RFID Asset Tracking Software: 5 Options Compared

RFID asset tracking software tells you where your equipment, tools, containers and inventory are without anyone scanning barcodes one by one. Tags on each asset are read by radio, and the software turns those reads into locations, movement history and reports. This guide explains how RFID asset tracking works and compares five well-known RFID asset tracking software options, with their features, pros and cons.

How RFID asset tracking works

RFID (radio-frequency identification) is a technology that captures information from labels and tags. It is made up of a reader that sends out radio signals to the tags and reads the signals that they return.

An RFID tracking system automates the process of managing and finding physical assets. It works by storing data on an RFID tag attached to a specific object. This information can range from an owner’s name to the asset’s condition, quantity and location.

Passive, active and semi-passive RFID tags

Tags can be active or passive depending on their nature. In some cases a tag sits between the two: this is called a semi-passive tag. A battery is present in both active and semi-passive tags, whereas a passive tag is powered purely by the reader.

5 RFID asset tracking software options compared

Now that you understand how RFID asset tracking works, here are five widely used software options for data and asset tracking.

1. EZOfficeInventory

Features: fast verification of product-related data, and a mobile app to scan asset labels or integrate with third-party services.

• Pros: makes check-outs, inventory verification and other chores easier; rapid scanning and connection with third-party software; scans reliably even in tough environments.
• Cons: file uploads are limited to a certain size.

2. IntelliTrack

IntelliTrack is a cloud-based corporate solution that scales with your business and gives a detailed view of your requirements for well-informed decisions.

Features: assignees can reconcile asset counts on portable computers; a simple interface that scans assets quickly; complete reporting on each asset’s life cycle.

• Pros: suits businesses of all types and sizes; tracks asset schedules and positions in real time; data accessible from any internet-connected device; tracks multiple orders at once.
• Cons: the search widget does not always return correct results.

3. Virtual Asset Tracker (Radiant RFID)

Radiant RFID’s Virtual Asset Tracker offers precise position tracking and quick reporting. Public organisations, educational institutions and large enterprises are the best candidates, for emergency management, IT asset management, RFID mustering and education.

Features: simple integration with popular ERP systems, strong reporting and analytics, support for passive and active tags, and compatibility with fixed and handheld RFID scanners and phones.

• Pros: easy to use with a customisable interface; “last seen” location data improves accountability and reduces loss.
• Cons: relatively costly compared with other RFID asset tracking software.

4. A2B Tracking

A2B Tracking is a secure, cloud-based asset management system that uses RFID and advanced barcode tracking to improve asset and inventory visibility. It is highly scalable and used by small, medium and large businesses.

Features: track assets from your smartphone, import inventory data from your current system, and continuous hands-free monitoring 24 hours a day.

• Pros: detects the position and direction of moving objects; well suited to government agencies and commercial firms.
• Cons: no native Windows, iOS or Android apps; web and cloud deployment only.

5. Zebra

Zebra is a pioneer of RFID asset tracking, with more than four decades of enterprise solutions. It provides the analytics, software, services and hardware to connect people, assets and data, for logistics, healthcare, manufacturing and more.

• Pros: intelligent connection of people, assets and data; strong visibility and control; supports both RFID and barcode; tailored solutions on multiple devices.
• Cons: more expensive than many alternatives.

How to choose RFID asset tracking software

1. Asset volume and value. Thousands of low-cost items suit passive tags; high-value or moving assets may need active tags.
2. Environment. Metal, liquids and outdoor yards affect read range, so test tags and readers on site.
3. Integration. Check that the software connects to your ERP, WMS or terminal system.
4. Deployment. Decide between cloud and on-premise, and whether you need offline mobile scanning.
5. Total cost. Compare tags, readers, licences and support, not just the software price.

RFID asset tracking for plants, ports and warehouses

Suraj Informatics designs and integrates RFID and RTLS solutions for manufacturing plants, ports, container terminals and warehouses in India: tags, fixed and handheld readers, and software that links asset and vehicle movements to gate, yard and ERP systems on the GATIVRA platform.

RFID asset tracking software: common questions