It is possible to accurately and conveniently determine the origin, contents, position, and/or destination of a reusable container (such as a tote or bin, particularly for a manufacturing process) by applying a permanent adhesive label with embedded programmable RFID to the reusable container at a location where the RFID may be detected and reprogrammed. The RFID is programmed with accurate variable information including relating to at least one of the origin, contents, position, and destination of the container, and at at least one location the variable information of the RFID is detected. After a first use of the reusable container it is reprogrammed with other accurate variable information, and the detecting and reprogramming are repeated multiple times. Preferably the label is of a substantially moisture impermeable material such as a plastic film, or synthetic paper.