RFID Sensors

The RFID reader (sensor) is the component that detects when a product is picked up or placed back on the shelf. Correct placement and mounting are critical for reliable detection.

Reader Placement

The RFID reader must be positioned directly underneath the shelf surface where the product will rest. The reader detects RFID tags through the shelf material.

Key Considerations

• Distance — The maximum distance between the RFID tag and the reader surface should be 3—5 cm. This includes the thickness of the shelf material.
• Alignment — The reader should be centered beneath the product’s resting position for the best detection reliability.
• One reader per zone — Each reader covers a defined detection area. For multiple products, you may need multiple readers or a reader with multiple antenna zones.

Mounting the Reader

Surface Mount (Adhesive)

For lightweight installations or temporary setups:

1. Clean the underside of the shelf surface.
2. Attach the adhesive pads (included) to the back of the reader.
3. Press the reader firmly against the shelf underside in the correct position.

Screw Mount

For permanent installations:

1. Mark the screw positions on the underside of the shelf using the reader as a template.
2. Pre-drill the holes if necessary (be careful not to drill through the shelf surface).
3. Secure the reader with the provided screws.

Recessed Mount

If the shelf material is thick (more than 2 cm), consider recessing the reader:

1. Route a shallow pocket into the underside of the shelf to reduce the distance between the reader and the tag.
2. Mount the reader in the recessed pocket.
3. Ensure the remaining shelf material is no thicker than 1—2 cm above the reader.

Caution

Do not mount the reader behind or inside metal surfaces. Metal blocks RFID signals and will prevent tag detection entirely. Use wood, plastic, glass, or MDF shelf materials.

Shelf Material Considerations

The shelf material between the reader and the tag affects detection range:

Material	Effect on Range	Recommendation
Wood / MDF	Minimal impact	Ideal — keep thickness under 3 cm
Plastic / Acrylic	Minimal impact	Ideal — keep thickness under 3 cm
Glass	Slight reduction	Works well — keep thickness under 2 cm
Metal	Blocks signal	Not suitable — avoid metal shelves or use cutouts
Marble / Stone	Moderate reduction	May work — test detection before final installation

Connecting Readers to the Gateway

Each RFID reader connects to the RFID gateway via a cable:

1. Route the cable from the reader to the gateway location. Use cable management clips to keep the installation tidy.
2. Connect the cable to an available port on the gateway.
3. The gateway will automatically detect the connected reader.

Tip

Plan your cable routing before mounting the readers. Leave enough slack in the cables to allow for adjustments during setup.

Testing Detection

After mounting, test that each reader detects tags correctly:

1. Place an RFID tag on the shelf surface above the reader.
2. Check in the CMS (via the RFID Plugin) that the tag is detected.
3. Lift the tag and confirm that the “tag removed” event fires.
4. Adjust the reader position if detection is inconsistent.

Note

If detection is unreliable, try reducing the distance between the reader and the shelf surface, or check for sources of electromagnetic interference nearby (power supplies, motors, large metal objects).

Multiple Readers

For installations with many products, you will need multiple readers:

• Each reader covers one product zone on the shelf.
• All readers connect to the same RFID gateway.
• The gateway distinguishes signals from each reader, so the CMS knows which zone detected the tag event.

Next Steps

• RFID Tags — Attach tags to your products and configure them in the CMS.
• RFID Events — Set up content triggers for tag detection.