Zebra in trials with brand owners testing new RFID products

US barcode producer Zebra has announced it will launch a new line of ePC (electronic product code) compliant RFID products later in 2003 following trials that are taking place in the US now. The company plans to officially launch the products by autumn 2003.

The new products have been developed to help the retail industry improve supply chain security, which is a problem for many retailers and brands, as the supply chain is often where the products are subject to brand attacks. Zebra at the moment is involved with ePC trials involving its RFID printers and encoders, which are producing ePC smart labels for consumer goods manufacturers and retailers.

Spokesperson for Zebra Leslie Beyer says: ‘Because Zebra is traditionally a barcode producer many people expect us not to be thrilled about the prospect of RFID, but we understand the technology will one day become a real alternative to barcodes so want to start investing in development now.’

One of the products the company is developing is a printer that will be able to print both barcode and RFID labels. According to Beyer because of the predicted slow switch over from barcodes to RFID labels this product will give retailers, brand manufacturers and supply chain managers the opportunity to experiment with RFID whilst retaining tried and tested barcode labels.