THE DATA FRONT

82 | l&l
All change
on the data front
Barry Hunt examines item-level RFID tags and
developments in printed electronics for logistics labeling
Logistics labeling is a fancy way to describe the many types of
labels, swing tickets and tags that include some type of variable
information printing. This can include scannable barcodes,
variable text, sequential numbering and batch codes, usually
printed by digital laser, inkjet or thermal transfer as part of
in-line or off-line production processes. Many end-users, but
some trade printers too, print standard-sized logistics labels on
stand-alone thermal or laser printer/encoders to suit on-demand
needs. But beyond these well-proven production methods lies
Labels&Labeling
an alternative world of complimentary technologies.
Barcoding, in particular, is undergoing several important
changes. Notable among them is the GS1 DataBar code. (GS1
is a global standards-setting organization based in Brussels.)
Formerly called the Reduced Space Symbology (RSS) code, it
is expected to become widely adopted internationally by brand
owners and packaging designers. Compared with traditional
EAN and UPC barcodes, DataBar codes contain more data and
can be printed in much smaller sizes for items ranging from fruit