Skip to main content
Your Basket
FREE Next Day Delivery FREE Next Day Delivery On Orders Over £150*
Same Day Dispatch Same Day Despatch if you order before 4:30PM*
Credit Accounts Credit Accounts Available

Your cookie settings

We use cookies, to enhance your experience on our website and to show you personalised content.
You can allow all or manage them individually. Click here to find out more about our usage.
Warehouse worker searching for asset on tablet device

Take control of your asset estate with RFID asset tracking systems


RFID asset tracking systems empower businesses by allowing them to track and monitor the location and movements of their assets in real-time - be it equipment or even your workforce.

Everything from warehouse and retail inventory, to expensive machinery and workforce productivity, can be accurately tracked with radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology via a centralised platform.

An RFID asset tracking system will help your business:

  • Gain real-time visibility of your assets and inventory by reading RFID tags from anywhere within your location to improve operational efficiency and identify areas to cut costs.
  • Minimise loss and theft of valuable items by tracking them closely, or setting up a geofence to receive an alert when an asset leaves a set perimeter.
  • Eliminate manual tracking to reduce the possibility of inaccurate, outdated data, and release time back to workers to focus on their primary objectives.
  • Streamline operations, identify bottlenecks, and improve project outcomes by efficiently managing asset flow through your off-site projects. You can track the movement of assets in real-time to stay on top of everything.
  • Gain valuable insights into asset utilisation and performance to make informed decisions when purchasing new ones, identify areas to cut costs, improve resource management, and keep track of maintenance to extend their lifespan.

RFID EQUIPMENT RFID SOLUTIONS

What is RFID asset tracking?

A RFID asset tracking system is a combination of RFID labels or RFID tags (encoded by RFID printers), RFID readers, and antennas connected to asset tracking software to manage everything in one place.

Effectively implemented RFID asset tracking systems automate the process of tracking, locating, and monitoring physical assets that change location; capturing data which is stored in a centralised system for employees to access from anywhere. 

End-to-end RFID asset tracking solutions have become a must-have for organisations in industries such as healthcare, logistics, warehousing, retail, and construction, which rely heavily on their hardware and equipment estate to function.

Benefits of RFID Asset Tracking

  • Your workforce can quickly and efficiently obtain the necessary resources to complete their duties
  • Increase individual employee accountability while an asset is under their control
  • Removal of any potential errors that could arise from the manual input of data
  • Reduction in the need for staff to physically move into hazardous areas. This is because the RFID reader can accurately capture data from several feet away, as opposed to the more traditional barcode labelling solution where the tag would need scanning directly
  • Cost-effective, automated way to track, locate and monitor your physical assets.
  • Captured data is stored in a centralised systems for easy access
  • Eliminate the highly error-prone practices of using pen and paper, and Excel spreadsheets

Learn more about asset tracking in our guide on 'What is asset tracking and how does it work?'

How does RFID asset tracking work?

To have a complete and operational RFID asset tracking system, RFID labels or tags need to be attached to all physical assets that are likely to move location. These tags emit radio signals that can be detected by handheld, wearable, and fixed mount RFID readers. Asset labels are printed and embedded with RFID using your own RFID thermal label printers, or by outsourcing to a third-party RFID labelling service provider.

A portable RFID reader built into a mobile computer sends a signal to the asset tag, which then responds with its unique identification number. Fixed readers can also be installed throughout a facility or location. As assets pass within a range of readers, their location and other data are automatically transmitted and recorded in your intuitive asset tracking software on your mobile device while your workers are on the go.

  1. RFID labels or tags are attached to an organisation’s physical assets (More on the difference between labels and tags in the section below).
  2. RFID tags hold information about the asset including name, ID number and any other information the organisation chooses to add.
  3. RFID tags emit radio signals that are read from up to several feet away by RFID readers.
  4. Data is automatically transmitted back to your asset tracking software for workers on the go, enabling them to have full visibility.

ASK A QUESTION

The different types of RFID tags and levels of frequency


RFID tags are small electronic devices that use an antenna and microchip to transmit and receive information. The microchip stores the data that needs to be transferred. Assets can be tagged with different types of RFID tags; Active, Passive, and Semi-Passive. Each tag operates differently, and you must understand the use of each to ensure your RFID asset tracking solution works effectively. We’ll explore the different types of RFID tags and levels of frequency below.

Active RFID tags

  • Battery operated, lasting 3 - 5 years
  • Continuously transmit a signal.
  • Signal range up to 150 meters.
  • Most commonly used to track assets in real-time.
  • Often encased in a rugged shell to weather harsh environments.
  • The larger of the two types of RFID tags.
  • An active RFID system requires a reader, an antenna, and a tag.
There are two types of Active tags available – transponders and beacons. Active transponder tags respond to a signal from the reader and send a signal back with the relevant information. Active beacon tags automatically send out its required information every 3 – 5 seconds.


Passive RFID tags

  • No internal power source – powered by an RFID reader or antenna via electromagnetic waves.
  • Wait for a signal from an RFID reader or antenna, then respond.
  • Lower signal range than Active RFID tags.
  • Small and lightweight.
  • Can be printed by an RFID thermal label printer
  • Longer life expectancy than Active RFID tags.
  • Cost-effective way of implementing an RFID asset tracking solution.

There are three different frequencies to consider when procuring your Passive RFID tags – low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and ultra-high frequency systems. It is important to know which is most suitable for your requirements as frequency output can alter the size, cost, communication quality, and overall performance.

Low frequency wavelength

Low frequency RFID systems

  • Frequencies range from 30KHz to 300 KHz, but typically between 125KHz and 134KHz.
  • The reader must be close to the tag, within around 10cm.
  • Relatively slow read speed.
  • Long wavelength that allows signals to penetrate solid materials and high water content.
  • Not very sensitive to radio wave interference.
  • Not often recommended for an RFID asset tracking system – more commonly used for access control.>
High frequency wavelength

High frequency RFID systems

  • Frequencies range from 3MHz to 30MHz, but typically at 13.56MHz.
  • Read range limited to 10 metres.
  • Good penetration of solid materials and high water content.
  • Moderate level of radio wave interference.
  • Can be used for RFID asset tracking of smaller assets, but more commonly used for data transfer applications and payment systems.
ultra-high frequency wavelength

Ultra-high frequency RFID systems

  • Frequencies range from 300MHz to 3GHz, but typically between the UHF Gen2 standard of 860MHz to 960 MHz.
  • Greater read range of up to 150 meters.
  • Faster data transfer speeds than other forms of RFID.
  • Shorter wavelengths hinder signals from passing through metal or water.
  • Most RFID asset tracking systems operate with ultra-high frequency ranges.
Semi-Passive RFID tags can also be used as part of your RFID asset tracking system – these feature an internal battery as well as an antenna and RFID chip, but are only effective when used in close distance of an RFID reader

Why partner with a RFID solution provider?

The Barcode Warehouse is an RFID solution provider, offering asset tracking systems, supply chain management, access control and more.
We take a consultative approach; working with clients to build a tailored RFID solution to suit their unique business requirements.
We work with leading RFID asset tracking hardware and software manufacturers to offer the very latest technology for your project. From handheld and wearable RFID tags and readers, to printers, labels, and locker solutions, our experts will find the best fit for you. We also own a UK-based labels manufacturing facility to help with your bespoke label needs, including design, printing, and RFID embedding.
Get in touch with our RFID asset tracking experts today for a free consultation.
Back To Top