All types of retail businesses can benefit from technological advancements. One area of focus has emerged as many retailers move to a more omni-channel model. Such a move requires that they look for ways to streamline and integrate all of their operations. That’s where RFID retail comes in.

RFID is a wireless tracking communication technology. While it’s primarily thought of as an inventory tool. its capabilities will actually touch nearly all aspects of running a retail business. And many enterprise retailers, such as Uniqlo, lululemon, and Target are already well acquainted with its use. But how can small businesses retailers take advantage of RFID? Here’s a detailed guide about RFID and its retail benefits.

Table of Contents

1. RFID Tags and Scanners
2. What Sets RFID Apart From Barcode Tech
3. Current Implementation of RFID In Retail
4. RFID In 2023 and Beyond
5. Challenges In RFID Technology

RFID Hardware and Functionality

In many ways, RFID is designed to work much like a traditional barcode. The two main components of an RFID system are the tag, and the reader. Here’s a bit more info about each of these:

RFID Tags

RFID smart tags vary in size, and are continuing to be made smaller and smaller. They contain information like serial numbers and descriptions, and hold tiny radio transmitters that relay that information to readers.

There are also two types of tags: passive and active. Passive tags are typically less expensive, and require a much closer scan from an RFID reader. That’s because they don’t contain an internal power source, and rely on being powered by the readers themselves. They can relay at a range of about 12 meters.

On the other hand, active RFID tags do contain an internal battery, and constantly emit a signal to be picked up by readers. Some of these active tags work up to a 100 meter range. As such, they are unsurprisingly more costly.

RFID Readers

RFID readers are the devices that scan the tags in order to transmit data. They come either as fixed or mobile. Fixed readers look like modems. They are the more powerful option, and can usually scan a whole warehouse. These readers can also be utilized at the point of sale to count all of the items in a basket at once.

Mobile RFID readers kind of look like a barcode scanner, but with a long flat panel facing outwards, similar to a contactless credit card machine. They are less expensive and require no installation. In addition, mobile readers are great for locating items in storage rooms. The readers beep faster when they are closer to a desired item, much like a Geiger counter.

RFID Technology In Retail: How Does It Differ From Regular Barcodes?

Although they are used for performing the same functions as barcodes and barcode scanners, RFID systems differ significantly and are an upgrade in almost every way. Here are a couple of reasons why:

RFID Doesn’t Require A Direct Line of Sight

Unlike traditional barcode scanners, RFID readers can scan a tag by just being in proximity, without the need for a direct line of sight. In other words, you can scan multiple tags at the same time just by grazing over a box of items in your store room. This saves considerable time, effort, labor, and money.

Pick Up Dozens At Once

Because they respond to a set proximity, RFID scanners can pick up on many tags all at once. If you have different types of items in the same area of the stockroom, an RFID scanner can account for all of those individual items at a lightning speed. This also means that in a retail checkout setting, all purchase items can be accounted for almost immediately.

How Are RFID Tags Currently Being Used?

RFID is the natural replacement for many of the functions of the barcode system. In the retail industry today, RFID is used most frequently in inventory management, but there are other common applications, too.

Inventory Management

Many retail businesses have invested in RFID technology in order to increase the accuracy and efficiency of their inventory management. In fact, some studies show that the RFID scans can raise inventory accuracy up to 95%. Faster, more precise readings offer multiple benefits for retailers.

Receiving Incoming Products 

RFID technology allows you to easily scan new products into your inventory as they arrive from suppliers. No need to break open boxes and scan individual barcodes. As long as you properly program your reader with the correct sensitivity, you can focus on whatever size shipment you receive.

Finding Items

As previously mentioned, RFID can be used as a type of beacon to locate specific items in a warehouse. Simply program your portable scanner to look for a specific item. As you get closer to that item, your scanner will beep more rapidly until you arrive right on top of it.

Lowering Labor Time and Cost

Eliminating manual entry, removing products, and locating barcodes significantly reduces time and energy resources needed to do stock counts. That means staff can focus on other tasks at hand. This saves businesses owners ample labor costs.

Returns and Restocking

Processing returns continues to be a pain point for retailers. Some stores have begun using software in conjunction with their RFID technology to help optimize the return process. They simply scan an RFID item into their system and the software tells them where in the store that item should be returned to in order to maximize organization and sale potential.

