RFID in Shipping and Tracking

RFID stands for Radio-frequency identification, is an automatic identification method using RFID tags or transponders. It is incorporated into the product for the purpose of indentification using radio waves. RFID tracking is done in enterprise.

supply chain management to improve the efficiency of inventory tracking and management. Passive, Active and semi-passive are general varieties of RFID tags.

RFID eliminates shipping errors and increases the shipping accuracy. It avoids the cost of returning the incorrectly shipped materials, and re-shipping the correct ones.

RFID tags has many important advantages over bar codes in packaging. While current bar codes are limited to a single type of code for a particular product, RFID tag capacity is large enough to each individual tag will have a unique code. It helps to track the products when it moves from location to location.

The value of entire RFID market in 2008 will be $5.29 billion. This is a $4.93 billion up from 2007. RFID is increasingly used in the supply chain and replacing bar codes with something more reliable and versatile.

The high cost of RFID chips is one factor cited as a major barrier to the wider introduction of the technology.

Two Dimensional Bar Code and Linear Bar code Standards

ISO/IEC 15434, ‘Transfer Syntax for high Capacity ADC Media’

This international Standard specifies a transfer structure, syntax, and coding of messages and data formats when using high capacity ADC media between suppliers and recipients trading partners, and wherever they are applicable. This International Standard will not replace any applicable safety or regulatory military marking and labeling requirements.

ISO/IEC 15438, ‘Automatic Identification and Data Capture Techniques – PDF417′

This Standard outlines the requirements for bar code symbology known as PDF417. It specifies PDF417 symbology characteristics, data characteristics, data character encodation, symbol formats, dimensions, error correction rules, decoding algorithm, and a number of application parameters.

ISO/IEC 15418, ‘EAN/UCC Application Identifiers and Fact Data Identifiers and Maintenance’

This Standard specifies set of data and application identifiers for the purpose of identifying encoded data; and identifies the organizations responsible for their maintenance.

ISO/IEC 15394, ‘Packaging – Bar Code and Two-Dimensional Symbols for Shipping, Transport and Receiving Labels’

This Standard specifies the minimum requirements for the design of labels containing linear bar code and two-dimensional symbols on transport units to transfer data between trading partners. This Standard provides

• Traceability of transported units through a single transport unit identifier that is known as license plate.
• Provides ideas related to the choice of linear bar code, two-dimensional symbologies and quality requirements.
• Provides assistance in the selection of label material, label placement, size of label, formation of data presented in liner barcode label, two-dimensional symbol etc

ANSI MH10.8.1, ‘Linear Bar Code and Two-Dimensional Symbols Used in Shipping Packaging, Receiving, and Transport Applications’

This is an American National Standard which specifies the minimum requirements for the design of labels containing linear bar code and two-dimensional symbols on shipping packaging units to convey data between trading partners.

ISO/IEC 16388, ‘Information Technology – Automatic Identification and Data Capture Techniques – Bar Code Symbology Specifications – Code 39′

This Standard specifies the requirements for the bar code symbology known as Code 39; it specifies Code 39 symbology characteristics, data character encodation, dimensions, tolerances, decoding algorithms and application-defined parameters.

Overview of Military Packaging Standards:

We discuss here about standards followed for military products to prevent from corrosion and rust. We also discuss about Military Marking for Shipment and Storage, Military Packaging Requirements, Marking for Military Property.

• MIL STD 129P
• MIL STD 2073 1D
• MIL STD 130M

Information about the Standard Practices:

MIL-STD-129P, ‘Standard Practice for Military Marking for Shipment and Storage

This standard outlines provides the minimum requirements for uniform military marking and procedures for their application. The purpose of this standard has been changed. It is intended for the application of military packaging markings to items intended for transportation and storage within the military distribution system, i.e., for marking of material that is stored and/or moved within or between DoD facilities.

MIL-STD-2073 1D, ‘Standard Practice for Military Packaging Requirements’

This outlines standard processes for the development and documentation of military packaging, as distinct from commercial packaging. This standard covers methods of preservation to protect material against environmentally induced corrosion and deterioration, physical and mechanical damage, and other forms of degradation during storage, multiple handling, and shipment associated with the military distribution system.

