How to Build a Bin Tracker System With RFID

Bins, totes, and containers are constantly in motion—moving between storage areas, workstations, production lines, and shipping docks. When teams don’t track movements automatically, bins get misplaced, inventory goes missing, and teams waste valuable time searching instead of working.

Manual scans and spreadsheets can’t keep up with this level of activity, especially in fast-paced warehouse and manufacturing environments.

RFID changes that by giving every bin a digital identity. It captures bin movement in real time without line-of-sight scanning or manual intervention.

In this article, we’ll walk through how to build an RFID-based bin tracking system—from tagging and reader placement to data capture and system design—so you can gain continuous visibility, reduce loss, and keep materials flowing exactly where they need to go.

How Modern Tech is Changing the Warehouse

Warehouses are evolving rapidly as businesses look for ways to move faster, operate leaner, and respond to constant supply chain disruption. Manual processes and disconnected systems are giving way to automation, real-time data, and smarter tracking technologies that provide continuous operational insight.

The shift is already well underway. Via a recent survey, 93% of business executives plan to invest in trending technologies like automation in 2026 to meet supply chain–related business commitments.

These investments reflect a growing recognition that visibility, speed, and accuracy are no longer optional. They are essential for staying competitive in modern warehouse operations.

As organizations adopt new technologies to improve efficiency and resilience, expectations continue to rise. The ability to automatically track assets, materials, and containers in real time is becoming a foundational requirement.

Using an RFID System to Build a Bin Tracker System

Organizations adopt RFID technology to improve tracking capabilities. With proper installation, RFID systems deliver accuracy rates around 99% (via RFID Journal). It is often used for inventory tracking, but is just as effective in monitoring equipment or high value assets.

RFID tracks assets across a facility. This technology enables you to locate items within a few feet of accuracy and allows you to make better decisions regarding inventory management. This technology can track warehouse bins across any facility.

A bin tracker system built with RFID consists of the following components:

• RFID Tags: RFID tags are small, electronic devices that are attached to bins. The tags contain a unique identifier that can be read by an RFID reader.
• RFID Readers: RFID readers are devices that emit radio waves and can read the identifiers of RFID tags.
• RFID Software: RFID software is used to collect data from the RFID readers and track the location of the bins.

With an RFID system installed, teams can quickly identify the location of a bin or container along with important information such as status, usage rates, and who handled the equipment last.

Here are some additional ways RFID can help warehousing and manufacturing teams keep track of their equipment.

Identifying the Bins

An RFID system typically starts with affixing tags to the equipment you want to track. Let’s also assume the proper hardware is set up as well (readers, antennae, etc). Together, the tags and hardware communicate with an RFID software system’s database.

The information in the database can be used to identify the bin and its status. This can help reduce the amount of time spent verifying bin details or to address unauthorized use of the bins. A clear and accurate overview of the entire bin infrastructure also simplifies tracking, communication, invoicing and restrains unauthorized waste disposal.

Monitoring the Bin’s Contents

With an RFID system like Edgefinity IoT or EdgeMicro, manufacturers can track not only where bins move but also what each bin contains. By capturing item-level data automatically, teams prevent inventory discrepancies and ensure products remain in the correct locations.

RFID reduces human error and speeds up warehouse operations by eliminating manual checks and data entry. The software can also flag items approaching expiration, allowing teams to replenish stock before shortages occur.

By attaching an RFID reader antenna directly to a bin unit, the bin communicates wirelessly with a connected base station and network. This setup delivers continuous visibility into bin contents without disrupting daily workflows.

Track the Bin’s Location

An RFID system actively transmits radio waves through wireless readers to identify bins and capture location data in real time. When a tagged bin enters a read zone, the tag responds instantly, allowing the system to record its presence and movement.

While barcodes rely on direct line-of-sight scanning, RFID reads bins automatically—even when they are stacked, enclosed, or out of view. This capability makes RFID bin tracking far more reliable for monitoring equipment location across busy facilities.

Because RFID does not require manual scanning, teams can quickly locate bins that were misplaced, improperly stored, or left in the wrong zone. The system detects both the bin and its contents without slowing operations or interrupting workflows.

Manufacturers can also design RFID-based bin tracking systems to identify and manage containers across customer locations. By doing so, they gain a complete, accurate view of their bin infrastructure. This visibility simplifies customer communication, reduces collection and invoicing costs, and helps prevent unauthorized bin usage.

Additional Bin Tracker System Benefits

An RFID-based bin tracker system improves efficiency, accuracy, and visibility across warehouse operations. By capturing bin movement automatically, teams always know where bins are located and how inventory levels change. RFID delivers highly accurate data, reduces manual counting, and shortens the time required to find bins or process orders.

Automation also lowers labor costs by eliminating repetitive tracking tasks and improves security by limiting unauthorized bin access. With real-time inventory and order status, teams respond faster and provide better customer service. RFID bin tracking also supports compliance with regulations related to food safety and product traceability.