SYSTEMS DESIGNED AND SPECIFIED IN THE UK
Selecting the right RFID tags and readers is the toughest part of any project, big or small. Tag type, reader configuration, operating frequency and even mounting method; the wrong combination will undermine an otherwise well-designed system depending on the environment.
CoreRFID works with a carefully selected network of RFID hardware partners rather than a single manufacturer. We recommend what works for your environment, your assets and your budget. All hardware we supply complies with global standards including ISO/IEC 18000, EPC Gen2 and ETSI, ensuring compatibility with existing systems wherever in the world you operate.
Tags have evolved significantly alongside the growth of IoT and digital twin applications, where a physical asset and its live data record need to remain reliably connected at all times. The range available today covers everything from standard warehouse tracking to extreme industrial conditions.
Not sure which type suits your application? That’s what we’re here for.
The most widely used tag in asset tracking.
No battery required; powered by the reader signal with read ranges of up to 10 metres without line of sight. Also referred to as RAIN RFID, in line with the global RAIN Alliance standard.
Available in standard, on-metal and anti-metal variants for reliable reads on ferrous surfaces where standard tags would struggle.
Built for environments where standard tags wouldn’t survive. Encapsulated tags are housed in durable materials including polycarbonate, PPS and PEEK. Typically, with IP68 ratings and temperature tolerances from -40°C to +85°C.
Used where assets are regularly exposed to dust, water, chemicals or physical impact. A common choice for lifting gear, industrial tooling and oil and gas applications.
High-frequency tags operate at 13.56MHz with a short read range of up to 10cm, making them the right choice where proximity identification is a priority. NFC operates on the same frequency and follows the same principle; most smartphones can read NFC tags natively, which makes them a practical option where consumer device compatibility matters.
Most used in access control, secure identification, contactless payments and product authentication.
Battery-powered and capable of broadcasting their own signal, active tags support real-time location tracking at ranges of 50 to 100 metres. The right choice for high-value or fast-moving assets where continuous visibility matters.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tags offer a similar capacity at shorter ranges, with lower hardware costs. The two technologies are often considered alongside each other; we’ll help you determine which is the better fit.
Standard variants cover most applications, but some environments, asset types or system requirements fall outside what’s available off the shelf.
Unusual form factors, extreme temperature tolerance, chemical resistance, curved or irregular surfaces – these are the projects we specialise in.
Custom tag development starts with a detailed brief, allowing us to design a custom RFID tag to exact specifications. We then work with trusted manufacturing partners to prototype, test and deliver hardware that performs where standard options won’t.
The reader is what makes the system work. Fixed or mobile, integrated with machinery or mounted at depot gates, the right reader configuration determines how seamlessly RFID data feeds into your wider IoT infrastructure and keeps your digital twin accurate and up to date. Read range, environment, volume of reads and integration requirements all influence the specification. Most setups need a combination of the following reader types.
Portable and rugged, handheld readers are the standard choice for mobile inspection and stocktaking. Operatives carry them through a warehouse, across a site or around a depot, reading tags on assets as they go without needing line of sight or physical contact.
Most handheld readers connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, integrating directly with software applications in real time. IP65 rated as standard. Built for industrial environments.
Mounted at a fixed point such as a doorway, depot gate or production line checkpoint. Fixed readers capture tag data automatically as assets pass through. No manual scanning or operator intervention.
The right choice for high-volume, repetitive movements with automation requirements. Commonly used alongside handheld readers as part of a wider system; fixed readers handle the routine; handheld manage the exceptions.
Compact and plug-and-play. Desktop readers connect via USB and are used for close-range tag verification rather than large-scale tracking. A practical tool for office environments, quality control checkpoints or tag encoding prior to deployment.
Lower cost than handheld or fixed alternatives, and a useful starting point for teams new to RFID who want to test and verify tags before committing to a wider system.
Integrated directly onto forklift vehicles, these readers scan tags on pallets, crates or assets automatically during normal warehouse operations. Stock movements are recorded without any additional handling or manual input from the operator.
A practical choice for busy logistics environments where assets move frequently and speed of processing matters. Works alongside fixed portal readers to give full visibility of stock movements across a site.
A compact all-in-one device that combines tag and reader functionality in a single unit, enabling peer-to-peer asset communication without additional infrastructure. Less common than standalone tags and readers, but the right solution for specific applications where space or installation constraints make traditional setups impractical.
Worth discussing if your project has unusual physical or environmental limitations.
Antennas are a critical but often overlooked component of fixed reader installations. Positioning, orientation, cable length and mounting method all impact readability. We commonly troubleshoot these issues in particularly complex environments with metal structures, competing radio frequencies or high asset volumes. Supporting infrastructure including PoE switches, cables and enclosures needs to be specified alongside the reader and antenna to ensure the system performs as designed. The right configuration is specific to your environment. It’s one of the first things we assess on a site visit during a system consultation.
If you already know what you need, or you’re reordering for an existing system, our sister site rfidshop.com carries a wide range of pre-approved tags, readers and accessories for direct order. Everything listed has been quality tested and approved by our technical team. Fast turnaround. No consultancy required.
For orders of 100 items or more, or anything that needs specifying from scratch, we’d recommend a free, no obligation consultation before you get started.
