Written by Richard Sutherland Reviewed by Maïté Bouhali Updated on June 10, 2024 On this page What Is RFID Tracking? How does RFID work? Types of RFID tag Benefits of RFID Tracking RFID Tracking Vs Alternatives RFID Tracking Costs Companies Using RFID The 5 Best RFID Asset Tracking Systems in 2024 1. Wasp Barcode AssetCloud - Best for Large Organizations Needing Comprehensive RFID Support 2. EZOfficeInventory - Best for Businesses Starting Their RFID Journey 3. RFgen - Best for Companies Needing Flexible Label Printing 4. Itemit - Best for International Teams and Companies Needing a Global Solution 5. TrackAbout - Best for Tracking the Full Asset Lifecycle Research Methodology Expert Verdict FAQs Expand Our site is reader-supported – by clicking our links, we can match you with a potential supplier, and we may earn a small commission for this referral. RFID asset tracking software offers a convenient way to track and manage your business’ valuable assets. The technology uses radio waves to remotely tag and monitor physical assets, reducing labor costs and preventing asset loss or theft.In this guide, we’ll summarize what RFID tracking is, its benefits, its use cases within industries, and its approximate cost. We’ll then go over the six best asset tracking software for RFID tracking available in 2024 and show how RFID asset tracking can enhance operational efficiency in your business. Short on Time? Here Are the 5 Best RFID Asset Tracking Systems in 2024 Wasp Barcode AssetCloud – Best for businesses prioritizing comprehensive RFID supportEZOfficeInventory – Top choice for businesses starting out with RFIDRFgen – An excellent option for flexible label printingItemit – Perfect for international teams that require a global solutionTrackAbout – Best suited for asset lifecycle trackingTo get a tailored recommendation, try our free and easy comparison tool. What Is RFID Asset Tracking?Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a wireless tracking system that uses radio waves to pinpoint and manage physical assets with unique identifiers. Unlike traditional barcode or QR code systems, radio frequency identification asset tracking doesn’t require a direct line of sight to perform accurate asset monitoring. How Does RFID Tracking Work?An RFID system typically comprises three main components:RFID tags: These tiny microchips contain electronically stored information. With a built-in antenna, these tags emit radio waves, enabling remote communication with an RFID reader.RFID reader: A specialized device that receives and interprets data from RFID tags. Readers can be fixed (mounted on walls) or handheld (portable).RFID system: This is the technology responsible for filtering, processing, and transmitting the data captured from RFID tags to an asset management software, which can be read and understood by your team. RFID tagsWhile an RFID reader and asset management software are straightforward products, there are three main types of RFID tags used today that you may come across:Active RFID tags: These tags have an internal power source (usually a battery) that allows them to transmit stronger signals over longer ranges.Passive RFID tags: These don’t have an internal battery; they draw power from the RFID reader’s signal to respond. These are more affordable but have shorter read ranges.Semi-passive RFID tags: These have an internal battery, but it’s used to power the tag’s onboard electronics and not for signal transmission. This type of tag offers a compromise between affordability and range.For the system to work, RFID tags are attached to or embedded in assets you want to track. When you pass an RFID reader within range of the tag, it sends a signal to the tag, which, in turn, sends back its unique identification and any other stored data.The data is then processed by the reader and transmitted through to an inventory management system or asset tracking software. The Benefits of RFID TrackingWhy Do Companies Opt for RFID Tracking Solutions? RFID asset tracking offers companies numerous advantages over traditional manual tracking of assets or barcode-based systems.Real-time visibility: RFID systems grant continuous, near real-time visibility into the location and status of assets, promoting well-informed decision-making. You can see asset movements as they happen without waiting for manual updates.Improved accuracy: RFID reduces the potential for human error inherent in manual documentation and eliminates the need for line-of-sight barcode scanning. This heightened accuracy streamlines inventory management and audits.Increased efficiency: The Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility (AIM) reports that RFID can reduce inventory counting times by up to 96%. The ability to scan multiple RFID tags instantly, even without a clear line of sight, significantly speeds up physical asset audits and inventory counts. This automation boosts productivity and saves valuable time.Reduced labor costs: Automating a large portion of asset tracking through RFID frees staff to focus on higher-value tasks instead of tedious manual tracking processes that incur additional costs.Enhanced asset security: RFID tracking adds a layer of security to asset management. Tamper-proof RFID tags and alerts for unauthorized asset movement help prevent asset loss, theft, or misuse.Improved data insights: The wealth of data that RFID tracking generates provides actionable insights. Businesses can use this to improve asset use, optimize workflows, and identify areas for greater