We are excited to share that PMG Labels LP has been featured on the official MHI (Material Handling Industry) Blog! In this guest article, we explore how optical barcodes and Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) work together to eliminate supply chain blind spots, prevent inventory loss, and optimize returnable transport items (RTIs).

In modern reusable packaging loops—involving plastic crates, totes, and pallets—maintaining complete asset visibility is essential to avoiding bottlenecks and inventory shrinkage. The guest article breaks down the unique advantages of both identification standards:

• Barcode Technology: Delivers reliable, cost-effective, line-of-sight data capture at established manual checkpoints, receiving stations, and quality control stops.
• RFID Technology: Enables contactless, bulk data capture without line-of-sight—ideal for high-speed conveyor belts, dock doors, and high-density packaging environments.
  
  

Rather than competing technologies, barcodes and RFID serve complementary roles in modern supply chain management. By deploying the right technology at the right process step, organizations achieve end-to-end traceability and maximum container utilization.

"Barcode and RFID are proven technologies for tracking assets in industrial and logistics applications. In modern reusable packaging systems, leveraging the right technology for the right process step delivers complete supply chain visibility and long-term efficiency."

— Tobias Hoefl, President of PMG Labels LP

Read the Full Guest Article

Interested in learning more about optimizing your RTI tracking and selecting the right combination of RFID and barcode solutions for your operations?

👉 Read the full article on the MHI Blog here: https://mhiblog.org/barcode-and-rfid-asset-identification-technologies-in-reusable-packaging-systems/