Your easy introduction to embedded RFID hang tags and how they work
Looking for an easy way to start your RFID journey? You’ve come to the right place. Our experts reveal everything you need to know about embedded RFID hang tags, including what they are, how they work, why apparel brands love them, and how to start using them.
What is an embedded RFID hang tag?
As the name suggests, embedded RFID hang tags are apparel hang tags with RFID inlays embedded into them. They consist of an RFID inlay sandwiched between two pieces of card.
Like RFID stickers, integrated hang tags are one of the easiest places for apparel brands to start their RFID journey. Your RFID inlays are embedded at source when creating the hang tag, so your manufacturers or vendors won't have to do any extra steps. Easy!
How do RFID hang tags work?
You'll need to get to grips with RFID technology to understand how an embedded RFID hang tag works. Your intelligent label's 'intelligent' element is the RFID inlay, which is hidden discreetly between the layers of your cardboard tag. The inlay is made up of an antenna and a microchip mounted on a 'substrate' (usually made from paper, plastic, or fabric).
Read: Inside an RFID label: explore the 3 main RFID components
When your hang tag is scanned, your handheld scanner sends an electromagnetic blast that the RFID antenna receives. This activates the microchip, which transmits stored data to your scanner. With one scan, you can see unique identifiers, product information, or other relevant data.
The benefits of an embedded RFID hang tag
Retailers use RFID technology to get up to 99% inventory accuracy. As a result, they get better transparency over what they have and where, plus real-time data they can use for better display compliance, localized merchandising, and even self-checkout and omnichannel. Aside from all the benefits of RFID, the hang tag format has its own specific advantages.
Easy to rollout
As we mentioned earlier, embedded RFID hang tags are a nice, easy first step for brands who want to start enjoying the benefits of RFID. You just swap your standard hang tag for one with an inlay embedded inside it and no one’s any the wiser!
No need to change your branded label design
Because the inlay is hidden inside the tag, there’s no need to change the branding design on your apparel tagging. If they don’t look the same, they’ll look incredibly similar. It’s a near-seamless transition with no impact on your visual branding.
Compatible with almost RFID inlay
There’s more than one type of RFID inlay; the type you choose depends on the functionality you want (some of them have extra abilities) and how much space you have to embed them.
An average-sized hang tag is large enough to fit almost any inlay in our current portfolio. This includes larger inlays with a longer read distance and high performance, so you can use them for self-checkout and RFID as EAS.
Elevated customer experience
Unlike other super discreet embedded solutions, an RFID hang tag is easy for the customer to access. This is particularly important if you want to use NFC Dual Technology Labels that the customers can scan with a smartphone for Digital Product Passports, fun interactive experiences, and more.
