PLS 430 - Paragon
Paragon Adds Label Encoder
Abstract:
The maker of systems that print and apply labels has released a new modular system that automatically encodes and applies EPC-compliant smart labels.
July 20, 2004—Paragon Labeling Systems, a maker of systems that print and apply labels to products, cartons, cases and pallets, has released a new modular system, the PLS-430, that automatically encodes and applies EPC-compliant smart labels.
The system can be configured with various print engines and applicator modules depending on the needs of the user. For example, a company can use the system to create one kind of label for crates that includes any necessary routing or contents information, or use it to create another kind label for products that will be for sale on stores shelves.
The PLS-430 system is designed to be flexible. With the imminent changes in RFID standards, users will be able to update their systems to meet protocol changes or technological upgrades. Companies with the PLS-430, which comes with an Encode & Apply module, can migrate to Print, Encode & Apply as print engines become more available to go with the system. The current system will encode Class 0 and Class 1 tags. When further standards, such as Generation 2, reach the market, support can be added through firmware upgrades. Another feature of the Encode & Apply system is the “Bad Tag Disposal” function. This function ensures that unverifiable RFID tags are not applied to boxes. While label-applicators from some competing vendors offer a similar feature (see Accu-Sort Devises Labeler and Markem Makes Smart Labeler), Paragon’s VP of sales and marketing, Craig Blonigen, says that most current automated tagging systems apply encoded tags to boxes, then send the boxes on to be verified separately. When the reader is unable to verify a tag, a company employee must come find the failed tag and box. In contrast, the Paragon system verifies each tag, encodes it and then reverifies it before releasing the tag to be adhered to a product or crate. In this way, if the system determines it cannot reverify a tag, the tag is not released from the tag roll and is not applied to anything.
Abstract:
The maker of systems that print and apply labels has released a new modular system that automatically encodes and applies EPC-compliant smart labels.
July 20, 2004—Paragon Labeling Systems, a maker of systems that print and apply labels to products, cartons, cases and pallets, has released a new modular system, the PLS-430, that automatically encodes and applies EPC-compliant smart labels.
The system can be configured with various print engines and applicator modules depending on the needs of the user. For example, a company can use the system to create one kind of label for crates that includes any necessary routing or contents information, or use it to create another kind label for products that will be for sale on stores shelves.
The PLS-430 system is designed to be flexible. With the imminent changes in RFID standards, users will be able to update their systems to meet protocol changes or technological upgrades. Companies with the PLS-430, which comes with an Encode & Apply module, can migrate to Print, Encode & Apply as print engines become more available to go with the system. The current system will encode Class 0 and Class 1 tags. When further standards, such as Generation 2, reach the market, support can be added through firmware upgrades. Another feature of the Encode & Apply system is the “Bad Tag Disposal” function. This function ensures that unverifiable RFID tags are not applied to boxes. While label-applicators from some competing vendors offer a similar feature (see Accu-Sort Devises Labeler and Markem Makes Smart Labeler), Paragon’s VP of sales and marketing, Craig Blonigen, says that most current automated tagging systems apply encoded tags to boxes, then send the boxes on to be verified separately. When the reader is unable to verify a tag, a company employee must come find the failed tag and box. In contrast, the Paragon system verifies each tag, encodes it and then reverifies it before releasing the tag to be adhered to a product or crate. In this way, if the system determines it cannot reverify a tag, the tag is not released from the tag roll and is not applied to anything.
