TOSHIBA TEC, a global manufacturer of retail and industrial information systems, today announced the world’s first operational Print-on-Tag RFID solution that will help close the cost gap between vendors and customers for this mission-critical technology.

The TOSHIBA TEC SX-series of barcode label printers are the only printers in the world that are able to successfully print label information straight onto RFID tags. This major technology breakthrough for RFID tag vendors brings a practical solution to market that combines TOSHIBA quality and innovation with cost-effective, high-volume RFID tag production.

Until now, RFID tags have had to be inserted behind self-adhesive labels to meet  the traceability requirements set by major government organisations, retail chains and logistics-related enterprises. The RFID Journal recently projected that the RFID tag price would come down to 16 cents by 2008. This technological breakthrough engineered by TOSHIBA TEC makes it possible to allow Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) to order low quantities of RFID tags at competitive prices.

This new engineering process from TOSHIBA TEC known as SPRINT™ (Short Pitch RFID Encoding Technology) is a customer-driven solution for RFID-mandated suppliers.

Enterprises using SPRINT™ will be equipped with a next-generation application infrastructure combining TOSHIBA B-SX barcode printers with low-cost RFID tags for low-volume SME needs as well as large volumes for international organisations.

The TOSHIBA TEC B-SX4 series label printers are also equipped with flexible firmware, enabling users to customise printers according to their specific needs.

“TOSHIBA TEC, partnering with major vendors of labelstock and RFID products, is well-prepared to drive mandated RFID compliance forward – helping suppliers to successfully continue their preferred relationship with customers,” Mike Keane, IPD Manager TOSHIBA TEC, said. “We have opened a significant window of opportunity with SPRINT™.”

For standard smart label use, the TOSHIBA TEC B-SX label printer series uses unique ‘heads-up’ technology where the print head is lifted over the chip to protect not only the sensitive smart labels but also the print head itself. This innovative design feature allows users longer MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) of the printer and a low risk of damage to the microchip on the label.

TOSHIBA TEC continually helps organisations to streamline, manage and protect supply chain management information at a low cost of ownership.