This manual provides a walk through on how to successfully use RFID with Yellow Dog Inventory.

We’re always here to help and have several resources to provide the assistance you need.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology that uses radio waves to automatically identify, track, and manage products. Unlike traditional barcodes, RFID does not require a direct line of sight or manual scanning. Instead, RFID tags can be read wirelessly, even when items are inside boxes, containers, or moving through a space. Check out the video below to learn more.

▶ RFID Introduction

An RFID system typically consists of three components:

•   RFID tags attached to items.

•   RFID readers that detect and collect tag information.

•   Software that processes and displays the data.

Because multiple RFID tags can be read simultaneously, the technology enables faster, more accurate inventory tracking and reduces the need for manual handling. This makes RFID especially useful for inventory management, asset tracking, and operational visibility in fast-paced environments.

RFID technology offers major advantages over traditional tracking methods by increasing speed, accuracy, and operational visibility across your business.

Speed and Efficiency: RFID can read hundreds of items in seconds without manual scanning. This significantly reduces the time required for inventory counts, inbound receiving, and order picking, allowing teams to complete tasks faster with less effort.

Improved Accuracy: By removing the need for individual item scans, RFID minimizes human error and improves data reliability. Real-time visibility into item locations helps maintain accurate inventory records and supports more confident decision-making.

Automation and Ease of Use: RFID does not require line-of-sight scanning, allowing items to be identified automatically as they move through workflows. This enables greater automation and reduces dependence on manual processes.

Enhanced Loss Prevention: Improved item tracking provides better control over inventory and helps reduce shrinkage. RFID makes it easier to identify missing items, detect discrepancies, and respond quickly to potential losses.

Operational Insight and Analytics: RFID generates detailed data on item movement throughout facilities. This insight helps identify bottlenecks, optimize workflows, and supports advanced analytics, forecasting, and continuous operational improvement.

1   Contact the Yellow Dog Client Accounts Team

The first step on your RFID journey is to contact the Yellow Dog Client Accounts Team. They will walk you through the proceeding requirements.

Email Client Accounts clientaccounts@yellowdogsoftware.com to get started with RFID.

2   System Upgrade

An upgrade to version 377, build 2025.11.26.377 or later, is required to support RFID functionality. To determine whether your Yellow Dog Inventory system is on the required version and build, or if an upgrade is needed, watch the video below.

▶ How to Find your YDI Version (1 min)

3   Contracted RFID Service

An active contracted RFID service is required. This service supports RFID operations, data handling, and ongoing system functionality.

4   Hardware Determination and Setup

Appropriate RFID hardware must be selected and configured based on operational needs. Supported options include:

•   Purchasing hardware and supplies OR

•   Renting hardware and using Yellow Dog’s label printing services

Hardware determination will be completed at the time of contracting RFID.

5   RFID Setup and Configuration

Initial RFID setup is completed with assistance from the Yellow Dog team. This process typically takes 2–3 hours and includes system configuration, hardware validation, and basic workflow testing to ensure readiness.

You will be prompted to generate RFID tags when committing a receipt or invoice containing RFID enabled items. An RFID tag is the encoded information that will display on the label when printed.

To generate tags within a receipt or invoice:

1.   Select Commit Receipt if in a receipt or Commit Invoice if within an invoice, after the document has been reviewed.

2.   Review the list of tags to be generated and click Close.

3.   Click Yes Generate Now to create the RFID tags.

4.   Update the name of the RFID tag batch as needed then click OK.

In addition to generating tags through receiving, you can add items to the RFID Tag Queue manually to print labels — without going through the purchasing workflow.

To add items to the queue:

1.   Go to Item Management > RFID Tag Queue.

2.   Select the store from the dropdown menu.

3.   Select Add Items to Queue or Add Items From… depending on how you want to add items:

•   Add Items to Queue opens the Item Lookup screen, where you manually select items.

•   Add Items From… opens the Select Items From… screen, where you can add items from other areas of the software — most commonly an Item List or a Session. Choose an option and click Next.

The Select Items From… screen offers several sources for adding items to the queue.

4.   Select the items that you want to print labels for, then click Select.
Hold the Shift or Ctrl key to select multiple items at once.

If any selected items are not RFID enabled or do not have a media size assigned, the Non-RFID Enabled Items pop-up appears:

5.   Select Enable RFID on the items you wish to enable and add to the queue.

6.   Click Set RFID Media, then select the default media size for the items and Save.

7.   Choose Finished at the bottom.

8.   Update the quantity to print manually, or use Set Tag Count To OnHand to set the quantity to print to match the on-hand value.

9.   Once all items and quantities are set, choose Generate All Items.

There are two options available when printing labels. The option you will use will be designated during the workflow determination process when implementing RFID. The options include:

Prerequisites:

•   The setup for the supported printer is completed.

If you still need to set up your printer, see the RFID Hardware New User Guide.

•   Printer is powered on.

Steps:

1.   Go to Item Management > RFID Tag Batches.

2.   Click Launch Balto.

3.   Enter your Client ID.
Click here to learn how to find your Client ID.

4.   Enter your username and password then click Login.
This is the same username and password you use to log into Yellow Dog Inventory.

5.   Select Configure under RFID EPC Printing.

6.   Click the document icon to the right of the tag batch you wish to print.

 7.   Check the printer statuses to confirm you are ready to move to the next step.

8.   Print a test label: