BaseT 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connectivity
    
• Configurable output power and sensitivity
  
  • Optimized read/write performance for each application using RF Command Suite

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SATO RFID CL400e

The SATO RFID printer reads, writes and prints your "Smart" labels, which contain an embedded thin RFID transponder. Based on the success of the SATO CL e Series, this printer has been developed for use in a wide variety of applications.

Long Life - During the lifetime of a label, the information encoded in the transponder can be changed or amended repeatedly, without having to re-label the article.

Easy Tracking - Radio waves are used to read the smart label, thus labels can be read without line of sight, through substances such as paint and through non metallic packaging and containers. Multiple labels can also be read at one time.

High Quality - Based on the CL e Series, this printer is fast and high quality, with a reliable reputation, robust design and record-breaking throughput.

Countless Applications - anti-theft, factory automation, pallet tagging, asset tracking, patient identification, process control, baggage tags, access control.

• RFID Labelling
• 13.56 Mhz RFID Labels
• Heavy-Duty Industrial Construction
• Industry Leading Throughput
• Easy Connectivity
• Windows® compatible

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SATO CL4e / CL6e High Performance Thermal Bar Code Printers

Family of High Performance Bar Code Printers
For advanced technology and high-speed performance, the CLe Series printers have no match in the industry. Built in the tradition of SATO's rugged dependability, the CLe Series printers are based on RISC processors, delivering high-quality images at high speeds.

CL4e And CL46e High-Performance, High-Value Printers
For advanced technology and high-speed performance, the CLe Series printers have no match in the industry. Built in the tradition of SATO's rugged dependability, the CLe Series printers are based on RISC processors, delivering high-quality images at high speeds.

• Industry Leading Throughput
• 203/305 dpi Print Resolution
• 4.1" Wide Print Area
• New Generation RISC Microprocessor
• Web Based Printer Control Server
• Plug-In Interface Modules
  • RS232-57.6K bps
  • Parallel - IEEE1284
  • Ethernet
  • USB
  • Twinax/Coax
• Downloaded TrueType Fonts
• 21 Bar Code Symbologies (incl. 2-D)
• CL408 and CL412 Compatible
• Memory: 18 MB Standard and 20 MB Optional
  

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RFID Technology Streamlines Library Operations

End user: Farmington Community Library
System: Automatic Data Collection system using Codabar barcodes and RFID tags
Benefits: 40% faster checkout times and reduction in manual work
Overview
With the local population at nearly 1 million and continuing to grow, Farmington Hills library, Detroit , is faced with both a physically expanding library situation and an increasing circulation of books, without a comparative increase in staffing funds.

Issues: 2 Systems
The library's Director, Beverly Papai had to find a way to speed up the book checkout system without increasing her staffing costs. Seeing the tremendous gains in material handling in the industrial sector from using radio frequency (RF) tags, which require no line of sight, she felt libraries should also be able to benefit from it. Moving to a totally new system however was not an option, as books would have to be shared with other libraries in the area. A system had to be introduced which also allowed the old barcode system to coexist.

Solution: Combining Barcodes and RFID
To resolve the issue, Farmington Community Library instituted an integrated Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tag and barcode system using a dozen SATO printers. "If employing new technology can change what the staff is required to do so that we can maintain or slightly increase staffing, then I have spent my money well". said Papai. Tri-State Tape & Label worked with Leeming Management Systems, and others to set up the system, integrating barcode and RFID readers with the library's existing database.
First, the old barcode label in each book

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RFID Standards

No single RFID transponder technology is ideal for implementation in all areas. Different frequency bands are better suited for specific applications. When selecting the proper solution, the following issues should be taken into consideration:

• Geographical region
• Regional regulatory requirements
• General performance characteristics
• Application requirements

RFID tags are categorised as either active or passive. Passive tags do not have an independent power supply, and must tap power from the host reader. Active tags come with their own battery power source to start up the tag operations.

Two frequency ranges are generally distinguished for smart RFID systems, High Frequency (HF) 13.56 MHz and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) 860-956 MHz. SATO can support the encoding requirements for both Wal-Mart and Metro following the general ePC and ISO regulations. Share our knowledge and become a Partner!

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RFID Benefits

RFID offers higher data storage capacities, higher identification speeds, and greater immediacy and accuracy of data collection. An increasing number of supply chain management companies worldwide are embracing RFID technology to identify multiple items in a single container - a feat that is not possible with barcoding systems. The technology's enhanced accuracy and security in data collection makes it an ideal data collection platform for the healthcare, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, warehousing, logistics and retail sectors, for the following reasons:

No Line of Sight

• Less time for reading, resulting in faster processing.
• Tag readable through non-metallic material, i.e. hardened plastic coatings, grease, dirt and paint.
• Tag can be hidden or placed inside a container.
• Tag orientation is less critical.
• Greater resistance to scratches and physical abuse.
• Longer read distances.
• Information in tag is more secure

Decentralized Data Collection - Tag Dependent.

• No database connect needed, hence less infrastructure cost.
• Information on demand, hence no waiting for data

Easy Integration into Existing Processes.

• High employee acceptance.
• Reduction of human error.
• Improved quality assurance.
• Small surface area requirement

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Read/Write Operations.

Tags can be rewritten in real time as the items move through the supply chain.

Long life: reusable, rewritable

Simultaneous Identification (Anti-Collision).

RFID systems can simultaneously capture data from and write onto many tags within antenna range.

Easy identification of the different data blocks

Rapid and Easy Reading.

Readers can capture up to 200 tags per second.

Label can be read while in motion.

Faster processing of items

Data Storage - Tag Dependent.

Store large amounts of data - up to 4 KB.

Greater accuracy in data retrieval.

Reduced data errors

Maintenance Free.

No maintenance needed for passive tags

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RFID Implementation by SATO

Implementing an RFID solutions involves much more than just a tag or a printer, so it must be considered as a complete project to improve a wide range of operations over a considerable period of time. The evaluation of the investment should not only include the cost of all the different components, but also take into account both quantitative and qualitative benefits.

Steps of Development and Implementation of an RFID Project with SATO:

Analysis of Requirements
RFID is not only about replacing barcode throughout the supply chain. SATO leads you through an analysis of the requirements of the various stages of the process to better understand what kind of RFID solution you need.

System Design
With SATO, you will determine whether your RFID system should work independently or to be integrated into an existing system.

Technology Selection
SATO helps you select the right technology best suited to your solution requirements: frequency range, read/write or readonly technology, range performance, environmental conditions and standards compliance.

Hardware Choice
You can trust SATO's experience as the Auto ID industry pioneer in assisting you to select the most appropriate hardware for your RFID solution, including the choice of printer, antenna, reader, controller and RFID tags.

Software Considerations
In partnership with SATO, select or develop a software to be integrated into the RFID solution.

System Configuration
Let SATO support you in bringing together all the RFID system components and testing your system in the user envionment.

System Adjustment
SATO will assist you in adjusting the RFID system according to the test results to optimize performance and worker acceptance.

RFID Solution Implementation
SATO will help you in bringing the RFID solution into service and supporting the users to ensure your targeted results.

SATO is looking forward to developing your RFID future with you and future with you and making you get the results you want.

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