Gen 2 will not immediately or completely displace other RFID technologies, and the many iterations of the standard itself assure there will be diversity within the Gen 2 user community. Organizations that currently produce smart labels, or will in the mid-term future, need to recognize this diverse RFID environment and plan accordingly. Planning includes developing an understanding of Gen 2 features and variables, and how equipment addresses them. Implementing equipment that can’t simultaneously support Gen 2 and other protocols, or that can’t support Gen 2 optional features, puts organizations at risk for costly and premature equipment replacement. It is important to look beyond the current spec sheets and evaluate vendors and products on their ability to accommodate changes and meet future needs.

Reprinted with Permission from Zebra Technologies