Quick Reference: RFID Glossary
Balto - Yellow Dog’s web utility program used to print RFID batches and manage RFID printer communication.
Batch Status - The current state of an RFID batch in Balto (e.g., READY, IN_PROGRESS, REPRINT_NEEDED).
Bulk Reading - Reading many RFID tags simultaneously without line-of-sight.
Cradle - A dock used to charge handheld devices or RFID sleds when not in use.
Default Encoding - The standard method Yellow Dog uses to write EPC data to RFID tags. This setting should not be changed to ensure compatibility and data consistency.
Desktop RFID Printer (ZD621R) - A compact RFID printer designed for lower-volume environments such as stores or offices.
Encoding - The process of writing data (like an EPC) to an RFID tag.
EPC (Electronic Product Code) - The unique ID written to each RFID tag. Each tag has its own EPC, allowing individual item tracking rather than just item type tracking.
Generate Batch - The action that creates RFID tags for selected items and assigns EPCs to each tag.
Industrial RFID Printer (ZT411R) - A higher-volume RFID printer designed for warehouses or distribution environments.
Interference - Disruption of RFID signals caused by metal, liquids, or other radio sources.
Label Compatibility - An indicator in Balto showing whether the selected label size and printer configuration are compatible.
Label Format - The visual layout of the RFID label (e.g., basic, barcode, price included).
Label Preview - A visual preview in Balto showing how the RFID label will appear before printing.
Media (Labels) - The tags or labels that are printed on.
Media Calibration - The process where the printer measures label size, spacing, and position so it can correctly print and encode RFID tags. Required whenever label type changes.
Media Type - The physical size of the RFID label being printed, configured per item and printer model.
Passive Tag - An RFID tag with no battery; it draws power from the reader’s signal.
Printhead - The heated component of the printer that transfers ink (via ribbon) onto the label.
Read Accuracy - The percentage of tags correctly read during a scan.
Read Range - The maximum distance at which a reader can successfully read a tag.
Read Rate - How many tags can be read per second.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) - A technology that uses radio waves to automatically identify and track items using tags and readers.
RFID Batch - A group of RFID tags generated together for printing. Each batch contains tags with unique EPCs.
RFID-Enabled Item - An item in Yellow Dog that is configured to use RFID and can have tags generated and printed.
RFID Setup Wizard - A guided setup process that must be completed before RFID can be used. This is automatically required when RFID is enabled.
RFID Sled - An external RFID reader that attaches to a handheld device, enabling long-range RFID scanning.
RFID Tag Queue - The staging area in Yellow Dog where items are added before RFID tags are generated into a batch.
Ribbon - The consumable material used in thermal transfer printers to print text and graphics onto RFID labels.
Ribbon Supply Spindle - The printer component that holds the unused ribbon before printing begins.
Ribbon Take-Up Spindle - The printer component that collects used ribbon during printing.
Sled Adapter - A hardware adapter that allows a handheld device to connect to an RFID sled, either physically or via Bluetooth.
Tag or Label (RFID Tag / RFID Label) - A small device attached to an item that stores identification data and communicates with RFID readers.
Test Print - A single test label printed to confirm printer alignment and RFID encoding before batch printing.
Thermal Transfer Printing - A printing method that uses heat and ribbon to produce durable RFID labels suitable for longer use.
UHF (Ultra High Frequency) - The most common RFID frequency for retail, supply chain, and inventory tracking. Long read range.
Zebra Browser Print - A required Zebra application that allows Balto to communicate with RFID printers through the browser.
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