efficiency. RFID Tracking Vs. Alternative Tracking OptionsHere’s how RFID asset tracking generally stacks up against some common alternatives:Barcodes: While barcodes are a cost-effective asset identification method, they require line of sight for scanning, are more prone to errors, and can’t hold as much information as RFID tags.QR codes: Like barcodes, QR codes also require scanning in the line of sight. While they can handle more data than standard barcodes, RFID offers faster read times and often greater durability.GPS tracking: You can track assets without a reader, using realtime GPS tracking, however this is more expensive and requires integration with a power unit for reliability. This is best suited for high-value assets such as construction vehicles.Manual tracking: Reliance on manual methods is labor-intensive, slow, and prone to inaccuracies. It lacks the real-time visibility and data-driven insights of RFID. How Much Does RFID Asset Tracking Cost?Active, passive and semi passive asset tracking comes in different price ranges with active the most expensive and passive the cheapest. There are other parts to an asset tracking system you will need to consider also when pricing a system. Here’s a quick breakdown of the cost of each component.RFID Tag CostsActive tags cost $25 and above with more advanced tags costing over $100 each. Passive tags are cheaper, costing between $0.25 and $5.00 per tag. Semi-passive tags meanwhile can cost anywhere from $5 to $20 per tag. For active and semi-passive tags, factors such as battery size can raise or lower the price.Installation CostsYou can install most active and semi-passive tags yourself because they’re essentially ‘ready-out-the-box’ solutions. On the other hand, passive tags will require expert installation because they require certain connectivity tests, and they need to be connected to a central server, which will cost you a one-off fee. This installation fee is not clear in any of the systems we reviewed but it will be part of any plan or package you choose if you are implementing a passive tag system.License and Maintenance CostsPassive readers are generally larger and more complicated then active readers as they have features like larger cables and antennas. Over time these can become snagged, bumped and suffer general wear and tear which can lead to incurring maintenance costs down the line. Consider investing in training for all your staff on how the passive readers work, which could help you save on maintenance fees.You’ll also need to consider the license charges that are used to cover most customer support and software upgrades. Some providers charge a one off license fee, while others charge a monthly fee which includes all maintenance, support and upgrades. The Biggest Companies Using RFID Tracking TodayMajor industry players leverage RFID technology to improve supply chain management, manufacturing processes, and asset tracking. Here are a few notable examples:Since 2005, Walmart has mandated RFID tags on all pallets and cases shipped to its stores by its top 100 suppliers.Amazon extensively uses RFID technology in its warehouses to track packages and optimize order fulfillment. The company has now begun testing the technology to enable customers in participating stores to simply walk out instead of waiting to pay at a checkout.The Boeing Company employs RFID to track aircraft parts and tools in more than 25 facilities, improving maintenance efficiency and reducing errors. How many assets would you like to track? 1-24 25-99 100-399 400+ Request free quotes The 5 Best RFID Asset Tracking Systems in 2024Finding the right RFID asset tracking software can help you effectively manage your valuable assets. After careful consideration, we’ve selected the top six options for 2024: Swipe right to see more 0 out of 0 backward forward Wasp Barcode AssetCloud EZOffice Inventory RFGen Itemit TrackAbout Best for Large organizations requiring comprehensive RFID support Best for Businesses starting their RFID journey Best for Companies in need of flexible label printing Best for International teams and companies in need of a global solution Best for Tracking the entire asset lifecycle Key Features Barcode scanningInventory managementFixed asset tracking Key Features User-friendly interfaceMobile compatibilityPlenty of integrations Key Features Barcode label generationInventory cycle countsAudit features Key Features GPS trackingMobile appCustomization options Key Features Maintenance trackingCustom reportingMulti-location support Did You Know? Without the help of asset tracking software, retail inventory is only correct about 63% of the time. 1. Wasp Barcode AssetCloud – Best for Large Organizations Needing Comprehensive RFID Support Wasp Barcode AssetCloud Pricing From $7,990 for 5 users Compare quotes Strengths Robust RFID scaling capabilities Extensive customization options Comprehensive feature set for large organizations Weaknesses High upfront cost Requires technical expertise for setup Limited support for smaller companies Gallery See more See less Click to expand Photo: Source: Wasp Barcode Photo: Source: Wasp Barcode Photo: Source: Wasp Barcode Wasp Barcode AssetCloud stands out with its extensive RFID capabilities designed for large-scale implementations. If your organization has complex asset tracking needs that require a system as robust as your inventory, Wasp Barcode AssetCloud could be a wise investment.Wasp surpassed 15,000 cloud-based software customers worldwide in 2022, reflecting its growing market presence. While the “Complete + RFID” plan is on the higher end price-wise, it offers features like Single Sign-On (SSO), unlimited locations, custom reporting, and work order management, which is essential for larger enterprises.Unlike more basic RFID solutions such as EZOfficeInventory, Wasp Barcode AssetCloud is geared toward handling the challenges of RFID in complex and high-volume asset environments.The software integrates with various enterprise systems, such as ERP and CRM platforms to streamline data management. Wasp Barcode AssetCloud supports a wide range of RFID hardware, including handheld readers and fixed portals, ensuring compatibility with your existing infrastructure. ▶ Read more: What is The Best Asset Tracking For Construction in 2023? 