What information do RFID tags store?

RFID tags contain serial numbers and use radio waves to transmit their data to RFID handheld readers. Often our customers ask us if RFID tags can be encoded with more than just sequence numbers. We aim to answer that question, and more, for you today.

RFID tags hold one specific serial number for an asset. The layout/design of the tag can contain much more information than just the sequence number. Often we see things like logos, text, and color printed on the RFID tags that can help identify the tag and give it some identifiers. All the asset data is stored in the system you choose to pair with the tags, like our software RFTrack. When your handheld reader finds the asset tag it looks up the sequence number and the software you are using will pull up all the details like asset names and locations, or whatever specific asset details you chose to hold in the software. So the answer to the question is that RFID tags only hold a sequence number. The software and reader work together to pull up all the other asset information on your assets.

How does an RFID handheld reader actually read the sequence number from the tag? Any successful RFID system has three components: software, readers, and tags. Tags are placed on your assets, readers are scanning the tags, and the software you are using will look up the asset and mark the asset as inventoried. The readers emit a signal for the tag with an antenna. The RFID tags then use radio waves to send the sequence number back to the reader.

What kind of readers can you use with RFID tags? You can use handheld readers which can be moved by the user and taken to different locations to perform inventories. These are called Mobile readers. The other option is Fixed readers. These readers are installed at different locations and read tags that are close enough for the reader to get the signal, or are picked up when they pass by the reader. Normally you see these readers installed over doorways and exits so you can see the movement of RFID tags through your site.