According to Hayward, “HP is now a producer of RFID-enabled goods, a provider of RFID consulting and integration services, a participant in global RFID standards development, and an innovator in RFID-related technology such as tags, readers, and middleware [software].”
HP started its radio-frequency identification program in early 2003, and now has 26 plants involved with RFID. HP is likely as far along on a major scale with RFID rollout as any United States-based packaged goods company.
By the end of this fall, all 65 HP consumer product lines destined for Wal-Mart stores will be RFID tagged at the case and pallet level. Hayward adds that another 40 products destined for Sam’s Club stores will also be tagged. With a supply chain estimated to be worth $50 billion, HP operates the 9th-largest nonmilitary supply chain in the world.
Some components used in HP’s electronics products are tagged at the subassembly level, according to Hayward. Apart from sub-item tagging, Hayward says that packagers should consider making the RFID tag removable where they can for the benefit of consumers who desire to remove it. Speaking from experience, Hayward offered the following RFID advice:
• Test RFID in the real manufacturing environment. Some problems such as radio-frequency reflections, absorption, and other factors cannot be duplicated in a lab setting.
• Electrostatic discharge is always a concern [since tags carry sensitive electronic components].
• Quality programs must be in place to confirm and address field failure incidents as they occur.
• Scalable architecture of the hardware and software will enhance cost-effective implementation.
• Ensure your data collection is secure.
• Finally, continue to push for RFID integration and standards at the system level.
The Smart Packaging conference was held September 8-9, in Rosemont, IL, near Chicago, and is sponsored by the Institute of Packaging Professionals.
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