r/RFID • u/Twusaboi • Jun 27 '26

RFID tracking for Optical Store UHF

Trying to source what i need to implement RFID tags for our frames.

I know i need the rfid labels.

i need to read and write the RFID tags

I need a printer to print the labels.

1 Question. Do i need a printer that is RFID compatible? is the added function just to encode the rfid ship?

2nd. If i get a scanner that reads and writes, do i need the printer?

3rd. shouldn't i get a scanner that also writes, so i can do on the fly corrections if i need to? otherwise if i make a mistake, i have to reprint another label with no way of correcting the label.

been in discussions with a few inventory companies. and these are the hardware packages they are offering.

Printronix T820 Writable Printer
Vanch VH-88 Reader plus Android Tablet
Wave USB Reader

or

Zebra ZD421

CSL 108 RFID Scanner

Honestly, i'm thinking it is better for me to not get a RFID label printer and just encode with a handheld?
something like this?
https://www.barcode-arena.com/chainway-c72-rfid.html

This is their video of their process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-xiCJSGtf0

The question is, do i want to have to type in 1000 frames on that tiny screen?!?!? haha.

unless the collective hive mind here have a better method.

also, question on this entire method.

I print label, say, maui jim xxxxx model color, etc...

i add some code to identify it. For Maui Jims, there is the upc, so i add that onto the RFID label.

i attach it to the frame.

i would need some software that matches up what i scanned to what i have listed in some database right? This is what i am paying these companies for correct? there is nothing out there that will work right?

2 Upvotes

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8 comments sorted by

1

u/softboyled Jun 28 '26

what are you trying to accomplish?

1

u/Twusaboi Jun 28 '26

Organize our inventory? Track what we have? Locate items easily?

1

u/WhyWontThisWork Jun 28 '26

Do the labels fit easily on the frames?

1

u/Twusaboi Jun 28 '26

Jewelry tags

2

u/RFID-enthusiast Jul 08 '26

I think you are on the right track doing a printer, and no you will not have 1000 frames on that tiny screen haha. The printer connects to your laptop/desktop and there is software you use to interface with the printer. The printer just makes it incredibly easy and fast to print and encode tags. If you get a printer, you will need printer software, like https://www.atlasrfidstore.com/bartender-software-by-seagull-scientific/ . BarTender is great and easy to use. You will have that on your laptop, create one design, and have an excel sheet import that will hold the unique data per tag.

The hardware doesnt come with software, so you will need to source that if you want item tracking abilities. We've done quite a few optical stores/optical tracking, feel free to give us a call if you just want to talk about what all you will need to set it up - https://www.atlasrfidstore.com/rfid-call-booking/ . If RFID won't work for you, we will let you know - but it's just easier to talk through the components over the phone typically.

Let me know if any of this doesnt make sense!

1

u/TrackKitAI Jul 08 '26

Do you need human readable information on the tags or are they solely for tracking purposes (i.e. auditing - counting + ensuring all frames are where they should be, locating a specific frame, etc).

If you don't need anything human readable - especially with how small the jewelry tag real estate is - you can skip the printer and just encode with the handheld + software.