RFID knowledge for retail, IT and operations
Understand RFID. Make better decisions.
This knowledge hub guides you from RFID basics through standards, tags, readers and read zones to concrete retail processes such as inventory, omnichannel, replenishment, loss prevention and pilot planning.
Learning paths
From basic terms to a reliable RFID decision.
Start with the article that matches your question. If RFID is new to your team, begin with the basics. If you are already testing, jump straight to technology, retail processes or pilot planning.
Basics & standards
Terms, frequencies, RAIN RFID, EPC, GS1 and EPCIS as the foundation.
Tags, readers & read zones
Technical selection without data-sheet guesswork: material, range, antennas and readers.
Retail processes
Where RFID first creates measurable value in stores, DCs and omnichannel processes.
Pilot & business case
From first test to reliable rollout decision with clear KPIs.
Quick start
The most important articles for a first overview.
These articles answer the questions that almost always appear first in RFID projects: what RFID is, how it works, how it differs from barcodes and when it creates value.
Start article
What is RFID?
A simple introduction for retail: contactless identification, item-level data and the difference between labels, readers and process logic.
Practical question
RFID vs. barcode
Barcodes remain important. RFID extends them where multiple items need to be identified quickly, contactlessly and without line of sight.
Article overview
All RFID knowledge articles by decision situation.
The overview is sorted by task, not alphabetically. This helps buying teams, IT, store operations and loss prevention find the right entry point faster.
Basics
- What is RFID? A simple introduction to trading
- How does RFID work? Tag, reader, antenna and software explained
- RFID vs. Barcode: What is the difference?
- RFID vs. NFC: What’s the difference?
- RAIN RFID simply explained
- RFID frequencies: LF, HF, NFC and UHF at a glance
- Passive, active and semi-passive RFID tags: What retailers should know
Standards & data
- RFID tag, transponder, inlay and label: the terms simply explained
- EPC simply explained: The digital key for RFID items
- GS1 and RFID: Why standards make rollouts easier
- EPCIS explained simply: RFID readings become event data
- RFID encoding: What belongs on the tag and what goes into the backend
- RFID and data protection: What retailers should consider
- Source tagging explained simply
Hardware & environment
- RFID reader simply explained: handheld, stationary or gate?
- RFID antennas and reading zones: Why control is more important than range
- RFID reading range: What is realistic and what is not
- RFID and material: correctly evaluate metal, liquid and packaging
- Select RFID labels: Buy directly or test first?
Store & omnichannel
- RFID in the store: Which processes benefit first?
- RFID inventory: counting faster is just the beginning
- Inventory accuracy with RFID: Why system inventory and reality often diverge
- Replenishment with RFID: From the warehouse to the field faster
- RFID and Omnichannel: Why reliable store stocks are crucial
- Click & Collect with RFID: Fewer searches, fewer cancellations
- RFID and self-checkout: combining convenience and control
EAS & supply chain
Industries & rollout
Next step
Turn knowledge into a testable use case.
Once the basics are clear, the next step is a concrete process: item group, environment, read moment, target data and KPI. That is how a useful RFID test starts.
Check readiness
Clarify where RFID can create the biggest impact: inventory, omnichannel, EAS, supply chain or store operations.
Compare products
Select RFID inlays, labels and hardware for your application and test before rollout.
Prepare a use case
Turn process question, product group and data logic into a pilot that delivers measurable answers.