Walmart, the retail giant known for setting industry standards, is making a major push toward Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. This shift promises better inventory management, reduced shrinkage, and a more seamless shopping experience for customers. It also places new demands on suppliers.

As RFID adoption continues to grow across Walmart’s supply chain, EMP Labels is already ahead of the curve. We’ve manufactured and sold millions of RFID tags currently in use by Walmart suppliers. If you're being asked to incorporate RFID into your packaging, we’re here to help get your labels approved and ready to ship.

Why RFID?
RFID technology allows retailers to track inventory real-time with greater accuracy using radio waves rather than relying on manual barcode scans. Unlike barcodes, which require a direct line of sight to be scanned, RFID tags can be read from a distance and can simultaneously scan multiple items at once. This translates into:

• Faster Inventory Checks – RFID can reduce the time spent on cycle counts from weeks to hours.
• Better Stock Accuracy – Ensures products are on shelves when customers need them.
• Reduced Theft and Shrinkage – Provides better visibility into product movement.
• Improved Customer Experience – Helps maintain stock levels and supports services like Buy Online, Pick Up in Store (BOPIS).

Walmart’s Expansion of RFID Use
Walmart initially began implementing RFID in apparel in 2020 and has since expanded it to other categories, including:

• Electronics
• Home goods
• Toys
• Automotive supplies

The company has mandated that suppliers tag products with RFID labels, ensuring that inventory data remains consistent across warehouses, stores, and online channels. This is part of Walmart’s broader effort to streamline omnichannel shopping and improve supply chain efficiency.

How RFID Benefits Walmart’s Operations

1. Optimized Restocking
   With real-time tracking, Walmart can quickly identify which items need to be replenished, reducing out-of-stock issues and lost sales.
2. Enhanced Loss Prevention
   RFID makes it easier to track when and where a product moves, reducing theft and operational losses.
3. Frictionless Checkout (Potential Future Use)
   While Walmart hasn’t fully transitioned to RFID-enabled checkout yet, the technology could eventually enable cashier-less stores, similar to Amazon Go.

Challenges and Considerations
While the benefits of RFID are clear, the transition comes with its own set of challenges:

• Upfront Costs – RFID tags are more expensive than traditional barcodes, though costs are decreasing as adoption increases.
• Supplier Compliance – Walmart’s mandate requires suppliers to invest in RFID tagging, which may be a burden for smaller vendors.
• Technology Integration – Upgrading existing infrastructure to fully leverage RFID requires significant investment and training.

The Future of Retail with RFID
Walmart’s adoption of RFID is a signal to the rest of the industry: Automation and real-time inventory tracking are the future. As technology costs decrease and more retailers adopt RFID, the entire retail ecosystem could shift toward a more efficient, data-driven supply chain.

With Walmart leading the charge, it’s only a matter of time before RFID becomes the industry standard. Will we see fully automated stores in the future? If Walmart’s track record is any indication, it’s definitely possible.

How EMP Labels Can HelpEMP Labels is already a trusted partner for Walmart suppliers and has manufactured and shipped millions of RFID-enabled labels currently in use throughout Walmart’s system. If you’ve been asked to include RFID on your packaging, whether by Walmart or another customer, we’re ready to help.

We’ll guide you through the process, ensure your labels meet all necessary requirements, and get your packaging ready for approval and production.

• Fast turnaround on RFID label production
• Expertise in compliance with Walmart’s requirements
• Seamless integration with your packaging
• ​In-house graphic support at no extra cost

Whether you're just getting started with RFID or need to scale up quickly, EMP Labels is ready to support your success.

Are you ready for RFID?
​Reach out today and let us help you get your labels Walmart-ready.
Contact us or drop a comment below. We’d love to hear your thoughts on Walmart’s RFID expansion. 

In today’s manufacturing and industrial landscape, safety and compliance are top priorities. One certification that stands out across multiple industries is UL Certification. But what exactly does it mean, why is it important, and who can produce UL-certified products? Let’s break it down.

What is UL Certification?
UL, or Underwriters Laboratories, is a globally recognized safety certification organization that tests and certifies products to ensure they meet stringent safety and performance standards. A UL Certification signifies that a product has been evaluated and approved to comply with established safety regulations, reducing risks associated with electrical, fire, and mechanical hazards.

UL offers various certifications depending on the product type and industry, including:

• UL Listed – A mark that confirms a product meets UL’s safety requirements and is suitable for consumer or industrial use.
• UL Recognized – This applies to components used within a larger product and ensures their safe integration.
• UL Classified – Indicates that a product has been tested for specific hazards or properties.

Why is UL Certification Important?
UL Certification provides significant benefits to manufacturers, distributors, and consumers alike:

1. Safety Assurance – UL-certified products undergo rigorous testing to prevent safety hazards such as electrical malfunctions, fire risks, and structural weaknesses.
2. Regulatory Compliance – Many industries and governmental bodies require UL Certification to meet safety regulations and industry standards.
3. Market Trust and Credibility – A UL mark on a product assures consumers and businesses that it has met high safety and performance benchmarks.
4. Reduced Liability – Companies that use UL-certified products mitigate risks of defects, recalls, or legal consequences related to safety violations.
5. Global Acceptance – UL is widely recognized across international markets, making it easier for certified products to gain approval in different regions.

Who Can Produce UL-Certified Products?
Not all manufacturers can simply place a UL mark on their products. To obtain UL Certification, a company must:

• Work with UL to have their product tested in a UL laboratory.
• Ensure their manufacturing processes meet UL standards.
• Undergo periodic inspections to maintain compliance.

Companies in various industries, including electronics, industrial equipment, and medical devices, often seek UL Certification to enhance product safety and reliability.

UL-Certified Labels and EMP Labels’ Role
For industries that require UL-certified labels, such as electrical equipment and industrial machinery, EMP Labels provides durable, high-performance solutions that comply with UL standards. UL-certified labels must withstand harsh conditions while maintaining legibility, making them critical for safety and compliance.
If your business requires UL-compliant labeling solutions, EMP Labels can guide you through the process and provide labels that meet regulatory requirements.

Conclusion
UL Certification is more than just a safety mark, it’s a testament to a product’s reliability, compliance, and commitment to consumer safety. Whether you’re a manufacturer looking to certify your products or a business seeking UL-approved components, understanding UL Certification is key to ensuring safety and credibility in the marketplace.
For more information on UL-compliant labels and how EMP Labels can assist your business, reach out to us today!