The Ultimate Guide to RFID Costs

RFID Tag Costs

RFID tag costs vary depending on several factors, including the type of tag, frequency, read range, and the quantity purchased.

When considering RFID Tag costs, it’s important to understand that there are many varieties of RFID Tags. The most common approach is to leverage UHF Passive RFID Labels (“Smart Labels”), where the RFID Inlay is encased within a thin substrate with an adhesive backing. The RFID individual inlays are then uniquely encoded. The label format allows for additional printed information (such as a barcode) to be displayed.

The tags can be pre-encoded by the manufacturer, or they can be encoded at the time of print with RFID-enabled label printers. The cost of UHF Passive RFID Labels can range from a few cents to several dollars per tag.

Different business use-cases may require different tag form factors, which results in added tag costs. Some common RFID tag form factors include identification cards, on-metal tags, rugged encasements, and wristbands. The method of attaching the tags to assets can also impact overall cost; common methods include rivets, magnets, clamps, adhesives, or even embedding them (ex/ glass tubes).

Basic passive RFID labels used for inventory management or product verification may cost as low as $0.10 to $0.20 per tag; prices could be even lower with bulk purchase. However, specialized passive or active RFID tags designed for specific use cases will likely cost more due to the additional engineering and/or components required.

RFID Hardware Costs

Hardware necessary for RFID systems include readers, antennas, printers, and often-times, server infrastructure. RFID readers differ greatly in prices based on form-factor (mobile vs. fixed), frequency, read range, and desired functionality. While a basic mobile device with an embedded RFID reader may be sufficient for basic use-cases, many RFID solutions require a fixed reader to monitor a read zone (doorway, portal, tunnel, area, etc.). Each type of reader can vary greatly in price.

In addition to the RFID reader, antennas are necessary to broadcast and receive the radio waves within the RFID system. Antennas can be bundled with the reader (ex/ many all-in-one mobile devices) or they can be and add-on item that is sold separately. The separation of antennas allows a single reader to achieve multiple use cases by enabling different Read Zones by using different antenna types. Common differences include read distance, read cone angle, and overall antenna power.

RFID-enabled printers may also be necessary and should not be overlooked when considering the cost of an RFID System. While some tag manufacturers (or RFID partners) can pre-encode the RFID tags, it is also possible to encode RFID tags/labels on demand. Always consider how the tags will be encoded as you determine the overall cost of your RFID implementation.

Lastly, it is important to consider the cost of any server infrastructure necessary for the RFID system. While the system may have a small footprint and exist only on a mobile device, most RFID solutions also include a centralized database and/or application server used to control the RFID readers. The selected software (middleware), such as RAPID RFID will dictate the server requirements (cloud vs. on-premise, etc.).

Middleware and Implementation Costs

Implementing an RFID system involves various costs beyond the tags and readers. These costs include the installation of RFID infrastructure, integration with existing systems, and the development or purchase of RFID software. The most common RFID software is referred to as an RFID “Middleware”; this software is used to control the RFID Reader, aggregate the RFID Tag reads, and integrate with new or existing systems. Leveraging proven RFID Middleware, such as Vertical Systems’ RAPID RFID product, can save an organization time and money as they work to implement their RFID project.

It is also important to assess the scalability of the RFID system during the implementation phase to ensure it can accommodate future expansion. Investing in a flexible and scalable system upfront can help reduce costs in the long run.

Maintenance Costs

Maintenance costs should also be considered when evaluating the overall RFID project costs. These costs include routine maintenance of RFID hardware, periodic calibration or replacement of components, and software updates. It is essential to consider the vendor’s support and warranty offerings to understand the potential maintenance expenses involved.

Total Cost of Ownership

To accurately evaluate the RFID system costs, it is necessary to calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO). TCO encompasses all the costs associated with the RFID system throughout its lifespan, including initial investment, implementation costs, maintenance expenses, and additional operational costs.

Calculating the TCO involves considering the lifespan of the RFID system, estimated tag and hardware replacement costs over time, ongoing maintenance expenses, and the potential benefits and cost savings generated by the system, such as improved asset management, increased operational efficiency, and reduced labor costs.

By conducting a thorough analysis of the TCO, businesses can make informed decisions about the feasibility and potential return on investment of implementing RFID technology.

Case Studies

To provide a practical understanding of RFID costs, let’s explore a couple of case studies. By examining these case studies, we can observe the different cost structures and considerations based on the specific RFID technologies implemented and the intended use cases.

Case Study: Retail Inventory Management

A retail store implements a passive UHF RFID system to improve inventory management. They purchase 10,000 passive UHF RFID tags at a cost of $0.15 per tag, resulting in an initial tag cost of $1,500. They also invest in a fixed UHF RFID reader with antennas priced at $2,000. The implementation costs, including installation, software integration, and labor, amount to $7,500. Over a five-year period, the store incurs an average annual maintenance cost of $500.

Case Study: IT Asset Tracking

A technology company enables their IT group to collect assets using mobile devices. They acquire 1500 on-metal RFID tags at a cost of $0.20 per tag, totaling $300. They deploy three mobile RFID readers priced at $3,500 each, resulting in a reader cost of $10,500. The implementation costs, including infrastructure setup, software deployment, and labor, add up to $7,400. The annual maintenance, including software licensing, is $5,800.



Conclusion

Understanding RFID costs is crucial for businesses planning to implement RFID systems for asset tracking, inventory management, workflow automation, and various other applications. The cost of RFID tags and hardware, along with implementation, maintenance, and operational expenses, should be carefully evaluated to determine the overall cost-effectiveness of RFID technology.

While RFID costs can vary depending on factors such as tag type, read range, and system complexity, businesses can benefit from improved asset visibility, streamlined operations, and reduced labor costs.

By conducting a comprehensive analysis of RFID costs and considering the total cost of ownership, organizations can make informed decisions and maximize the value of their RFID investments.


References

1. Link Labs. RFID Cost: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Costs. 
2. RFID Journal. RFID Frequently Asked Questions. 
3. Technavio. (2021). RFID Tags Market by Type and Geography – Forecast and Analysis 2021-2025.