RFID¶
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. RFID enables the tracking of items using radio waves: RFID tags are attached to products in inventory, and RFID readers can read those tags to transmit information to a computer. RFID helps automate processes by keeping inventory accurate and tracking internal and external moves.
RFID tags transmit electronic product codes (EPC), which are unique identifiers to distinguish individual items. The EPC in Odoo is based on GS1 standards to consistently identify products worldwide. GS1 nomenclature establishes common rules for encoding information within a barcode to facilitate the global exchange of goods.
See also
Hardware¶
To start working with RFID in Odoo, one of the following devices is recommended:
CipherLab UHF RFID RS36, RS38 Series
Zebra TC53e-RFID Series
Zebra UHF RFID RFD90XX, RFD40XX Series paired with a mobile Android device
Configuration¶
Important
Before installing the APK on a device, enable installation from unknown sources in the Android settings. This option can usually be found under App or App & Notification settings, under the Special access or Special app access section.
CipherLab¶
Before using RFID tags to manage inventory, an additional APK developed by CipherLab must be installed on the mobile computer or smartphone.
Important
Before installing the CipherLab APK, please make sure that the firmware of the CipherLab Android device is up-to-date. To check for updates, go to . If asked to enter an Input verify code, contact a CipherLab reseller.
Obtain the CipherLab Multi-Tag Output APK from CipherLab or from a supplier partner. Transfer the APK to the device using USB or Bluetooth, or download it directly using the device’s web browser.
Open the APK from the browser download notification or the location where the file is stored. Tap to install the APK.
Next, enable Notification permissions. Navigate to . A vertical ellipsis menu appears in the top corner. Open the menu, then select Allow restricted settings.
When the CipherLab app is opened, Accessibility settings open. In the Multi-Tag Output section, select Use Multi-Tag Output.
For the Multi-Tag Output settings, set the End Character to ;.
Note
This scanner also works with the Barcode Progressive Web App (PWA) or in a web browser. The Android Odoo app is not mandatory.
Zebra¶
Before using RFID tags to manage inventory, a dedicated Odoo Android app with RFID support must be installed on the mobile computer or smartphone.
First, download the APK. On the Downloads page, under the Mobile Application section, click Download next to the Android option, then select Download APK (with Zebra RFID support) from the drop-down menu. Download this file via a computer and transfer the APK via USB or Bluetooth, or use the device’s web browser to download the APK.
Install the APK directly from the browser download notification or the location where it is stored.
Then, when reading or writing RFID tags, ensure that the Zebra device and the smart device are paired and connected.
Set a compatible barcode¶
Before managing inventory using RFID tags, a compatible barcode must be assigned to the products. Set the product barcode in the product form.
See also
To work with RFID, the product barcode must be GTIN-14-compatible, and inventory tracking must be enabled for the product. Product barcodes that are not GTIN-14-compatible must be upgraded to work with RFID.
Note
Tracking by serial number or lots does not need to be enabled for this feature to work properly.
Limitations¶
The serial number that is part of the EPC must only be numeric, as SGTIN-96 is the only supported encoding scheme for RFID tags in Odoo. Alphanumeric serial numbers are not supported.
For products tracked by lot, the lot can be scanned in, but it will be considered as one lot with a quantity of
1. It does not count individual products in a receipt.Only ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID tags are supported.
Products need to be GS1-registered because barcodes must be unique.