Tagging sandwiches, wraps, and burritos

Regular tags are created for products without metal or liquid that will not be microwaved. These tags are typically used for sandwiches or wraps. In general, products in hard packaging use regular tags; however, always follow best practices:

  • If the tag has the potential to be microwaved, use a microwave-safe tag
  • If the tag will be placed directly on metal, use a metal-safe tag
  • If the tag will be placed on a drink or any products containing liquid, use a drink tag
  • If the product is small, use a metal-safe tag

Tag Placement

Tags need to be placed on top of the product where they can be read most consistently. They should not be placed under the product or hidden so that they have no chance of being seen by the RFID antennas. The tag does not need to face the customer. The most important key is placing the tag as high as possible on the product.

There are two places you can place the tag:

  1. Side of container
  2. On top of the container

When possible, merchandise the packaging with the tag facing the store's antennae.

When tagging burritos, ask yourself, "Will this product be microwaved in its packaging?" If so, a microwave-safe tag is needed.

If the burrito will not be microwaved in its packaging, take note of the packaging. If the packaging is made of metal (such as aluminum foil), it will need a metal-safe tag or a regular tag.

It is important to note that the tags need to be fully flat for both the microwave-safe tag and for the regular tag.

Can I stack?

Depends. You absolutely can stack your sandwiches and wraps. The most important key is that the products should be stacked in a way that can be read consistently. This means the products absolutely cannot cover other tags. The tags do not need to face the customer. They should be placed as high as possible above the food line without the tags running the risk of being covered.

Due to the packaging of burritos, stacking may not work. If you are unsure, try it out! Keep this checklist in mind as you stack and merchandise your products:

  • Are the tags covered?
  • Would the RFID scanners have trouble "seeing" the RFID tags?
  • Are the tags touching each other?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then you need to merchandise your products in a different way.

Knowledge Check

ANSWER
No, these are not following the best tagging practices for two reasons: the tag is very low on the product and the tag is hidden amongst itself. If the tags are placed really low, that makes it really difficult for the antennas to "see" the tags. If the tag is covered by another product, the tag has a limited chance of being read consistently
Answer
Option B
Stacking is completely fine but you should not stack the products in a way where the tag is covered or you risk the product not being read.
ANSWER
No, this tag placement is not following best tagging practices as it is not flat. It is bunched up. It needs to be completely flattened.
Answer
Option A
The tag on option A is fully flat and above the food line. Option B is not fully flat. It is bunched up. This could cause the tag to spark in the microwave.

How did we do?

Product tagging best practices

Tagging snacks or soft packaging

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