Electronic data collection systems namely, radio frequency identification tags and bar code strips, electronic data collection readers for reading, collecting and manipulating data contained in the radio frequency tags and bar code strips, for use in materials handling, warehousing, transportation and logistics; computer operating software used to configure electronic data collection readers for the purpose of reading, collecting and manipulating data contained in the radio frequency identification tags and bar code strips and computer software for transferring data stored on such electronic data collection readers to computer systems and networks, for use in materials handling, warehousing, transportation and logistics