Recall: 4" x 2" label used with Zebra R110Xi printer

The Issue 

On February 2, SimplyRFiD discovered that a problem had arisen with our On-Demand DoD RFID system. Zebra R110Xi printers were programming "the next tag" instead of the current tag on the 4" x 2" label when used with the Avery Dennison AD223 and AD224 RFID chip. As a result, it is necessary to replace all 4" x 2" labels with the larger 4" x 3" or longer size label. 

By February 8, SimplyRFiD will be ready to replace the labels in question. Email us at support(at)simplyrfid.com if you need more information on this, or to be put on the replacement list.

As always, SimplyRFiD remains dedicated to finding a solution that works right. We apologize for this, and want to do everything possible to correct this situation, so please let us know what we can do to help set things right.  

More Questions

Q: Which printers are affected?

This only affects the Zebra R110Xi Rev 3 printer. This does not affect the new R110Xi v4 that will be released in March 2010. This may affect other printers and all manufacturers with printers over 3 years old should be examined.

SimplyRFiD has only sold Zebra R110Xiʼs so we have no experience with other printers.

Q: Which RFID tags are affected?

This problem appears on the Avery Dennison AD-223 and AD-224 inlays. This problem may occur on other high performance inlays and they should be examined. SimplyRFiD only sells the Avery-Dennison AD-223 and
AD-224 and Alien Higgs3. We are examining the Higgs3 for cross-encoding issues but have not found issues.

Q: How do I know if my printer is working correctly?

This simple checklist is all you need to ensure your RFID encoding is accurate:

• On any printer configuration change: When you change printer configuration you should produce an RFID label and verify it using your printers internal verifier or on a handheld RFID scanner to ensure the correct value is encoded.


• On a new batch of RFID tags: When you receive a new batch of RFID tags from your supplier, you should perform the same tag check. You should also ensure your supplier provides you with a same-lot # guarantee on all RFID label orders to ensure inlay and tag placement are consistent.

Q: Does this affect Nox for DoD?

No. Nox For DoD does a 100% verify of every tag produced using external readers and ensures the tag in the box matches the RFID tag value. Additionally, every item, case and pallet tag is verified against the contract requirements. Regardless, all future Nox installs will use the Zebra RZ400.

Q: Is it possible Zebra will develop a solution for this?

It is possible, however, at this time we arenʼt aware of a reliable solution.

Q: Can I still use a 4”x2” label on my R110Xi?

SimplyRFiD will not sell a standard 4”x2” label for the Zebra R110Xi. Our TX-2 and TT-1 offers a 4”x2” usable RFID tag in a 4”x3” package.

Q: Can I manually verify my tags or sample 5 or 10% of the tags?

Yes. But, you must check 100% of the tags to guard against occasional crossprogramming. Additionally, each tag would require a visual inspection and singulation. A reader mounted 10ʼ away would only ensure a tag was printed -- it would not ensure the correct tag was programmed. An antenna mounted next to the printer as a secondary check offers no value in solving this problem. The correct and simple solution is a correctly working printer / tag combination.