Since the pandemic, the pressure to restructure supply chains has become a catalyst for the rapid adoption of RFID. From a basic tracking tool, RFID is gradually evolving into a solution that enables smarter and more sustainable supply chain operations.
Read the article in Vietnamese here: 3 dấu hiệu âm thầm cho thấy RFID không còn là tương lai xa xôi
RFID was once known as the silent technology working behind the scenes, identifying products in warehouses or updating inventory levels in real time. But gradually, what started as a simple tracking tool has evolved into a foundation for accuracy, automation, and sustainability across the entire supply chain.
This shift didn’t happen randomly. It reflects a broader global movement: supply chains today are under pressure to be faster, more precise, more transparent, and more environmentally responsible. In this context, RFID has quietly become one of the most influential technologies in modern manufacturing and logistics.
From Inventory Control to Checkout Automation
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification, a technology that uses radio waves to identify objects attached with RFID tags. These tags work similarly to barcodes but do not require line-of-sight to be scanned.
Related: What Is RFID And Its Applications In The Textile Industry?
That one simple difference has led to a major breakthrough in inventory management. Instead of scanning each product individually, workers can wave an RFID reader across shelves or cartons, and all data is captured instantly. This has been a game-changer in high-volume industries like apparel, footwear, and fashion accessories.
But the potential of RFID doesn’t stop there. Retailers soon realized that RFID could also support loss prevention. When integrated with Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems, RFID tags can trigger an alert if unpaid items leave the store, adding a layer of security without interrupting the shopping experience.
More recently, RFID has been used to accelerate checkout processes. Shoppers or staff simply place all items in a tray, and the system automatically reads the RFID tags and generates the bill with no manual scanning required. With this, RFID has moved from backroom operations to customer-facing experiences, becoming a part of the retail journey itself.
More Affordable, More Practical
One of the biggest reasons RFID is scaling across industries is that it’s become more practical.
In the early days, RFID tags were bulky, expensive, and limited in challenging environments. Today, tags are cheaper and more adaptable. They can now function even in cold storage, humid areas, or on metal surfaces (once considered RFID’s “weak spots”).
Currently, RFID tags can range from $0.05 to $1.50 per unit, depending on type, volume, and function. According to Markets and Markets, the global RFID market is expected to grow by $12.63 billion from 2025 to 2033, at a compound annual growth rate of 9.1%. This growth is driven by adoption in retail, logistics, and data-driven operations.
Today, RFID tags are being used in:
- Apparel and footwear
- Jewelry and luxury handbags
- Electronics and smart devices
- Medical equipment
Luxury brands, in particular, value RFID for its unique identity feature, which supports anti-counterfeiting efforts and protects against the gray market. A verifiable tag not only proves authenticity but also helps reinforce customer trust, becoming an essential part of the brand experience.
Becoming More Sustainable: The Rise of Chipless RFID
RFID isn’t just evolving technically. It’s also adapting to environmental concerns. The fashion industry, in particular, is under growing scrutiny for its impact on the planet. And RFID, often embedded in product tags or packaging, is now part of that conversation.
Traditional RFID tags contain a silicon chip, which, although tiny, is difficult to recycle and contributes to electronic waste (e-waste). According to the World Health Organization WHO, e-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. As environmental regulations tighten in developed countries, more brands are seeking eco-friendlier RFID alternatives.
That’s where chipless RFID comes in.
Unlike traditional tags, chipless RFID tags do not contain silicon microchips. Instead, they rely on the unique scattering characteristics of materials like conductive inks or magnetic particles to reflect specific radio frequencies. These reflected signals encode simple data, which can be decoded by RFID readers, enabling identification and tracking without a chip.
While chipless tags have lower storage capacity, their environmental benefits are clear:
- No chip waste
- Simpler production processes
- Recyclable or biodegradable materials
- Lower cost per unit
Chipless RFID is especially suited for high-volume, low-margin industries or packaging meant for single use. In the near future, this innovation could help shape a more sustainable supply chain — where traceability doesn’t come at the expense of the environment.
RFID: The Quiet Force Reshaping the Supply Chain
The real question now isn’t whether RFID is necessary.
It’s: To what extent are we already relying on it?
- Accuracy: RFID reduces human error by automating item-level validation — from packing to shipping.
- Transparency: Real-time tracking enables better planning and early issue detection.
- Security: RFID can be integrated into surveillance systems to reduce shrinkage across the supply chain.
- Sustainability: New RFID designs, like chipless options, align with corporate ESG goals.
As supply chains face rising expectations around speed, traceability, and environmental impact, RFID, a once “invisible” technology, is now a core enabler of transformation.
Conclusion: A Quiet Revolution
RFID doesn’t demand the spotlight. It operates quietly, efficiently, embedded in the process. But step by step, carton by carton, it’s supporting supply chains become more accurate, more transparent, and more responsible. And one day, when a shipment from your factory arrives on time, in full, and with no issues from buyers, you might not even realize that RFID was working in the background to make it happen.
And maybe that’s the point. The best technology doesn’t ask for attention. It just works quietly, reliably, and exactly when it’s needed.
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About TradeLink Technologies,
TradeLink Technologies (TradeLink) was founded in 1999 with a mission to create advanced supply chain solutions for global brands and retailers. We provide visibility, accuracy, and advanced distribution solutions for over 400 global brands and more than 50 logistics companies, leveraging a network of over 12,000 suppliers across 70 countries. With our latest local and cloud-based scanning and barcode applications, our solutions are scalable to fit businesses of all sizes. TradeLink’s strength lies in our industry expertise in supply chain management and the utilization of cutting-edge technology. Learn more at: www.tradelinkone.com
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