RFID Sensors

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The IoT devices and their features are currently not available in the current version of viewneo. This page describes the previous feature set.

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

Reader Placement

The RFID reader must be positioned directly below the shelf surface on which the product rests. The reader detects RFID tags through the shelf material.

Important Notes

• 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 placed centrally below 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 several readers or one reader with multiple antenna zones.

Mount the Reader

Surface Mounting (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 underside of the shelf in the correct position.

Screw Mounting

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 (take care not to drill through the shelf surface).
3. Secure the reader with the included screws.

Recessed Mounting

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

1. Mill a shallow recess into the underside of the shelf to reduce the distance between reader and tag.
2. Mount the reader in the recess.
3. Make sure the remaining shelf material above the reader is no thicker than 1–2 cm.

Caution

Do not mount the reader behind or inside metal surfaces. Metal blocks RFID signals and completely prevents tag detection. Use wood, plastic, glass or MDF as shelf material.

Shelf Material Notes

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

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

Connect the Reader to the Gateway

Each RFID reader is connected 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 automatically detects the connected reader.

Tip

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

Test Detection

After mounting, test whether each reader detects tags correctly:

1. Place an RFID tag on the shelf surface above the reader.
2. In the CMS (under Devices → Smart Line → RFID Gateway), check whether the tag is detected.
3. Lift the tag and confirm that the Tag Lifted event is triggered.
4. Adjust the reader position if detection is unreliable.

Note

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

Multiple Readers

For installations with many products, you need multiple readers:

• Each reader covers one product zone on the shelf.
• All readers are connected to the same RFID gateway.
• The gateway distinguishes the signals of the individual readers, 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.