When Zebra introduced the FXR90 a few years ago, it was a logical next step in their fixed RFID reader portfolio. More rugged than the FX9600 that we now use in most of our stationary RFID applications. It also included a built-in antenna for the common use case that needs an all-in-one reader and antenna.
As the product has matured, cellular connectivity, and a built in GPS radio have come to be options, we now look at the product as way more than just a “fixed” reader. As a matter of fact, it is now a mobile reader. Not just reading RFID tags at the dock door but actually going with the truck and reading tags inside of the trailer, then reporting GPS location and using cellular to connect to the host.
Another option is forklift mounting. With the internal antenna, and POE capabilities, you can now power the reader from the forklift itself and have a compact package for mounting the reader with built in antenna.
Outdoor locating applications are also possible with this device. Since you have cellular and GPS, you can read tags and send the data to the host via cellular with the tag information, as well as the GPS coordinates.
Finally, one of the many use cases for RFID is to not only read the tags as they leave your facility, but also read them when they arrive at their destination. This has been particularly useful for tracking returnable containers. But many times, the end destination will not allow your devices on their Wi-Fi network. So having a reader with built-in cellular capabilities is a big help for these applications.
If you are looking for a technology partner who has great experience getting RFID technology to work, the EMP Tech Group is here for you, www.emptechgroup.com is always the best place to find us.