Tag-based product monitoring and evaluation

An arrangement, comprising:

• a product package for a product;
• and
• a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag provided with the product package, the RFID tag comprising:
• a memory that stores at least one of a unique identifier, product detail data, and product usage data for the product;
• a continuity trace that extends from the product package to an access covering of the product package;
• an antenna configured to be excited by an electromagnetic field received from an RFID tag reader;
• and
• a tag processor configured to:
• detect a change in continuity of the continuity trace and identify whether the product package has been opened based at least in part on the change in the continuity of the continuity trace;
• and
• store a continuity status indicator and a timing associated with whether the product package has been opened based at least in part on the change in the continuity of the continuity trace.

A method, comprising:

• detecting, with a processing device, a change in continuity of a trace that extends from a product package to an access covering of the product package, the trace being coupled to a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag;
• storing a continuity status indicator and a timing at which the continuity of the trace has changed;
• and
• calculating, with the processing device, a date upon which a product in the product package will expire based at least in part on the timing at which the continuity of the trace has changed and product detail data related to the product.

A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag for use on a product package, the RFID tag comprising:

• a continuity trace configured to extend from the product package to an access covering of the product package;
• an antenna configured to be excited by an electromagnetic field;
• and
• a tag processor configured to:
• identify that the product package has been opened based at least in part on a change in continuity of the continuity trace;
• and
• store a continuity status indicator and a timing associated with whether the product package has been opened in a memory based at least in part on the change in the continuity of the continuity trace.