RFID in Action: From Development to Real-World Deployment

A few months ago, we shared an overview of the RFID inventory tracking solution we've been developing using Ignition and Turck RFID technology. That article focused on the benefits of real-time inventory visibility and how RFID can eliminate manual tracking throughout a manufacturing facility.

Now we're excited to show that technology in action.

The video above was captured during an on-site demonstration at a customer's facility, where we installed and tested our RFID portal to validate real-world performance. Seeing the system operate in a production environment is an important step beyond bench testing—it demonstrates how RFID can reliably capture material movement under actual operating conditions.

Seeing Automated Tracking in Action

In this demonstration, tagged assets move through an RFID portal where strategically positioned readers automatically detect each tag as it enters or exits the controlled area. The system determines movement direction, records the transaction, and updates the database in real time without requiring an operator to scan a barcode or enter information manually.

Every successful read creates another piece of accurate production data that can be used for inventory tracking, work-in-process visibility, shipping verification, or asset management.

Why Real-World Testing Matters

Every manufacturing environment presents unique challenges. Reader placement, antenna orientation, surrounding equipment, tag location, and product movement all influence RFID performance.

That's why we work alongside our customers to evaluate each application on-site. Real-world testing allows us to optimize read zones, verify system reliability, and ensure the solution integrates seamlessly with existing equipment and workflows before full deployment.

Built for Open Integration

Like the solution described in our previous article, this system is built on Ignition and integrates with Turck RFID hardware to provide real-time visibility without locking customers into proprietary software.

Whether integrating with PLCs, MES systems, databases, or ERP software, our goal remains the same: deliver practical automation solutions that are easy to maintain, easy to expand, and fully owned by our customers.

See What's Possible

This demonstration represents one example of how RFID can improve operational visibility and automate inventory transactions. Every application is different, and the best solution depends on your process, your products, and your production goals.

If you're exploring RFID for inventory management, asset tracking, work-in-process visibility, or traceability, we'd be happy to discuss your application and show how an open automation approach can help simplify your operation.

Real-Time Inventory Tracking with RFID

Manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to improve visibility into their operations. Whether it's tracking raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods, pallets, totes, or reusable containers, knowing exactly where assets are located and when they move can eliminate wasted time, reduce errors, and improve decision-making.

At Ethos, we've been developing an RFID tracking solution built on Ignition by Inductive Automation and powered by Turck RFID technology. The goal is simple: provide real-time visibility into material movement throughout a facility without relying on manual data entry or barcode scanning.

Why RFID?

Unlike traditional barcode systems, RFID tags can be read automatically as items move through a process. This enables manufacturers to capture location and movement data without requiring operators to stop and scan each item.

Common applications include:

  • Inventory tracking

  • Pallet and container tracking

  • Automated material movement logging

  • Shipping and receiving verification

By automatically capturing these events, manufacturers gain a more accurate picture of what's happening on the plant floor while reducing the labor associated with tracking materials.

Built on Open Industrial Technology

Our RFID solution combines Turck RFID readers and antennas with Ignition's powerful visualization, reporting, and database capabilities.

This provides:

  • Real-time dashboards showing inventory locations

  • Historical movement tracking

  • Automated transaction logging

  • Custom reporting and analytics

  • Integration with existing PLCs, databases, MES, and ERP systems

  • Scalability from a single read station to facility-wide deployment

Because the solution is built on Ignition, customers maintain ownership and access to their system without being locked into proprietary software platforms.

Demonstrating Real-World Material Flow

As part of our ongoing development efforts, we've been testing RFID applications focused on pallet tracking through facility entry and exit points. Using strategically placed RFID readers and antennas, the system can automatically detect tagged assets moving through a portal and determine movement direction.

This creates opportunities for automated inventory transactions, improved shipping verification, and real-time visibility into material locations without operator intervention.

Every facility presents unique challenges—including tag placement, environmental conditions, read zones, and process requirements—which is why we believe successful RFID implementations begin with understanding the specific application.

Let's Talk About Your RFID Application

No two RFID projects are exactly alike. The best solution depends on what you're tracking, how materials move through your facility, and what information is most valuable to your operation.

If you're exploring RFID for inventory management, work-in-process tracking, asset visibility, or traceability, we'd be happy to discuss your application, answer questions, and demonstrate what's possible with modern RFID technology.

Contact Ethos to learn more about how RFID can help provide greater visibility into your manufacturing process.