The application uses Symbol’s radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, which incorporates Ekahau tracking software and can locate where RFID tags are being read. This can then be followed in real time to correctly identify the locations of each tag.

The approach marries the benefits of real-time location systems (RTLS) and RFID by extending the tracking capabilities of RTLS to RFID.

The technology is aimed at the retail and supply chain markets and can be extended to pharmaceutical, healthcare, government and other industries where there is strong adoption for electronic product code RFID.

Symbol rugged mobile computers embedded with Ekahau’s WiFi-enabled, location-tracking solution are powerful tools for retailers and other companies that rely heavily on passive RFID tags to manage inventory, and can benefit from knowing where those products reside at any given time, said Tuomo Rutanen, vice president of business development at Ekahau.