Loftware and Sato unveil cloud-based RFID technology

Loftware and Sato have launched a cloud-based RFID tag encoding and logging technology. It is using Sato RFID printers and tags with Loftware's NiceLabel Cloud software and is designed to meet track and trace, brand authenticity, and authentication needs for manufacturers.

Loftware and Sato have launched a cloud-based RFID tag encoding and logging technology. It is using Sato RFID printers and tags with Loftware's NiceLabel Cloud software and is designed to meet track and trace, brand authenticity, and authentication needs for manufacturers.

The new technology, claimed to be the world’s first, logs the Electronic Product Code (EPC) and unique ID for every tag encoded, enabling ‘closed-loop’ tagging. By logging and mapping the EPC and unique ID to the database via NiceLabel Cloud, Sato automatically keeps a unique record of every tag after encoding and allows users to know exactly which factory, country, and printer generated it. 

In addition to central data management, this extra layer of automation provides compliance with traceability requirements and eliminates the possibility of counterfeits. It also complements the suite of RFID products already available for item-level traceability.

In the US, EU, China, Japan, and more, an increasing number of medical devices must carry a unique device identification number (UDI) to adequately identify devices implanted into the body. Serialization is a critical tool for regulators in many countries to prove the validity of pharmaceuticals. It also allows manufacturers to track and trace individual items back to their origin for supply chain visibility and to know if a given item is authentic or counterfeit.

‘With today’s “always on” supply chain, large enterprises print and encode millions of tags annually across multiple facilities. As a result, they require a globally integrated platform like Loftware's NiceLabel Cloud for central data and print management,’ commented Paul Vogt, vice president of channel and alliances strategies and programs at Lofware.

‘Manufacturers are constantly seeking ways to improve their data utilization for digital transformation to give visibility across their supply chain, and this new layer of traceability will drive efficiencies and enable more sustainable operations,’ added Yoichi Abe, vice president of Sato Holdings Corporation. ‘As pioneers of on-site data collection, you can count on us to always push the boundaries of what is possible.’

Currently, the Sato CT4-LX desktop printer and CL4/6NX Plus industrial printer line are compatible with the Loftware NiceLabel Cloud RFID tagging. Other hardware planned for support includes the S84NX print engine. 

Related content