2. EZOfficeInventory – Best for Businesses Starting Their RFID Journey EZOfficeInventory Pricing From $45 per month for 250 items Compare quotes Strengths User-friendly interface Affordable for smaller asset counts Integrated maintenance management Weaknesses Limited customization options Scalability can be a challenge Gallery See more See less Click to expand Photo: Source: EZOfficeInventory Photo: Source: EZOfficeInventory Photo: Source: EZOfficeInventory EZOfficeInventory is an excellent choice for smaller businesses or those new to the world of RFID asset tracking. Its user-friendly interface and intuitive features offer a smooth onboarding process, getting you up and running with RFID without unnecessary complexity.EZOfficeInventory also provides helpful tools like alerts, basic maintenance tracking, and reporting capabilities to streamline your RFID workflows.In January 2023, EZOfficeInventory launched its EZO CMMS system, expanding beyond its core asset tracking functions to support greater maintenance management capability.Compared to other solutions, EZOfficeInventory doesn’t offer the same level of customization and depth of features, making it a less overwhelming option for businesses wanting a straightforward approach to RFID tracking. Save by Comparing RFID Asset Tracking Quotes Do you currently use asset tracking software? Yes No 3. RFgen – Best for Companies Needing Flexible Label Printing RFgen Pricing Contact for pricing Compare quotes Strengths Powerful label design capabilities Seamless label printing integration Comprehensive inventory management features Weaknesses Potentially complex setup Pricing not readily available Gallery See more See less Click to expand Photo: Source: RFGen Photo: Source: RFGen Photo: Source: RFGen RFgen distinguishes itself with integrated barcode label design and printing capabilities, making it an excellent fit for organizations heavily reliant on customized labeling for asset tracking, such as those in the manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics sectors.RFgen’s software allows you to design and deploy barcode and RFID labels tailored to your specific needs, reducing errors and increasing efficiency in your asset identification process.With support for a wide range of label printers and materials, RFgen ensures your labels are durable and long-lasting, even in harsh environments. RFgen is a certified reseller of Loftware enterprise labeling solutions and provides seamless integration and support.The software also offers robust inventory management features, such as real-time tracking, automated replenishment, and detailed reporting, making it a comprehensive solution for companies with complex labeling and tracking requirements.RFgen offers a streamlined in-house approach for businesses invested in barcode and RFID label design. Did You Know? Manufacturers and distributors who implement RFID technology into their supply chain see an 80% improvement in shipping and picking accuracy 4. Itemit – Best for International Teams and Companies Needing a Global Solution Itemit Pricing From $1,299 for 500 items Compare quotes Strengths Global focus with location flexibility Intuitive mobile app GPS tracking capabilities Weaknesses Limited customization options Needs supplementary tools for complex workflows Gallery See more See less Click to expand Photo: Source: Itemit Photo: Source: Itemit Photo: Source: Itemit Itemit is an ideal solution for teams with operations spread across multiple locations or those working internationally. This cloud-based system offers GPS capabilities, a user-friendly mobile app, and support for both handheld and fixed RFID readers, providing the versatility needed for managing globally dispersed assets.Itemit’s multi-language support and global partnerships make it well-suited for international operations. It offers worldwide shipping of RFID hardware and has offices in multiple countries to assist with implementation. The software is designed to handle various currencies, time zones, and units of measurement, making it easy to manage assets across different regions.Itemit also offers advanced security features, such as role-based access control and data encryption, ensuring your asset data remains secure and compliant with international regulations.While it lacks the deep customization options, Itemit compensates with its focus on ease of use, accessibility, and flexibility across global teams. ▶ Read more: RFID Tracking vs Bluetooth Tracking Save Money by Comparing RFID Asset Tracking Quotes Do you currently use asset tracking software? Yes No 5. TrackAbout – Best for Tracking the Full Asset Lifecycle TrackAbout Pricing Contact for pricing Compare quotes Strengths Robust asset lifecycle management