ARC (Auburn Research Center) – a central standard for RFID label performance

Anyone implementing RFID projects in supply chains, retail, or global logistics networks quickly realizes that it is not only crucial that an RFID label can be read “somehow,” but that it works reliably and reproducibly under real-world conditions. This is exactly where ARC comes in.
ARC is an established testing and approval standard in many industries that evaluates the performance and consistency of UHF RFID tags and RFID labels. ARC is particularly well known in the context of large retail and supply chain requirements, including at Walmart.
RFID (radio frequency identification) technology enables contactless data transmission and identification of objects via radio waves. To ensure that this works reliably in everyday use, the inlay, antenna design, material environment, encoding, and application must all be compatible – and it is precisely this practical relevance that makes ARC so important as a testing program.

What does ARC mean in RFID?

In RFID practice, ARC stands for The Auburn University, Auburn Research Center (often abbreviated as “ARC certification”). RFID inlays/tags are tested according to defined specifications and application scenarios to ensure that they consistently achieve the required performance and quality.
Important: ARC is not a “technology” in the tag itself, but rather a proof of quality and performance for RFID label solutions – including requirements for repeatability, manufacturing quality, and suitability for use. A robust quality management system (QMS) in the production process is essential.

Why is ARC so important?

ARC is particularly important when RFID tags are used in large quantities and errors have immediate consequences – for example, in goods receipt, bulk recording, or automated sorting and shipping processes.

ARC helps to ensure that:

• RFID labels can be reliably read in the intended application, even with appropriate readers
• Performance and quality remain consistent across batches
• The selection and use of the correct inlay is traceable
• Approval processes are fulfilled in a structured manner by trading partners (e.g., Walmart)

ARC is often key to rolling out projects in a scalable and process-reliable manner, especially when it comes to retail requirements.

ARC, inlay category, and real-world application

In ARC processes, inlays are typically classified into specification or product categories. In practice, this classification is often sufficient to narrow down the appropriate antenna or inlay setup before fine-tuning (position, material environment, packaging) takes place. PMG explicitly describes this selection method for Walmart projects.

This makes ARC not just a “final check,” but a guideline system for making the right RFID decision from the outset.

What influences ARC clearance in practice?

Even with an approved inlay, the details of implementation determine whether it will be successful or cause problems.

Typical influencing factors are:

• Material and geometry of the packaging or product, e.g., clothing or other items
  
• Positioning of the RFID tag (distance from metal/liquids, kinks, overlaps)
  
• Antenna selection and inlay design appropriate for the application
  
• Encoding (e.g., EPC/SGTIN structures) and integration into RFID systems
  
  It is important to note that if significant changes are made at a later date (e.g., antenna type or packaging changes), re-verification may be necessary—this is a typical mechanism of such approval programs.

ARC approval process at a glance

The specific procedure may vary depending on the project. Essentially, however, it involves providing structured evidence to the testing program or the trading partner's requirements. PMG refers to a Walmart-oriented ARC process for this purpose, which includes form/submission steps and the provision of samples and documentation.

For companies, this means that ARC is not just a “seal,” but a clear process that brings together the product, label, and application and supports the database of tested products.

ARC in typical PMG application areas

ARC requirements are particularly relevant when RFID tags are used in demanding, standardized supply chains, for example in:

• Retail & supply chains (e.g., Walmart projects)
• ighly automated logistics and warehousing processes
• Serialization in industrial value chains
  
• Projects in which RFID quality, storage capacity, and repeatability are contractually/operationally critical

As a specialist in RFID labels and marking solutions, PMG provides particular support in selection, coordination, and implementation—including process-oriented support for such approval requirements.

Conclusion: 
ARC creates measurable security for RFID performance

ARC (The Auburn University, Auburn Research Center) is a practical standard for ensuring the performance, quality, and consistency of UHF RFID tags, especially in large, standardized supply chains. If you want to scale RFID technology, ARC reduces the risk of misreads, rework, and process interruptions, creating a solid foundation for reliable RFID processes.

FAQs

What is ARC certification and why is it important for RFID tags?

ARC certification is a globally recognized standard that ensures the quality, performance, and consistency of UHF RFID tags in real-world application scenarios. It is particularly important for ensuring reliable functionality in supply chains and retail, such as in Walmart projects.

How does the ARC approval process work?

The process involves testing RFID inlays and tags against specific specifications set by retail partners. Manufacturers submit samples that are tested under real production conditions. In addition, a robust Quality Management System (QMS) is required to ensure consistent production quality.

What role does ARC play in practice when selecting RFID inlays?

ARC helps classify inlays into appropriate specification categories in order to find the right antenna and design for different products and packaging. This optimizes the selection and implementation of RFID solutions from the outset and minimizes sources of error.

Why are repeatability and manufacturing quality crucial for RFID tags?

Because RFID tags are used in large quantities and under varying environmental conditions, it is important that their performance remains consistent across different batches. This is the only way to ensure that processes such as bulk recording, automatic sorting, and tracking can be carried out reliably