FAQ Guide:How RFID Works in Warehouse

1. What exactly does RFID do in a warehouse?

Think of RFID as giving every box, pallet, or even single product a “voice.” Instead of workers scanning barcodes one by one, RFID tags allow items to be identified automatically through radio signals. When forklifts drive past readers or goods pass through dock doors, the system instantly knows what’s moving, where it’s going, and whether it’s in the right place.

2. How is RFID different from barcodes?

Barcodes are like nametags—you have to point a scanner directly at them to read. RFID, on the other hand, works more like Wi-Fi; it can pick up signals without direct line-of-sight. That means dozens or even hundreds of items can be identified at once, even if they’re stacked inside a carton or sitting on a high shelf.

3. Do warehouses need to change their entire setup to use RFID?

Not necessarily. Many warehouses start small, maybe just by adding RFID gates at receiving docks or equipping forklifts with readers. Over time, they can expand to cover picking, inventory checks, and even automated shipping verification. The key is that RFID adapts—you don’t have to rebuild the whole warehouse to get started.

4. Is RFID only useful for big distribution centers?

No, even smaller warehouses benefit. For example, a mid-sized operation that struggles with misplaced items can use RFID shelves or handheld readers to cut down search times. Larger facilities often see bigger gains because of the scale, but the technology scales both ways.

5. How accurate is RFID in tracking items?

Accuracy depends on tag quality, placement, and the reader setup. In a well-designed system, read rates can exceed 95–99%. But it’s not magic—metal surfaces, liquids, and interference can sometimes block signals. Warehouses usually adjust by using different types of tags or installing more readers in tricky areas.

6. Can RFID track real-time movement inside the warehouse?

Yes, but with nuance. Passive RFID gives snapshots—items are read when passing a gate or scanned by a handheld. Active RFID, which has its own battery, can provide continuous location tracking like GPS inside the warehouse. Companies often mix both depending on how precise they need to be.

7. What about the cost—does it pay off?

RFID isn’t cheap upfront, especially if thousands of tags and multiple readers are involved. But warehouses that adopt it often find the savings in labor, fewer errors, and better inventory accuracy cover the investment. Think fewer “lost” pallets, faster cycle counts, and smoother order fulfillment.

8. Can RFID integrate with existing warehouse software?

Most RFID systems are designed to plug into WMS (Warehouse Management Systems) or ERP platforms. When a pallet is tagged and scanned, the system updates inventory records instantly. That means managers see real-time stock levels without sending someone to count manually.

CK-C2 UHF RFID Inventory Scanner Cart​

2025-12-12

Cykeo CK-C2 UHF RFID inventory cart features 10 UHF readers, 500 tags/sec scanning, Windows/Android OS, and hybrid power for warehouses/libraries. Supports ISO 18000-6C protocols and customization.

CK-DP13A INDUSTRIAL RFID WORKSTATION

2025-12-12

Cykeo’s industrial RFID Inventory Tracking station features dual scanning modes, 200+ items/sec bulk reading, and SAP integration for precise warehouse management. MIL-STD-810G certified with Windows/Android OS.

CK-D7L UHF RFIDINVENTORY VEHICLE

2025-12-12

Cykeo CK-D7L RFID system for inventory offers 40+ tags/sec scanning, 150L secure storage, and Impinj R2000 chipset for warehouses, toolrooms, and retail. Global frequency compliance (840-960MHz).

CK-C1 Mobile RFID Scanner Cart

2025-12-12

Cykeo CK-C1 mobile RFID scanner cart features PLC-controlled antenna lifting, 10-tag/sec reading, and 21.5″ touchscreen for libraries, hospitals, and warehouses. Supports Windows/Android and multi-protocol RFID.