Maintenance and repair tracking Customizable reporting features Weaknesses Relatively unintuitive interface Pricing not available Gallery See more See less Click to expand Photo: Source: TrackAbout Photo: Source: TrackAbout Photo: Source: TrackAbout TrackAbout excels in supporting the complete asset lifecycle, from initial acquisition to eventual disposal, making it a strong choice for industries with high-value returnable assets, such as oil and gas, industrial equipment, and medical devices.Its focus on maintenance tracking, repair features, and reporting tools makes it a valuable aid in maximizing the lifespan of tracked assets and getting the best return on investment. Plus, TrackAbout’s mobile-first design and offline capabilities ensure seamless asset tracking even in remote or disconnected environments.In 2023, TrackAbout made significant improvements to its product range, including implementing Single Sign-On (SSO) for seamless login, launching quarterly user webinars, and adding features that align with the food and beverage industry’s requirements.Compared to a provider like RFgen, which prioritizes label printing, TrackAbout emphasizes long-term asset management and performance optimization. ▶ Read more: How to Keep Track of Tools: Our Handy Guide for 2023 Save by Comparing Free RFID Asset Tracking Quotes Do you currently use RFID tracking software? Yes No Research MethodologyOur team of independent researchers took a deep dive into the most used and top-rated asset tracking for construction suppliers. We rated each of the competitors on the following criteria:Price: the provider with the best value for money, looking at pricing vs features offeredFeatures: whichever provider offers the widest range of hardware and software features ranks above those which have a thinner offeringScalability: we considered whether the software could grow alongside businesses, from smaller operations to larger enterprises with complex tracking needs.Customer support: we look at the type of features the providers offer to support their customers in case of a project management SOSReputation: we aggregate customer reviews from platforms like Trustpilot and Capterra to assure you that our knowledge is not only robust on paper but also in practiceAfter factoring in all of the individual scores from these categories, we calculated an overall score for each supplier to help guide your buying decisions. Expert Verdict RFID asset tracking offers substantial benefits if you’re looking to optimize asset management in your business. By automatically tracking the location and status of equipment, tools, and inventory in real time, RFID can virtually eliminate time-consuming manual processes and the errors that come with them.Choosing the right software solution is key to unlocking RFID’s full potential. Our list of the six best RFID asset tracking software provides a starting point and a clear overview of each provider’s strengths. Remember to carefully consider your unique business requirements and evaluate which solution best aligns with your goals.For additional guidance in selecting your best software fit, try our comparison tool. FAQs How is RFID used in vehicle tracking? RFID tags can be affixed to vehicles and read by RFID readers at checkpoints, toll booths, or other strategic locations. This contactless identification method provides real-time tracking, enables automated toll processes, and aids vehicle fleet management and security. Is implementing RFID asset tracking challenging? Implementing an RFID asset tracking system does have some potential challenges, such as initial investment costs (tags, readers, software), potential interference from metallic objects or liquids, the need to tag a significant number of assets, and ensuring staff are adequately trained in using the new system. Can RFID be hacked? While RFID systems are constantly updated and improved in terms of data security, the possibility of hacking is real. Devices like cell phones can be used to scan and replicate tag data at close range. This means that your RFID tag could be cloned or duplicated. Written by: Richard Sutherland Richard has more than 20 years of experience in business operations, computer science and full-stack development roles. A graduate in Computer Science and former IT support manager at Samsung, Richard has taught coding courses and developed software for both private businesses and state organisations. A prolific author in B2B and B2C tech, Richard’s work has been published on sites such as TechRadar Pro, ITProPortal and Tom’s Guide. Reviewed by: Maïté Bouhali Business Software Editor Maite began her career with Expert Market nearly four years ago as a writer. She quickly developed a passion for the challenges faced by small businesses and now endeavours to help them make informed decisions for their future. In her current position as Business Software Editor, Maite works closely with writers to ensure that each article is informative, well-researched, engaging, and actionable for readers. With extensive knowledge of CRM, vehicle tracking devices, and fuel cards, she is meticulous in her review of each article and provides detailed feedback before publication. Whether you're seeking to stay informed on the latest trends in business software or need guidance in selecting the most appropriate software for your organisation's needs, Maite is here to help. With her sharp eye for detail and commitment to quality, she is dedicated to supporting businesses in achieving their goals.