The cost of an RFID system can start out somewhere around ~$5,000 on the low end and add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars at the high end. The cost scales with the scope of the overall installation accounting for the infrastructure needed including the number of handheld, fixed readers, antennas, RFID tags, as well as deployment costs e.g. installation, software and integration requirements. A small RFID deployment may require only a few readers and basic software, while a large enterprise implementation across multiple facilities can require significantly more infrastructure, software and integration.
Understanding these cost components can help you estimate your RFID investment more accurately and determine the right approach for your asset tracking requirements.
Let's look at the key factors that influence the total cost of an RFID system.
RFID System Cost
A typical RFID tracking system consists of several essential components. Let's explore each of them and assess their associated costs.
| Typical Cost | Key Cost Factors | |
|---|---|---|
| RFID Tags | Under $0.10 to $10+ per tag | Basic high-volume tags can cost under $0.10, while ruggedized asset-tracking tags typically range from $1 to $10+. Cost varies by quantity, size, material, ruggedness, and operating environment. |
| Handheld RFID Readers | $1,000–$4,500 | Manufacturer, ruggedness, environment, and power settings; excludes software |
| Fixed RFID Readers | $2,000–$8,000 | Reader type, antennas, accessories, power settings, and use case |
| RFID Software | Varies significantly - Includes maintenance and support costs | Deployment model, Functionality - reporting, analytics, workflows, integrations, enterprise support and application complexity |
| RFID Implementation & Services | Varies by complexity of deployment | Installation, configuration, tuning, reader placement, deployment complexity, and onsite or remote services |
| Total Deployment Costs | ~$5,000 (simple, one mobile reader) to $250,000+ (multi-site with integration) | Number of read points, mix of fixed and mobile readers, software integration, and number of sites |
Note: These costs are indicative and can vary based on deployment requirements, hardware selection, quantities, operating environment, software functionality, integration requirements, and implementation complexity.
RFID Scanner Cost
RFID scanners are also often referred to as readers. There are two main categories of scanners:
- Handheld Scanners Costs: These scanners or readers are used to perform RFID scans manually. Scanners vary by manufacturer, ruggedness (ability to withstand rough handling or to withstand outdoor environments), power settings, etc. All these factors can affect the costs of RFID scanners. The cost of RFID reader (handheld scanners) can vary anywhere between $1000 – $4500 without the software running on them. AssetPulse offers various flavors of RFID handheld scanners, suitable for the environment that they would be used in, e.g. indoor manufacturing or cleanroom environments as well as outdoor Oil and Gas, construction and other field environments.
- Fixed RFID Scanner Costs: These scanners are set up to monitor either a doorway, ‘chokepoint’ or a zone in real-time. Included with the scanners, are antenna and other accessories. There are several types of readers (different manufacturers and with varying power settings), which vary in price. There are dozens of antenna to choose from – it’s important to choose the right one for the use case at hand. The costs of RFID scanners (fixed RFID reader systems) can range from $2000 – $8000. AssetPulse offers a wide range of RFID readers with a choice of antenna optimized for the use case at hand.
RFID Tag Costs
There are several hundred different types of tags. The cost of RFID tags vary by type, quantity, size, material it is made of, and ruggedness of the tag. There are two types of RFID tags - active and passive. Active RFID tags use batteries to power them whereas Passive RFID tags don't have batteries and use power harnessed from a nearby antenna to work.
- Active RFID tags: Cost $10 - $50 or more per tag depending on their construction - specialized tags for rugged environments cost more.
- Passive RFID tags: The lowest cost per tag could be in the sub-$0.10 range. However, this is usually for quantities of several hundred thousand tags and specifically for tags suited for use in more ‘gentle’ environments with minimal handling. More hardy or ruggedized tags for use on assets that may be subject to rougher environments and handling can costs more - anywhere from $1.00 to $10 or more per tag. Again, these per tag costs depend on the quantity ordered.
AssetPulse offers dozens of RFID tags of varying size, material, robustness and price.
RFID Costs for Implementation
RFID implementation costs include more than just the RFID tags and readers. Software and integration services are key component required to make the system work that many people may underestimate.
RFID Software Cost
A simple setup with just one RFID mobile scanner or reader collecting data may not require much software. However, as soon as the system involves multiple RFID readers, the need to coordinate them and filter, process the data to make it useful becomes necessary. Software is what turns raw tag reads into something useful, letting organizations track, analyze, integrate and act on the asset information the RFID infrastructure captures. RFID software can also be deployed in the cloud or on-premises. As a result, RFID software costs can vary significantly based on functionality, deployment model, integration requirements, and the complexity of the implementation.
AssetPulse's next-generation RFID asset tracking software, combined with its RFID and IoT Hardware and Tags Lab, helps organizations develop RFID asset tracking solutions optimized for their specific requirements. AssetPulse provides customizable RFID solutions across industries with very different cost profiles, including life sciences and biotech, industrial manufacturing, oil and gas, and data centers and IT.
RFID Cost for Services
RFID services can include hardware installation, configuration, reader and antenna setup, system tuning, testing, deployment support, and other onsite or remote implementation services. RFID service costs vary based on the complexity of the deployment, the hardware being installed, the number of locations or read points, and whether services are provided onsite or remotely.
Deployment services are particularly important when fixed RFID readers need to be installed and configured to monitor chokepoints, doorways, cabinets, or zones. Proper reader and antenna placement, configuration, and tuning can help ensure reliable tag reads and maximize the value of the RFID investment.
AssetPulse has 20+ years of RFID domain expertise providing RFID installation and deployment services and is frequently called upon to address complex RFID use cases, including deployments where previous implementations have experienced challenges with tag-read accuracy.
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Are you someone who is looking for a solution to track your critical assets? Please feel free to reach out to us. Our experienced solution advisors are always willing to recommend the best RFID asset tracking solution based on your requirements.
