A hybrid label is provided with a unique product identification code which
can be retrieved using multiple independent processes. In one embodiment,
the hybrid label includes an RFID inlay and a printable face sheet which
are secured together by a layer of adhesive material. The RFID inlay
includes an integrated circuit chip which is programmed with the unique
product identification code. The printable face sheet includes a bar code
and an alphanumeric character string, each of which is configured to
represent the same identification code. A product tracking system
designed in accordance with the hybrid label is able to extract the
unique identification code from the label and, in turn, associate the
identification code with a designated bundle of data records which is
located in an external database. The product tracking system can retrieve
the identification code through the use of either RFID technology, bar
code technology or manual data entry. The ability to monitor an
individual article of commerce throughout the retail supply chain
provides the system with, among other things, item-level tracking,
anti-counterfeit, anti-diversion, security and article return
applications.