RFID Retail Solution – Frequently Asked Questions

Everything retailers ask about item-level RFID: anti-theft, inventory, POS/ERP integration, rollout, ROI—and more.

General

What is RFID and how is it better than barcodes?

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) uses radio waves to identify products automatically—no line-of-sight scanning. It reads many items at once, from a distance, enabling faster counts, fewer errors, and real-time stock visibility. Barcodes require manual, one-by-one scans and are prone to human error.

Can RFID and barcodes work together during transition?

Yes. Most retailers run a hybrid setup. RFID delivers item-level visibility, cycle counts and anti-theft, while barcodes continue supporting legacy workflows until migration is complete.

What kinds of tags do you use for retail?

UHF passive RFID tags are standard for apparel, footwear, cosmetics and accessories. We also supply specialty tags for jewelry, liquids and metal-packaged items. Tags can be encoded at carton or item level based on your process.

How does RFID improve goods receiving?

Using RFID tunnel or conveyor readers, cartons and item-level SKUs are validated instantly on arrival. This removes manual scanning, speeds up inbound processing, and eliminates mismatch errors.

Does RFID provide end-to-end visibility across my supply chain?

Yes. From DC receiving to inter-store transfers, replenishment, shop-floor counts and exit control, RFID keeps a live, SKU-level record of each item’s status and movement.

Anti-Theft & Security

How is RFID anti-theft better than traditional EAS gates?

EAS only detects a tag crossing an antenna. RFID identifies the exact SKU, time and exit path, and syncs with POS to know if the item is paid—delivering both theft prevention and inventory accuracy without bulky gates.

Where are the readers installed—will customers see them?

Readers are installed overhead or discreetly at exits and checkouts, keeping entrances open and premium-looking while maintaining high detection coverage.

Does the system only alert on unpaid items?

Yes. Our solution integrates with POS. Only items not recorded as sold trigger alerts, minimizing false alarms and improving staff response.

Can the system detect tampering or tag removal?

We support tamper-evident tag options. If a tag is removed or destroyed, the event is flagged during cycle counts or exit scans, helping identify shrink causes.

What happens when an unpaid item exits?

The system logs SKU, timestamp and exit data; it can trigger an audible alarm, push notifications to staff devices, and store the incident for reports and KPIs.

Inventory & Store Operations

How much faster are stock counts with RFID?

Cycle counts are typically up to 20× faster than barcode methods. Associates can scan thousands of items in minutes using handhelds or trolley readers.

How accurate is RFID for inventory?

RFID routinely delivers 98–99% accuracy for on-hand counts and movements, cutting out-of-stocks and overstocking while improving replenishment decisions.

Can RFID help locate a specific item on the floor?

Yes. Handheld readers support “Geiger” search to quickly locate a SKU in the backroom or sales floor—speeding up click-and-collect and improving customer service.

How does RFID support replenishment from the back store?

Transfers from back store to floor are validated by RFID, ensuring the right SKUs are replenished and recorded. Low-stock alerts can auto-trigger replenishment tasks.

Can RFID streamline checkout and reduce queues?

Yes. RFID checkout counters read all items in a marked zone at once. Our “de-strayer” design prevents stray reads, so billing is fast, accurate and queue-free.

Does RFID help with e-commerce orders from stores?

Absolutely. Associates can view online orders on handhelds, pick and audit items via RFID, and pack/dispatch with zero content errors for ship-from-store or click-and-collect.

Integration & Compatibility

Will this integrate with my existing POS or ERP?

Yes. We provide standard APIs and middleware to sync item status, sales and inventory with leading POS/ERP suites—no need to rip-and-replace core systems.

Do we need to replace all systems before using RFID?

No. Most retailers start with a pilot store or department, then scale. RFID layers onto current processes and can co-exist with barcodes during transition.

Will RFID interfere with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?

No. UHF RFID operates on dedicated frequencies and is designed to coexist with common in-store wireless technologies.

What hardware is involved?

Typical components include handheld readers, trolley readers, fixed readers with antennas, RFID printers/encoders, tunnel/conveyor readers at DC, and RFID checkout counters.

Can we get dashboards and analytics from RFID data?

Yes. You’ll have real-time dashboards for on-hand accuracy, shrink events, cycle counts, replenishment KPIs and order fulfillment—exportable to BI tools.

Cost, ROI & Deployment

What’s the cost range to implement RFID?

Costs depend on store size, read points and tag volumes. We typically start with a scoped pilot (1–2 departments or a single DC lane) to prove ROI and right-size rollout.

How soon do retailers see ROI?

Most achieve ROI in 12–18 months through reduced shrink, faster operations, lower labor costs and higher sales from better availability.

Will installation disrupt store operations?

Minimal disruption. Overhead readers and checkout zones are installed quickly (often off-hours). Staff can start cycle counting and replenishing the same day.

How much training do associates need?

Training is simple and role-based: 1–2 hours covers handheld use, search, counts and simple task workflows. Supervisors get dashboard/report training.

Can the solution scale to multiple regions and formats?

Yes. The architecture supports chains of any size, multiple countries, and mixed formats (flagship, outlet, warehouse, dark store) with centralized control.

Didn’t find your question? Our team can map your current process and propose the fastest RFID pilot. Talk to an RFID Expert

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