At A2B Tracking we have been using the Zebra RFD8500 for a number of years. It has been our “Go to” handheld RFID device for some time now and we recommend it frequently to our customers. Here’s why.
The Zebra RFD8500 sled comes without a mobile computer to provide ultimate flexibility to customize the handheld to the users needs. The sled can be connected to something as simple as an Android smartphone, or something more industrial, like the Zebra Touch Computer TC-Series (TC20, TC21, TC25 or TC26). Either way, the mobile computer is mounted on the RFD8500 with a Quad-lock case and then wirelessly connected via a Bluetooth connection.
The mobile computer will then connect to the A2B RFID Tracker App to provide full asset management capabilities. It’s important to note that the A2B RFID Tracker App has been validated by a team of Zebra engineers to certify interoperability with the RFD8500 and Android smartphones (version 4.4 or higher) along with the above mentioned Zebra Touch Computers. Which means that you have some great choices of mobile computers to combine with the RFD8500 and all of them will work flawlessly on the A2B RFID Tracker App.
Barcode and RFID
The RFD8500 provides powerful RFID and 1D/2D Barcode reading capabilities. Providing full backward compatibility to any existing barcode system. This is an important feature for many of our customers and the user can easily toggle between RFID and barcode scanning. This is key when for example Picking an Order. Scanning individual barcodes during a pick provides the necessary precision to get the correct items for the order. Once the order is picked and packed you can leverage RFID technology to quickly scan through the containers and validate the shipment in a matter of seconds.
RFID Read Range
The RFD8500 RFID reader can typically read tags from 20- to 30-feet. These results will vary depending upon the tags you choose, the items you are applying it to and the environment you are working in. But, we have been able to achieve exceptional results using this device in many different scenarios and locations.
In particular, that read range becomes very useful when using Pro-Locate™ (A2B’s RFID Tracker app feature that leverages the RFID signal) to find misplaced assets or inventory in your facility. Take a look at this quick demo video to see the ProLocate in action. This is a great feature that can save your team a significant amount of time.
Conclusion and Video
After all things said, the RFD8500 is a powerful tool to enable mobile RFID tracking and scanning with something as simple and as affordable as an Android smartphone. To learn more, watch this video demonstration to see how this rugged mobile combination can provide powerful RFID asset tracking capabilities for your organization.
