In January 2025, the mobile computing giant, Zebra Technologies launched their first UHF RFID smartphone, a revolutionary RFID reader that integrates RAIN RFID technology into a smartphone device.
‘UHF RFID in smartphones’ has been an underlying thought since we had android-backed UHF RFID SLEDs. RFID handheld scanners have succeeded in warehousing, inventory management, retail, healthcare, and supply chain, allowing businesses to scan hundreds of RFID-tagged articles in seconds. Being lightweight and portable, these handheld readers have changed how retailers find particular products in stores and warehouses, and carry out inventory audits in a few hours which earlier took days.
However, these handheld RFID guns were somewhat a discomfort, bigger than a sleek smartphone, to people who are accustomed to mobile smartphones and always thought of having RFID capabilities in their smartphones. Zebra’s EM45 enterprise mobile RFID computer solves that for good.
Introducing the Zebra's EM45 RFID Scanner
The Zebra EM45 RFID Scanner is a cutting-edge device that integrates UHF RFID technology into a smartphone form factor. It is a revolutionary product, set to significantly impact the RFID landscape by enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy in various applications. Let’s see some of the technical features of this great RFID mobile computer.
Key Features of EM45 RFID Mobile Computer
Let’s see some of the key features of this powerful smartphone RFID reader and barcode scanner by Zebra Technologies:
1.Integrated UHF RFID Module in a Smartphone
The Zebra EM45 features a built-in UHF RFID module, allowing for efficient scanning of RFID tags at short ranges. The integration of RAIN RFID in a smartphone simplifies the scanning process, making it more accessible for users in various environments including retail, healthcare, and event management.
2. High-Performance Camera for Barcode scanning
In addition to RFID capabilities, the EM45 is equipped with a high-performance 50MP camera with OIS enabling users to capture images and scan barcodes, especially in parcel pickup and delivery, thus providing a versatile tool for inventory management and asset tracking.
3. AI Capabilities
The device is designed with a robust System-on-Chip (SOC) with a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) that provides AI capabilities. It can enhance data processing and decision-making in real-time, further streamlining operations. With an EM45 mobile computer, workers can run small language models to translate or transcribe and utilize AI vision models to examine products, shelves, labels, text, and 3D measurement tools. It allows workers to enable generative AI assistants for better results.
4. Sleek Smartphone Design
The EM45 is built for comfort and ease of use, making it suitable for prolonged use in demanding environments. It features a 6.7’ full HD display and 5000 mAh battery enclosed in a sleek body frame that fits in your pocket perfectly.
5. Powerful Qualcomm Processor
The Zebra EM45 features a powerful Qualcomm® 5430 Octa-core, 2.2 GHz processor, and 8 GB DDR5 RAM/128 GB UFS3.1 Flash storage for fast computing. The EM45 Zebra Mobile computer is built on the Android platform, upgradable to Android 16.
6. Smart Network Connectivity
When it comes to network connectivity and wireless communication, the Zebra EM45 supports Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, WWAN, NFC, and 5G. The device also supports USB 3.1 (bottom type C).
Benefits of the EM45 RFID Scanner
The Zebra EM45 mobile computer offers several benefits in asset tracking, retail, and supply chain management, including:
1.Streamlined Operations
By combining RFID reading with smartphone functionality, the EM45 allows for quicker and more accurate inventory and asset tracking, reducing human error and improving data accuracy.
2. Enhanced Mobility
The smartphone design enables users to operate the device on the go, which is particularly beneficial in retail, warehousing, and logistics. The lightweight smartphone design of the EM45 UHF RFID reader will prove to be a perfect replacement for heavier RFID handheld readers like RFD40 SLED in retail and healthcare applications.
3. Cost Efficiency
The all-in-one nature of the EM45 reduces the need for multiple devices, leading to lower operational costs and a stronger return on investment (ROI).
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Applications of Zebra EM45 Mobile Computer RFID Reader
The ZebraEM45 mobile computer scanner offers several applications in various market verticals including retail inventory management, store operations, warehousing, logistics and transportation, etc.
1. Retail Management
The EM45 can be used for inventory management, product replenishment, and loss prevention, helping retailers maintain optimal stock levels and improve customer satisfaction. Within the retail store, the Zebra EM45 allows for quick stock-taking and item finding, which streamlines customer experience and prevents ‘out of stock’ scenarios in retail.
2. Warehouse Operations
In warehouses, the EM45 RFID mobile computer device can facilitate efficient tracking of goods, streamline shipping and receiving processes, and enhance overall inventory accuracy. The high processing speed helps warehouse workers in locating exact stock within the warehouse and streamlines warehouse audits, GRN, and gate-outs.
3. Healthcare and EM45
The Zebra EM45 mobile computer RFID reader can assist in tracking medical equipment and supplies, ensuring that healthcare providers have the necessary resources available when needed. With EM45, healthcare workers can scan patient wristbands to streamline regular OPD admissions and emergency admissions at hospitals and effectively manage bed occupancy with constant tracking of patients being admitted and discharged. The EM45 also helps with correct medicine administration, vaccine tracking, and medical equipment tracking.
4. Asset Tracking with Zebra EM45 Mobile Computer
Organizations can utilize the EM45 for real-time tracking of assets, reducing the risk of loss and improving accountability. In IT and corporate offices, asset tracking with EM45 plays an important role in maintaining asset accountability and preventing asset theft, data loss, etc. It also allows them to manage asset inventory, asset lifecycle management, repair and maintenance, and asset retirement.
Finally, the Zebra EM45 RFID Scanner represents a significant advancement in RAIN RFID technology, combining the convenience of an Android smartphone with powerful UHF RFID capabilities. With multiple network connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G, WWAN, and NFC, the Zebra EM45 offers quick data capture and data sharing.
Its sleek mobile design and Android platform, coupled with fast UHF capabilities position it as a transformative tool in various industries, enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy in asset management and inventory control.
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