What is RFID Asset Tracking and How Does it Work?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. Unlike traditional barcodes, RFID does not require line-of-sight scanning, making it faster, more accurate, and more efficient for managing assets, inventory, and supply chains.

An RFID system typically consists of:

  • Tags (Transponders): Attached to items, storing data such as product ID, location, or usage history.

  • Readers (Interrogators): Devices that capture the information from RFID tags.

  • Antennas: Facilitate communication between the tag and the reader.

  • Software/Middleware: Processes RFID data and integrates it with ERP, WMS, or other business systems.

How RFID Works

RFID works by sending a radio signal from the reader to the tag. The tag responds with stored information, which the system processes in real time. Depending on the application, RFID can work within a few centimeters (low-frequency RFID) or several meters (ultra-high frequency RFID).

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Zebra DS3608 Scanners

RFID vs. Barcodes

Barcodes have been the standard for decades, but RFID offers significant advantages:

  • No line of sight required

  • Multiple tags can be read simultaneously

  • Faster data capture speeds

  • Durable tags that withstand harsh environments

  • Better real-time visibility for inventory and asset management

Types of RFID Technology

  • Low Frequency (LF): Short-range applications like animal tagging or access control.

  • High Frequency (HF/NFC): Common in contactless payments and ID cards.

  • Ultra-High Frequency (UHF): Widely used in warehouses, retail, and logistics for long-range reading.

RFID Applications Across Industries

RFID tracking and applications are used in every industry to help advance supply chains and inventory managment.

Warehouse & Inventory Management
RFID helps businesses achieve near 100% inventory accuracy. Managers can track stock in real time, reduce out-of-stocks, and cut labor costs associated with manual scanning.
Retail & Point of Sale
From preventing theft to enabling self-checkout, RFID is transforming the retail experience by offering complete visibility from distribution center to store shelf.
Supply Chain & Logistics
RFID enables real-time tracking of shipments, pallets, and containers, ensuring faster deliveries, reduced shrinkage, and compliance with global trade standards.
Healthcare
Hospitals use RFID to track medical devices, manage medication inventory, monitor patient safety, and even locate critical assets like wheelchairs or infusion pumps.
Manufacturing
In production lines, RFID ensures accurate work-in-progress (WIP) tracking, streamlines processes, and improves quality assurance.
Security & Access Control
RFID badges allow secure entry to facilities, restricted areas, or computer systems, ensuring only authorized personnel gain access.

Challenges of RFID

While powerful, RFID does have challenges:

  • Initial setup costs can be higher than barcodes.

  • Metal and liquid can interfere with RFID signals.

  • Choosing the right frequency and tags requires expertise.

  • Integration with legacy systems can be complex.

Benefits of RFID

  • Improved Efficiency: Automates manual scanning and data collection.

  • Accuracy: Reduces human errors and ensures precise inventory counts.

  • Visibility: Provides real-time insight into asset location and movement.

  • Cost Savings: Cuts labor costs, reduces shrinkage, and prevents stockouts.

  • Scalability: Suitable for small businesses to large global enterprises.

RFID Questions for Zebra Technologies

What makes Zebra’s RFID solutions different from other brands?
Zebra offers an end-to-end RFID ecosystem, including tags, handheld readers, fixed readers, antennas, printers, and software. Their solutions are designed for seamless integration with warehouse management, inventory control, and enterprise systems.
Can Zebra RFID printers encode and print RFID labels at the same time?
Yes. Zebra’s RFID printers can simultaneously print, encode, and verify RFID labels, ensuring every tag is accurate before being applied to inventory or assets.
What industries use Zebra RFID most often?
Zebra’s RFID technology is widely used in warehousing, manufacturing, retail, logistics, and healthcare for inventory tracking, asset management, and supply chain visibility.
How accurate are Zebra RFID readers?
Zebra’s RFID readers are engineered to deliver read accuracy rates of over 99%, even in challenging environments with metal, liquids, or dense product stacks.
Does RFID work better than barcodes in a warehouse?
RFID offers real-time visibility and bulk scanning, which barcodes can’t provide. Zebra solutions allow multiple items to be scanned simultaneously without direct line of sight.
Can Zebra RFID integrate with existing WMS or ERP systems?
Yes. Zebra RFID solutions are designed to integrate with major warehouse management systems (WMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and supply chain platforms.
How durable are Zebra RFID labels and tags?
Zebra offers certified RFID labels and tags designed for harsh environments, including exposure to heat, cold, chemicals, and outdoor conditions.
What is the difference between passive and active RFID, and which does Zebra use?
Passive RFID relies on the reader’s energy to transmit data, making it cost-effective for large-scale tagging. Active RFID uses a battery for long-range, high-value asset tracking. Zebra primarily focuses on passive UHF RFID for inventory and logistics but also supports active RFID in specific use cases.
Contact an RFID Specialist