RFID
RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology enables mobile CRM users to automatically identify, track, and manage physical assets and inventory by reading electronic tags wirelessly. When integrated with Resco mobile apps, RFID scanning transforms field workflows — replacing slow, error-prone manual data entry with instantaneous, bulk-capable tag reads directly linked to CRM records.
Resco mobile apps connect to supported RFID scanners via Bluetooth. The JSBridge API (MobileCRM.Services.ZebraScanner) provides the programmatic interface for establishing connections, receiving scan events, and configuring scanner hardware from within custom HTML/JavaScript components embedded in the mobile app.
Use cases
RFID integration in Resco Mobile CRM addresses a range of field scenarios where identifying physical items quickly and reliably is critical:
- Asset Management — Field technicians scan RFID-tagged equipment to instantly pull up service history, warranty status, and maintenance schedules from CRM records.
- Inventory Audits — Warehouse or field staff perform bulk inventory counts by sweeping an area with an RFID reader, capturing hundreds of tags in seconds rather than scanning barcodes one by one.
- Proof of Service / Delivery — Service agents confirm that the correct parts or deliverables are on-site by validating scanned tags against a work order's line items.
- Supply Chain Tracking — Items moving through receiving, staging, and dispatch are tracked with RFID scans that automatically update CRM logistics records.
- Compliance and Inspection — Regulated industries (healthcare, utilities, defense) use RFID to verify that inspected assets match their records and that no items are missed during audits.
See also:
- Feature highlight: Fast, contactless identification with RFID
- Case study: Case study: Asset verification with RFID scanning x Resco mobile Inspections+ app
Supported hardware
Resco Mobile CRM supports the following RFID devices:
- Zebra RFD4031 (available with iOS app, release 18.0)
- HTL-Lite / HT-Lite BT (available with Android app, release 11.1.0)
Both devices pair with the mobile device over Bluetooth. The Zebra RFD4031 is a sled-style reader that attaches to or operates alongside an iPhone/iPad, while the HTL-Lite is a compact handheld reader designed for Android devices.
| Note | RFID integration generally involves custom development. Contact Resco for project-specific guidance and to confirm compatibility with your hardware and CRM environment. |
Integration
A typical RFID integration in Resco follows this pattern:
- An HTML/JavaScript web resource is embedded as an iframe tab on an entity form (e.g., Work Order, Inventory Count, Asset).
- The web resource uses the JSBridge to connect to the scanner and listen for scan events.
- When the user scans RFIDs, the app can handle this event using JSBridge.
- The list of all nearby RFID tags is available for further processing.
Several new functions are available in JSBridge to handle the communication (MobileCRM.Services.ZebraScanner), including:
- MobileCRM.Services.ZebraScanner.connect - Connects to the Zebra scanner.
- MobileCRM.Services.ZebraScanner.onScan - Registers the handler for the scan event.
Sample code: RFID scanning with Zebra.
RFID vs. barcode scanning
Resco also supports barcode scanning. The choice between RFID and barcodes depends on operational requirements:
| Capability | RFID | Barcode |
|---|---|---|
| Line of sight required | No | Yes |
| Bulk scanning | Hundreds of tags per second | One at a time |
| Read range | Up to several meters | Centimeters to ~1m |
| Tag cost | Higher (cents to dollars each) | Very low (printed labels) |
| Data capacity | 96–512 bits typical (EPC) | Limited (tens of characters) |
| Environmental durability | High (embedded tags survive harsh conditions) | Lower (labels can be damaged) |
| Technology | JavaScript | No code necessary |
| Hardware requirements | Specialized devices necessary | Any recent device with camera |
For workflows that need to identify a single item at close range, barcode scanning is simpler and cheaper. For workflows that need to scan many items at once, track items without direct line of sight, or operate in harsh environments, RFID is the stronger choice.