CYBRA Debuts Locking RFID Seals

May 7, 2013 Alex Woodie

CYBRA last week unveiled Lock & EnCode, a new line of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that can be locked. CYBRA sees the new padlock-like devices being used to add security for high-value items, and also to provide a tamper-evident seal.

Lock & EnCode devices serve two functions. First, they bring the user traditional RFID item-tracking functionality. Secondly, they serve as a small padlock (breaking strength: about 29 foot-pounds of force) to secure items in transit.

The devices feature a plastic shell and a metal hasp. Once the lock has been set, the only way to open it is to cut the lock off. Authenticity of radio transmissions is secured via an Alien Higgs-3 circuit. The tags are EPCglobal Class 1 Gen 2 (version 1.2.0) compliant and function in the 860 Mhz to 960 Mhz radio band.

CYBRA says it developed the Lock & EnCode locking RFID seals in response to customer requests for a tamper evident seal. The Yonkers, New York, company sees the new tags being used to help secure the contents of plastic distribution totes used in a variety of industries, including automotive, beauty and cosmetics, food and beverage, electronics, pharmaceutical, textile, printing, and apparel.

CYBRA’s new Lock & EnCode RFID tags combine item-tracking and tamper-evident capabilities in an attractive plastic housing.

CYBRA is selling two versions of the Lock & EnCode devices. The standard design is gray, features CYBRA’s logo, and must be programmed by the user with CYBRA’s EdgeMagic EPC or EdgeMagic Mobile RFID encoding software.

The custom seals are delivered with programmed RFID user data encoded and permalocked to match serial numbers supplied by customer at time of order. They also come in six colors, and can be engraved with a customer’s design and a 128-bit barcode.

CYBRA, a longtime developer of barcode and RFID software for the IBM i server, did not disclosed pricing for the new device. For more information, see the vendor’s website at www.cybra.com.