Nov 2 2010
Zebra Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq: ZBRA), a global leader in specialty printing and automatic identification solutions, highlighted a variety of innovative technology solutions this week PACK EXPO (booth #4811).
Capitalizing on the conference theme of “Solutions: Across the Line,” Zebra displayed a variety of products that maximize efficiency across various lines of work in the packaging and processing industry such as healthcare, food manufacturing and consumer goods.
“Barcoding and asset tagging are critical components to tracking inventory,” said Marty Johnson, product marketing manager at Zebra Technologies. “Now more than ever with risks of food contamination, counterfeit goods and more, barcoding and RFID technology ensures accurate tracking, authentication and insight into the supply chain – keeping businesses and consumers safe.”
Zebra will be showcasing a wide array of packaging and IT printing solutions including the R110Xi4, RP4T and QL420 rugged printers – perfect for those with efficiency, security and mobility in mind. Additional features include:
- R110Xi4 – Zebra’s first high-performance RFID printer/encoder designed to address the growing RFID market for high-volume item-level tagging, the R110Xi4 streamlines supply chain management applications such as item-level tracking, asset tracking, inventory management and more across retail, manufacturing, healthcare and distribution channels.
- QL420 – The QL 420 Plus direct thermal mobile printer delivers print widths up to 4.09-inch saving on label spend and offers the rugged construction, user-friendly options, and flexible QuickLink connectivity.
From Field to Fork
Asset tracking is especially critical when it comes to food safety and ensuring the safety of packaged foods before, during and after processing and packaging. As the implementation deadline for Produce Traceability Initiative approaches, an industry-led effort to enhance traceability throughout the entire produce supply chain, companies are changing the way they trace produce. As a result, suppliers and growers alike are looking for the most cost effective ways to execute traceability solutions by 2012.
As the market leader in RFID and thermal printers, Zebra Technologies’ broad experience in supply chain management and building unique RFID and barcode solutions across a variety of industries has illustrated the importance of providing traceability – especially within the food industry. On display this week, the RP4T is the world’s first thermal transfer printer with RFID printing/encoding capabilities. With the RP4T, it’s easier to put more label and scan points throughout a food growers operation and shipping, thus enabling products to be more easily traced throughout their lifespan.
“As food safety legislation reforms continue to make headway, traceability will be a critical component in their success,” said Johnson. “Zebra’s solutions allow for easy trace back of food safety and quality that can make overall supply management more efficient just by adding additional scan and label points.”