14 Nov RFID Labels & Encoding: A Practical Guide from Hickman Label Experts
How to choose, implement, and optimize RFID tagging for supply chain accuracy, automation & real-time visibility
RFID is quickly becoming a core requirement for modern manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. But success with RFID requires more than placing a chip inside a label — it demands precision encoding, verification, and system integration that aligns with real operational workflows.
At Hickman Label, our new RFID platform is engineered to solve the challenges that matter most to operations teams. Built on next-generation manufacturing and in-line encoding technology, we produce RFID labels that deliver consistent read performance, ARC-compliant encoding, and frictionless integration with existing systems and equipment.
What Makes Hickman’s RFID Labels Different
Our upgraded RFID production line enables:
- In-line encoding & 100% verification scanning on every tag
- Exception-free read performance across high-volume runs
- ARC program support, including ALEC submission assistance
- Reliable, high-speed application for packaging and logistics lines
Instead of shipping RFID labels and leaving implementation to chance, we partner with you through the full adoption process — from technology assessment to encoding strategy to performance optimization.
RFID isn’t just a label upgrade — it’s an operational transformation. Our role is to make sure the transformation works.
Real-World Problems RFID Solves
RFID becomes most valuable when organizations need to:
| Challenge | How RFID Helps |
| Manual inventory counts consuming hours or days | Near-instant cycle counts & live visibility |
| Lost or untraceable assets | Automated tracking with location accuracy |
| Bottlenecks in receiving & shipping | Scan entire pallets without line-of-sight |
| Costly picking / fulfillment errors | Real-time verification & exception alerts |
| Multi-SKU or seasonal complexity | Faster data capture and SKU-level traceability |
If your operation needs speed, accuracy, automation, or visibility, RFID is often the fastest path to ROI.
Full Implementation Support — Not Just Labels
Hickman’s RFID specialists help with:
- Selecting the right inlay, frequency, and adhesive for your environment
- Encoding & verification strategies
- System design & integration recommendations
- ARC compliance guidance & ALEC submissions
- Pilot planning & performance testing
Whether you’re retrofitting an existing workflow or building a new automation layer, our team ensures that your RFID program works at scale, not just on paper.
The Future of Supply Chain Visibility Starts at the Label
RFID is transforming how companies move, count, verify, track, and analyze inventory. But success starts with a reliable label — engineered and validated from the ground up for performance.
With Hickman Label’s next-generation RFID capabilities, you can:
- Reduce labor hours and manual scanning
- Increase operational accuracy and speed
- Improve fulfillment efficiency
- Gain real-time inventory and asset visibility
Ready to Start Your RFID Project?
Connect with one of our RFID Specialists here to talk through your application and build a path to implementation.
About Hickman Label Company
Hickman Label is a North American manufacturer specializing in both blank and custom-printed roll labels for inkjet, laser, and thermal printers. This article was prepared in collaboration with our production, materials, and sustainability teams.
Updated November 2025