Tag, You’re It: Best Practices for Metrc RFID Tagging
Tag, You’re It: Best Practices for Metrc RFID Tagging
What is RFID?
To start at the beginning, “RFID” stands for “Radio Frequency Identification.” RFID tags emit a low-power radio signal with a unique identifier. Where you might scan bar codes at the supermarket to differentiate, say, deodorant from bananas, RFID goes a couple of steps further: each individual plant or inventory item has its own unique code, whereas each banana at the store does not. Unlike bar codes, no line of sight is required to scan RFID tags. You simply need to be in proximity to the item. Although RFID provides many advantages over bar-code, it does have limitations that need to be considered.
RFID Tags Primary Susceptibilities:
Tag Placement
Cannabis Packages
As directed by Metrc Inc, “the package should have the RFID tags attached in a visible location where the tag can be easily seen and scanned”. Metrc RFID Tags should not be placed on top of one another in a way that would have the tags detune each other. Simple placement so the tags to have minimal spacing will keep the tags readable. Please note, detuning is not a permanent issue and only happens while the tags are touching.
Avoid use of metal containers or enclosure or bags with a foil lining. This may not allow the tag to read. Clear plastic bags or plastic or containers with the tag securely attached to the outside in plain view is optimal. A bag with a foil back with a clear front will work a long as the tag is place on the clear front when the package is full.
Cannabis Plants
Metrc Inc. directs “that smaller plants such as a clone(s) or immature plant(s) utilize the attachment strap to hold the tag upright in the growth medium”. This will keep the Metrc RFID tag out of the growth medium that may be wet causing performance issues for the RFID tags. Please note that a wet tag may experience performance issues while wet but will achieve nominal performance again when dry.
Metrc Inc. directs “that when plants reach a viable point to support the weight of the tag and attachment strap, the tag should be securely fastened to a lower supporting branch”. This step is a very important step. A tag placed on the plant where the tag is attached to the stalk or laying on or covered by the growth medium may not read. If the medium is wet or the material is covering may cause the tags unreadable. This also puts the tags in a poor orientation for reading by the device.
