24/12/2024

RFID solutions for tracking in industrial environments: easy to use, durable, and designed for harsh conditions

RFID tracking: clever solutions with RFID cable ties, tags, labels, and accessories

HellermannTyton has developed a range of RFID cable ties, hard tags, labels and RFID readers to make your RFID tracking and identification processes more efficient. The variety of applications makes RFID technology so unique:

  • Increase efficiency in production: For instance, many steps are eliminated with our cable ties featuring RFID tags, which combine multiple functions — fastening, bundling, labeling, product identification, safety, and RFID tracking — all in a single product
  • Reliably label and identify products also in harsh environments: stored information on the RFID tag remains readable even in extreme production and operational environments at any time
    Mark and identify inaccessible parts: RFID tags are a reliable alternative when conventional identification such as barcode labels can be read only with difficulty – e.g. through space restrictions or can’t be labeled because of material reasons
  • Support applications in industry 4.0: the purpose of an intelligent factory is almost unlimited. Today cable ties are used in almost every industry - in combination with RFID technology there is great potential for supporting the notion of a Smart Factor

Product overview

What is RFID?

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a smart solution for identification, serialisation and tracking of products in several areas and industries. Watch this video to find out how RFID works and how it can be applied for industry purposes:

Advantages of RFID tags

RFID improves processes by accelerating workflows, reducing waste and increasing overall situational awareness. Here are some of the key benefits: 

  • Unique identification as RFID tag is programmed with unique code
  • Fast and paperless data collection
  • Elimination of typing errors in reports
  • Reduction of working hours due to reduction of paper work
  • Controlled administration of devices and warehouse
  • Ability to hold more data than barcodes
  • Comply with legislation
  • Easy to share up-to-date information
  • Manage equipment inspections, maintenance work etc.
  • Reliable operation in harsh environments, for example wet, dusty, dirty conditions; corrosive environments; vibration and shock
  • No need for contact or line-of-sight

Learn more about the benefits of HellermannTyton RFID solutions here in this video:

Typical RFID applications in industry

RFID tracking is used in many industries. The combination of material, transponder, reading distance and surroundings decides on the use of it. RFID tags in cable ties are used for applications such as:

  • Resource and asset management
  • Theft preventing and traceability
  • Security tagging
  • Essential maintenance
  • Attendance verification and time recording
  • Leak detection
  • Baggage tagging
  • Vehicle identification
  • Automation processes

There is an ever increasing need by business to ensure the traceability and record-keeping of calibration, location and maintenance requirements to current quality and accreditation standards.

RFID tracking for inventory management

RFID tracking for inventory management

A good example is  tracking products for asset management, where RFID systems simplify the identification and management of valuable tools or equipment substantially. For this, the product to be labelled just needs to be fitted with one of HellermannTyton RFID tags that has been programmed with a unique code. You can either link the pre-programmed code with a database or add specific code requirements according to your database needs.

The fact that each component is traceable also benefits goods receipt. Costs become more transparent and processes along the value stream can be optimised. Product counterfeits are easier to identify. 

RFID tracking for wind turbines

RFID tracking for wind turbines

Take an offshore wind farm as another example for RFID tracking.  Engineers need to take commonly used valuable equipment with them on site to fulfill repair or maintenance tasks. In order to manage the inventory and/or identify the location of the equipment it can be fitted with an RFID transponder. The programmed information can be linked to a database that serves as an information and management tool for an easy way of tracking the tools.


With the help of NFC technology (near-field communication), the engineer can communicate with the RFID tag by using an app on their tablet PCs. This way it is e.g. possible to check out the equipment prior to the use and check it back in after finishing the job. The main benefit of such a system is the continuous control that both users and administrators have over these assets.

RFID tracking for hazardous environments

RFID tracking for hazardous environments

When conditions in the production facility are extreme - such as heat, dirt and liquids - RFID cable ties made of durable materials are the ideal solution.

Take, for example, a hydraulic service that repairs hoses under these harsh conditions. A combination of hydraulic oil, screw solution and dirt would often obscure conventional product labels until they became unreadable. This created significant challenges for the service staff, who could no longer identify the type of hose they were working with. What is the hose's maximum pressure load? When was it manufactured and installed? Who worked on it last?

The solution for the service company was to use HellermannTyton RFID cable ties made of metal, which are not affected by oil or heat.

RFID tracking for construction

RFID tracking for construction

There are numerous other fields of application for RFID tracking, like crane construction. One example: Previous product labels were difficult to access and were no longer readable because several layers of paint were applied at the customer’s request. Now using HellermannTyton RFID hard tags for identification the information remains permanently readable as the chip is housed in and can withstand harsh environments or layers of paint.

RFID tracking for automotive industry

RFID tracking for automotive industry

Processes are also simplified and optimised in the case of traceability of components. For example, in the case of defects, recalls or the monitoring of maintenance intervals. Or for product labelling in general, such as when installing elements in automobiles.

Here, any type of RFID cable tag also acts as a security measure which is more reliable and involves less effort than conventional labelling solutions

The authenticity of the information on the RFID transponder is therefore guaranteed. This means, for example, you can very accurately trace which employee installed which component with which properties in which factory on which day.

Our products for smart RFID tracking

All HellermannTyton RFID products can be used for securing, serialising, tracking, and identifying products across various areas, including resource management, electrical inspection, inventory, distribution, supply chain optimisation, and rental services. They also facilitate easy management of maintenance and repair routines. These innovative RFID tracking solutions are designed to meet both individual requirements and industry standards.

