A method for applying at least one RFID product tag to each of a plurality
of products and to a product-containing container. Each product, case, or
box is first unloaded from a container (e.g. pallet, tote, crate) or
passed directly from manufacturing onto a conveyor whereon each item
receives at least one RFID tag. Each RFID tag is then verified. Multiple
items are then re-stacked in a container. An RFID tag is applied to the
container and then the RFID tags are verified again before the container
is shipped. Serialized numbers corresponding to products and containers
are assigned and tracked. EPC data is stored on, or associated with, each
RFID tag. RFID tags are verified to detect faulty placement and
non-functionality. Non-functioning and poorly placed RFID tags are
replaced before passing verification. The slap-and-ship line can handle
execute-and-record methods and synchronized execution methods of handling
product and associated data.