Radio Frequency Identification
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a technology that reads data from tags using radio waves, allowing many tagged items, cases, or pallets to be identified at once without a direct line of sight.
Why it matters for ecommerce brands
Some large retailers require RFID tags on certain categories, such as apparel, from their suppliers. For brands, the tag cost per item must be weighed against faster counts and better inventory accuracy.
Common questions
- Is RFID better than barcodes for inventory?
- RFID can read many items at once without scanning each one, which speeds counts and receiving. Barcodes are cheaper per item and simpler, so most ecommerce warehouses still rely on them.
Cite this entry
"Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)." Fulfillment Lexicon, last reviewed October 16, 2026. https://fulfillment.wiki/glossary/radio-frequency-identification/