What are you tracking: the pallet or its contents?
RFID pallet tracking helps warehouse teams identify pallets during receiving, transfers, counts, and shipping. One tag on a pallet identifies that pallet; it does not automatically identify every carton on it. If the load changes, the system needs to record when cartons are added or removed. Decide whether you need identification at pallet, carton, or item level before choosing tags.
For a reusable pallet, its identity can stay the same while the load changes. For a logistics unit shipped as one load, agree on its shipment identity and its relationship to the contents with the receiving party. GS1 describes logistics identifiers and supply chain event data.
Where do tags and readers go?
- At tagging: link the tag ID to the correct pallet and load record before it moves.
- During zone counts: staff use a handheld reader to find tagged pallets, then review missed reads and unexpected zones.
- At dock doors: a fixed reader can record pallets passing a read point. System rules must distinguish inbound, outbound, and repeated reads.
Do not set read range from a product sheet alone. Item materials, tag position, pallet stacking, metal, liquids, and warehouse layout affect performance. Test several tag positions on the pallets you actually use. See RFID tags and readers and the warehouse pallet workflow.
What should a pilot measure?
Choose one real path, such as receiving, storage, and dispatch. Record how many pallets should pass each read point, how many are detected, duplicate reads, and the time needed to review discrepancies. Repeat with different loads and warehouse densities. Define who approves stock changes before sending data to an ERP or WMS.
If you only scan a few pallets at one point, barcodes may already be sufficient. RFID is worth testing when repeated reads across zones or dock doors create an operational burden. Discuss a pilot with your own pallets.