RFID Event-Based Workflows | Automate Actions with RedBeam

Turn RFID Tag Reads into Actions

When it comes to improving your organization’s internal processes, automating your physical item-tracking with RFID is a game-changer that increases accuracy and decreases effort.

To push your operations-boosting momentum even further, let RedBeam’s event-based workflows translate your RFID tag reads into actions – both on-site and in your back office systems.

With RedBeam RFID’s user-defined workflows, you can:

Send email alerts when tags are read in specific locations.
Generate REST Push APIs to external systems as batched or single tag read events.
Update item details like status, type, and availability as tags are located.
Activate fixed reader General Purpose Outputs (GPOs) for light bars, audible alarms, conveyor diverts, and video cameras.
Chain multiple actions together – like activating a lock, sending an email, and notifying a back office system – at the same time.

Set your item criteria

Tell RedBeam RFID which items – or item criteria – you want to build a workflow around. Workflows can be based on anything from a unique tag ID or format to a specific item type, status, condition, or other custom attribute you define.

Set your location criteria

Tell RedBeam RFID which location, locations, or location types should trigger an action when they coincide with your item criteria. Examples include things like where an item’s tag is first read and work zone exits.

Set up your actions

Add actions to your workflow to achieve your goals. Customize things like email notifications and REST Push APIs, or update item attributes and fixed reader GPO events, and forward data over MQTT (machine-to-machine messaging protocol).

Marry workflows together

Get even more value by updating item attributes that trigger other workflows at the same location. Workflows can be daisy-chained to create advanced business logic without any need for development.

INDUSTRY USE CASES

Create Your Own RFID-Led Processes

Deliver a seamless luggage experience

Lost or delayed luggage can ruin a guest’s experience. With RedBeam’s event-based workflows, you can track luggage across multiple locations and trigger automated updates at every key step – improving efficiency and keeping customers informed.

Share luggage status in real time – Send notifications to customer apps when luggage arrives at its final destination – whether that’s a stateroom, baggage concourse, or laydown lot.
Flag inspections instantly – Trigger alerts when luggage is pulled for inspection, so you can keep track of it at every step.
Simplify luggage handling – Automate workflows to track bags across check-in, transfer points, and delivery to reduce delays and free up staff for guest-facing tasks.

Explore RFID for Hospitality

Customize inventory tracking to fit your store

Managing retail inventory is complex, but RedBeam RFID’s event-based workflows help you stay in control. Create custom rules that trigger actions as items are read for a smarter, easier way to track inventory and prevent errors.

Streamline receiving – Track items through a portal (doorway/ dockdoor) and receive them into inventory only once, even if the same tag is read multiple times.
Track returns accurately – Set workflows to distinguish between returns and new inventory for better accuracy.
Respond to theft in real time – Trigger instant alerts when items leave without passing through your point of sale.

Explore RFID for Retail

Add new levels of control to production

In fast-paced manufacturing environments, RedBeam’s event-based workflows let you correct missed steps with automated actions – instantly – based on your RFID reads. This means faster responses, stronger quality control, and smoother operations across your production floor.

Ensure quality compliance – Automatically flag items that deviate from standard procedures – no manual checks required.
Route WIP with precision – Keep production moving by directing work using RFID scans at key checkpoints.
Catch problems early – Trigger alarms, lights, emails, or API notifications the moment items fall outside operational limits.

Explore RFID for Manufacturing

Event-based Workflows FAQs

Do I need to know how to program or write code to make a workflow?

No. RedBeam RFID workflows are human-readable and easy to produce and manage.

Can I have one workflow affect another?

Of course! Any workflow you create can be triggered by a previous workflow. Daisy-chaining events like this can be particularly helpful in giving you further insight into your operations.

How often does RedBeam RFID trigger workflows?

Workflows are triggered in real time, based on the conditions that you set. For example: When a reader captures an item entering a particular location when it isn’t supposed to be there, you can have it turn on a light bar or sound an alarm almost instantly. You can also configure RedBeam RFID’s workflow to batch notifications together, so you get many updates in a single REST Push API message that’s more friendly to your back office systems.

What is GPO? How can I use that?

When we talk about GPO, or General Purpose Out, we’re referring to a port on your fixed RFID reader that can make voltage available to an external device for a period of time. The possibilities for using it are practically endless. Anything that accepts voltage from 5v to 24v – like lights, alarms, conveyor diverts, and even cameras – can be used.

How do I consume an API Push event?

Our API is well documented and open for you to use as needed. When pushing the data, we’re able to customize the payload to work with your back office systems. This greatly reduces or eliminates the need for any development requirement for integration with most systems.

Is there a limit on workflows?

At this time there is no limit on workflows. In fact, we encourage you as a RedBean RFID user to set up workflows wherever you feel they’re necessary.

Can you demo the workflow feature for me?

Of course! Schedule a RedBeam RFID demo, and we’ll be happy to show you examples of our workflow logic.

RFID WORKFLOWS

Use RFID Workflows to Make Things Happen

Turn RFID Tag Reads into Actions

With RedBeam RFID’s user-defined workflows, you can:

How RedBeam RFID Event-based Workflows Work

Set your item criteria

Set your location criteria

Set up your actions

Marry workflows together

Create Your Own RFID-Led Processes

Travel

Retail

Manufacturing

Deliver a seamless luggage experience

Customize inventory tracking to fit your store

Add new levels of control to production

Our experience with RedBeam has been transformative. The cloud-based platform simplifies the overall process, significantly accelerating the asset tracking process.

Ricardo M.

RFID Workflows Power Visibility to Other Systems

Read Up on RFID Tracking

What Is RFID Tracking for Asset Tracking? A Quick Guide

RFID Tool Tracking: Use Cases and How to Implement

RFID in Healthcare: Advantages and Top Uses

Get in on the RedBeam RFID Action