MIL-STD-130M, ‘Identification Marking for Military Property’

This standard provides the item marking criteria for development of specific marking requirements and methods for identification of items of military property produced, stocked, stored and issued by or for the Department of Defense. This standard addresses criteria and data content for both free text and machine-readable information (MRI) applications of item identification marking.

Methods of Packaging and Packing Services for Small Industrial Materials

What is Packaging and Packing?

Packaging - refers to the initial unit of issue. Essentially the first wrap, bag or carton that completes a unit for sale or distribution. It starts with 1 bag for each wrap materials but it can vary depending on the size and weight of a particular material.

Packing - refers to the consolidation of packages into a final shipment configuration. In the export and defense world it could even be a heavy duty crate containing a 10,000 lb machine or even more destined as the materials varies in height and weight.

Packaging services:

Packaging services for small industrial materials:

Shrink wrapping: This method is used to efficiently group products into a tight value added promotion or for tamper evidence. Regardless, we (Zelogtek, LLC.) are expert in choosing the correct method and film for packaging. Different types of poly wraps will provide a wide variety of clarity and security. We can direct you to the appropriate solution.

Poly Bundling in Printed Film: Poly bundling is most often associated with Big Box Retailing. It’s normally used to create pallet displays for beverages and small container goods (Cans, Plastic bottles). This is an efficient low cost solution because it can utilize the manufacturer’s original tray or case

Over Wrapping: This is a low cost method for containing small, flat items that can be easily pin fed on the packing material. Zelogtek, LLC., has high speed wrappers are very efficient in packing services for industrial materials in less time with more accurate, in both clear and print registered films. We also have high speed glue tippers that can pick and place one piece onto another in line. Ideal for magazine sample inserts or mailers (click on over wrapping for more)

Carton Filling & Assembly Services: On the surface of materials which is going to be packed is simply placing items into a carton. But like most things in life they become more complex as the task becomes larger. We start with doing the short run hand assembly work, i.e. placing components into corrugated boxes and taping it closed. But, we also have high speed retail carton formers that automatically set up. These are very useful for variety of packs.

The Why and How of Doing Packaging Services

Packaging refers to the packing of materials for safe and easy transportation purposes. Few packaging companies even take care of the delivery process of goods or products they pack, especially products that are to be exported through shipping. Packaging services are done for commercial purposes which include packaging of items of all sizes – from small to large ones. Large corporations, companies, military and federal governments seek the help of packaging companies for packing and moving their equipments, goods and machinations.

Packaging Services generally vary depending upon the type of products or equipments that are packed. Cost of any packaging service also depends upon the type of the packaging done. For example, delicate products need extra care during packaging. Products that are to be shipped have to be packed differently; large or odd-shaped products require specialized packaging while electrical items need to be packed with static prevention packaging methods etc. Some packaging companies offer customized packaging services that include packing goods in printed boxes of special sizes.

Every packaging requirement varies according to the product or equipment packed. Different items have different requirements, norms and conditions. For example, Military packaging generally requires, Moisture Barrier, Static and UV rays shielding and shrink wrap packaging. In addition, they require proper bar code label according to the military norms. Similarly, Pharmaceutical products have different packing standards.

Packaging also plays an important role in promoting the business by increasing the brand image, product safety and help gaining easy recognition for the package. In a nut shell, different industries require different packaging services. They have their own rules and standards for packaging.

In some cases, packaging service providers also offer insurance for valuable assets. If an item is lost or damaged while packing, its product value is reimbursed.

Proper packaging is highly essential for the following reasons:

• Helps protect products while they are in transit, especially during exporting
• Is cost effective
• Protects products from external damages such as dust, harmful rays etc.
• Minimizes package weight
• Proper packaging leads to safe handling of products/equipment

There are different kinds of packaging available for different items. Some types of packaging are listed below:

• Protective packaging
• Moisture Barrier packaging
• Rust Prevention packaging
• Humidity Control packaging
• Pharmaceutical packaging
• Shrink Film packaging
• Eco friendly packaging
• UV rays and Static prevention packaging
• Government packaging
• Military Packaging


A number of early adopters have used the strategy of isolating a few products or processes and emulating their bar coding systems as a first step to understanding the physical or mechanical aspects of RFID. RFID requirements are being established by more and more entities within the value chain, from Wal-Mart to the Department of Defense.Packaging process of Zelogtek also includes assistance with RFID requirements.Sharing data requires that RFID systems today be built on open standards.