Enhanced Fulfillment

Improved accuracy drives so much of the rest of your fulfillment process. An omni-channel retail presence relies greatly on having accurate counts across all of your inventory. As such, if you want to offer shopper options like checking stock numbers online, or buy online pick-up in-store, you should opt for RFID tech.

The Future of RFID

The next big impact that RFID will have on retail is in the checkout process. As the technology becomes more precise, affordable, and readily available, it will find its way into point of sale systems across all retail verticals.

Revolutionize Checkout Process

Imagine your customers shopping for items at your business, whether it be clothes at a thrift store, or snacks and drinks at a convenience shop. They fill up their basket and approach the checkout counter for self-service. They then simply lower that basket into a fixed RFID reader and, voila, all of the items are immediately scanned into the system. 

Revolutionize Checkout Process

Imagine your customers shopping for items at your business, whether it be clothes at a thrift store, or snacks and drinks at a convenience shop. They fill up their basket and approach the checkout counter for self-service. They then simply lower that basket into a fixed RFID reader and, voila, all of the items are immediately scanned into the system. 

At this year’s NRF Conference, we showcased our RFID self checkout kiosk for our visitors. Here’s a video showing its look and functionality:

KORONA POS can make this type of checkout a reality. We offer cohesive and seamless integrations with the best readers and information technology systems that deal with interchanging RFID tag data. RFID checkout will help your business in an array of important ways:

• Shorter checkout lines

• Faster and frictionless UX

• Accurate scanning with no unaccounted items 

• Enhanced security and theft detection

Beyond Inventory And Checkout

The benefits and bonuses that RFID provides will continue to develop. Eventually, it is likely to influence the whole supply chain system. After all, RFID emits more accurate information in real-time. And in some instances the capabilities are quite remarkable. 

For example, in the cannabis industry, some RFID tags can even relay information about temperature and humidity conditions to producers. Tracking products from their inception in the factory all the way through delivery to the end user will be more accurate, traceable, and cohesive with RFID technology.

Store Layout Optimization

Additionally, RFID proximity triggering will affect how stores are laid out, displays are created, and merchandising is strategized. Eventually fixed RFID readers will be able to track shopper movements throughout the retail floor. This data will offer retailers insight about consumer habits and store layout effectiveness.

Virtual Stylist

Imagine a fitting room with a LED panel mirror that responds to nearby RFID tagged items. You try on a shirt, the screen allows you to virtually change colors or patterns of the article of clothing while suggesting complementary items. This kind of tech is actually already being explored by some enterprise brands in select stores.

Existing Limitations With RFID

As with any emerging technology, there are some current limitations to using RFID. While these challenges are likely to be solved in the future, they are worth noting for retailers that are interested in implementing RFID right now.

RFID Cost 

As a newer and more advanced tech, RFID readers cost more than barcode scanners. Unsurprisingly, each tag that is used for RFID also costs more than a regular barcode tag. That’s because of the more complex micro components that are held within them. 

Consequently, using these tags for lower cost items, like candy bars or socks, might not make sense for some retailers. Nonetheless, the average tag cost has already come down considerably, and is likely to be much more affordable in the near future.

Physical Shields

There are some situations where inventory from back storage areas can “bleed” into sales floors. This can confuse RFID readers when used by employees to track down products or perform stock counts. In these types of circumstances it might be necessary for retailers to build physical shields, typically of metal material, to block the unintended RFID tag transmitter waves from coming through the walls.

Standardization

To reach its full potential, RFID will require some kind of standardization. Across different countries, industries, technology providers, and retailers, having a system that seamlessly integrates and shares information is a must. Again, it’s in the best interest of RFID-related businesses to make this dream a reality.

KORONA POS and RFID

For now, KORONA POS offers the best available point of sale RFID capabilities on the market. Whether you want to utilize the technology for optimizing inventory management, streamlining your checkout kiosks, or both, we’ve got you covered. 

Our in-house technicians are here 24/7 to make sure you have the best hardware setup and integrated with our award-winning POS. Give us a call today to schedule a demo and learn more about what we have to offer!