|SATO introduces DIP|
|Monday, June 02, 2008|
A breakthrough RFID printing technology that enables direct encoding to and printing of small RFID tags
Singapore, June 02 2008 - SATO, a pioneer in the Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) industry and a leader in barcode printing, labeling, and EPC/RFID solutions announced its patent-pending RFID printing technology: a thermal printhead fitted with a uniquely designed coupler. This coupler makes it possible to send data with such precision that it allows direct and exact encoding to small-sized inlays. Printing of small RFID tags does not require any need for additional label converting and RFID inlay insertion process: therefore the term, Direct Inlay Printing (DIP).
RFID mandates, including those set by major retail groups, are driving up the need for UHF RFID systems. UHF RFID tags offer obvious benefits in terms of high bulk reading capability even in challenging environments. This innovative RFID printing technology is also ideally-suited for the requirements of closed-loop UHF RFID applications.
In addition to the uniquely advantageous mechanical setup of the UHF RFID printer, the benefit of this patent-pending technology is that it guarantees a much higher throughput, as it prints precisely without constant label adjustment or back feeding. Also, this innovative technique is ideally suitable for EPC Gen 2 RFID compliance requirements as it ensures void tag are identified and correctly marked.
With DIP, suppliers have an affordable system to meet their RFID compliance pallet and case tagging requirements. They will fit into existing applications at case level, even equip users for future item level tagging requirements. The small size tags – they can be as small as 97 x 27 mm – are accepted by major retailers in combination with the existing EAN128 shipping labels. DIP-enabled pallet and case labeling applications do not require any need to integrate into existing ERP or WMS systems. Simple “Slap&Ship”1 application needs can be just as adequately met: a scanner is connected to the printer, without any modification to existing IT infrastructure, to automatically capture data from existing barcode labels and encode that data to and print RFID tags on-demand.
“DIP is just rewards for our considerable investment in R&D, specifically in RFID printing to help drive wider adoption of technology in the supply chain,” said Kaz Matsuyama, Managing Director of SATO International. He added, “The easy integration into existing applications and IT systems, on top of cost savings and operational efficiencies offer proof of justifiable returns of investment, even for compliance labeling applications.”
1Slap&Ship” refers to applying an RFID tag on a case or pallet just before it is shipped from a supplier's facility to a retailer's facility. A scanner is connected to the printer, usually without any modification to the existing IT infrastructure, to automatically capture data, which is transmitted to the RFID tag. The usage of RFID is strictly to meet the retailer's requirements, as set sometimes in RFID mandate such as Metro’s or Wal-Mart’s.
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SATO is publicly listed on the first section of Tokyo Stock Exchange in Japan. It has worldwide offices in the United States, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Poland, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and China. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, it reported revenues of US$767 million. More information about SATO Corporation can be found at www.sato.co.jp/english
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