An apparatus for applying a programmable transponder to a target includes
an applicator disposed adjacent to a tagging zone into which the target
is conveyed and a feed-system for transporting a label to the applicator,
each of the labels having a programmable transponder. A radiation source
is disposed to illuminate a programming zone into which the label is
transported. This radiation source communicates tag-information to the
transponder. The communication of tag-information can occur either before
or after the transponder is applied to the target.