RFID inventory - Additional recommendations

With RFID inventorying, you can complete an inventory without scanning each item individually.

We guide you through the inventory process in the following article: RFID inventory

In this article, we provide additional recommendations to consider before or during the inventory process.


Attaching RFID Tags to Items

We recommend attaching the label to items as follows:

  • 44x18mm label
    • Try to attach the label to a wooden or plastic surface.
    • Label must not be attached to metal surfaces or placed next to metal. We also recommend avoiding fabric surfaces, if possible.
  • 60x25mm label (MoM)
    • This label is designed to be attached to metal surfaces or near metal.

Additional guide:

  • Ensure the information on the label matches the item it is attached to.
  • Press the label firmly against the surface.
  • Attach the label in the same location on items of the same model, ensuring that label's information is visible when needed.
  • Recommended attachment points: Under the tabletop of a desk. Under the seat or on the leg of a chair. On the back of a monitor
  • If the size of an item or furniture needs to be verified, it's advisable to bring a measuring tape when attaching labels.

Before Starting the Inventory

  • Make sure the handheld scanner and the phone attached to it are fully charged.
    • Keep the phone attached to the handheld reader, as it charges at the same time.
    • You can charge the handheld reader using a charging dock or a power cable.
  • Do a quick scan of the space: Are there any items without labels? Are the labels attached correctly? Do any labels need replacing? These may affect the progress of the inventory.
    • Write down any observations so the information can be updated either before or after the inventory.

During the Inventory

  • Reserve enough time to complete the inventory.
  • Make sure each area of the location is available during the process.
  • Move calmly between groups of items (for example, clusters of desks), pointing the reader at each item. If there are many obstacles or surfaces between the label and the reader, the signal might weaken or fail.
  • If there is a group items where some are not found during inventory, you can either do another inventory round, or manually scan the QR codes of those items using the reader or the Trail mobile app before closing the inventory.
  • Any items found in a different location will be updated to the correct inventory location when the inventory is closed.

Scanner's scanning distance

  • In office spaces, it’s best to use a 2–5 meter reading range, as a 10-meter range might pick up items from another floor.
  • A 10-meter range works well in warehouse areas where there are no other locations (such as multiple floors).