RFID cable ties and security seals

Nylon cable ties with RFID chip inside

RFID cable ties provide an innovative solution for clear and fast product tracking using RFID tracking technology. They are available in a range of materials: 

Hard tags for RFID tracking

RFID hard tag

Our RFID hard tags are equipped with HF and UHF RFID chips and can be securely attached using bolts, screws, adhesive, or welding, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Our portfolio includes three main ranges: 

  • FlexLine: Versatile and flexible hard tags made from soft materials. This range also includes markers that provide additional visual identification, as they can be printed with barcodes, QR codes, text, and more 
  • HardLine: Hard tags made from impact-resistant materials, offering robust, long-term reliability 
  • ToughLine: Hard tags made from highly durable, resilient materials designed for maximum toughness

Labels for RFID tracking

RFID labels

Our RFID labels are made from tough, durable, and long-lasting materials, featuring a permanent adhesive for secure, lasting attachment. They also include an insulating layer to ensure proper RFID functionality on metallic surfaces, providing faster, safer, and more reliable data capture. Our range of RFID labels is available in both HF and UHF versions.

RFID readers and writers

RFID readers and writers

HellermannTyton offers a wide range of RFID tag readers, including handheld, desktop, and stationary options for both HF and UHF applications. In partnerships with leading manufacturers, we provide complete system solutions or integration into larger projects. For customized solutions, our Auto-ID team is available to consult and connect you with the right partners.

RFID printers with thermal transfer technology

RFID printers with thermal transfer technology

Our PT4000 RFID printers are high-quality, mid-range 300 dpi thermal transfer printers with an integrated UHF RFID system. They can print and encode UHF RFID labels or similar media in a single process, making them ideal for a wide range of identification tasks in industrial environments. The printer is capable of handling a daily output of up to 5,000 labels.

Software for RFID tracking solutions

RFID solutions rely on software, whether it is a standard application on a mobile device or a highly customised interface integrated into a complex ERP system. Without the right software, most RFID tracking projects cannot succeed. HellermannTyton has been developing automatic identification (Auto-ID) software for many years. Our TagPrint Pro is a sophisticated, standard design suite for industrial labeling and is also compatible with RFID encoding.

However, many RFID tracking projects require different functionality and connectivity than what TagPrint Pro was designed for. These requirements are often highly specific. To provide our customers with the support and solutions they need, HellermannTyton collaborates with various software development companies and RFID system integrators. Depending on the project’s requirements or the customer's preferences, we are happy to connect you with our network, allowing you to benefit from our extensive experience in implementing RFID solutions.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is RFID tracking?

RFID, or Radio-Frequency Identification, is a technology that allows for the wireless identification and tracking of objects using radio waves. It consists of three main components: RFID transponders or tags, RFID readers, and a backend database or software system. The idea of how to track RFID tags is very simple: the tag contains a microchip holding information about the tagged object as well as an antenna enabling the tag to communicate with a reader. The reader captures the signal from the tag and passes it on to a computer system or software where it is processed.

RFID systems use the following properties of RFID transponders to achieve this: ​ 

  • A globally unique and fixed identification number (UID) in an inaccessible ​memory section of ​​the RFID chip​
  • An accessible memory section within the RFID chip for individual information that can be protected from unauthorized access
  • Contactless data transmission between RFID transponder and reading/writing devices​ 

What is the difference between barcodes and RFID?

Barcodes and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) are both technologies used for identifying and tracking items, but they differ in their underlying applications.  

  • Barcodes are visual representations of data in a series of parallel lines, typically printed on labels or tags. They are read by optical scanners that interpret these patterns and convert them into a readable format, such as numbers or alphanumeric characters. Barcodes are cost-effective, easy to implement and already widely used.  
  • RFID uses radio frequency signals to identify and track objects. RFID tags can be read even when not directly visible to the reader. They can also store more information than barcodes and since multiple tags can be read simultaneously, RFID is more efficient for tracking large quantities. Also, RFID tags are more robust than barcodes. 

Can RFID be hacked?

RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology can potentially be hacked, like any other technology. However, not all RFID systems are equally vulnerable. The feasibility and complexity of hacking RFID systems depend on various factors, including the specific type of RFID technology being used, the security measures in place, and the attacker's skill level. Responsible implementation of security measures can greatly mitigate the risks associated with RFID hacking. 

Are RFID tags recyclable?

RFID tags can be reused and recycled. Most importantly, the content saved on the tags can be overwritten and the RFID tags can therefore be used repeatedly. Another key advantage of RFID lies in the use cases. For example, RFID tags can be used to track waste bins. When processing the waste, type, weight, and environmental impact can be tracked. This information could be used to calculate the charge for that bin, thus encouraging the bin owner to change their behaviour to produce less impactful waste. 

Can RFID tags track location?

Our RFID tags are passive, meaning they do not have their own power source and rely on a reader's radio signals to activate and transmit their information. These tags generally have a short range, which can range from 1 cm to 9 meters, depending on the frequency of the tag (low, high or ultra-high frequency). They are mainly used for tasks like inventory management, asset tracking, and access control, where the focus is on identifying items close to a reader. It's important to note that traditional RFID systems are not as accurate as GPS for pinpoint location tracking.