by Sarah Saxton, RAIN Alliance Membership Development
The RAIN Alliance was founded over a decade ago with a clear purpose: to act as a unified voice for the RAIN RFID industry, championing opportunity, tackling challenges, and paving the way for global adoption of this powerful technology.
Today, that mission has never felt more urgent, or more exciting.
Each year, our board reflects on our mission, vision, and strategic pillars. While each review brings subtle refinements, these nuances sharpen our direction and reaffirm why we exist: to foster a thriving, innovative, and collaborative RAIN ecosystem.
A Community on the Rise: Why Industry Leaders Are Turning to the RAIN Alliance
Put simply, the industry is accelerating. We’re feeling real momentum. More companies from across the value chain are joining the Alliance, and it’s no surprise. This is a pivotal moment, not just for growth, but also for critical decisions that will shape the future of RAIN.
As RAIN becomes mission-critical across industries we are seeing, end-user, system integrator, and solution provider memberships on the rise. These organizations are looking to be part of a stronger, more connected ecosystem. One where they can tap into early insights, contribute to cross-industry collaboration, and help influence the direction of the technology. It’s about community, shared purpose, and the breadth of thought that only a diverse membership can bring.
This collective momentum couldn’t come at a better time; we’re now on the brink of a major opportunity. RAIN functionality is on track to arrive in smartphones, opening the door to new consumer and business applications.
At the same time, RAIN is becoming a key enabler of global sustainability goals. As a data carrier of choice for the EU’s Digital Product Passport (DPP) RAIN supports traceability, transparency, and circularity, critical pillars of the evolving global regulatory landscape.
As the technology advances, so too do the challenges. For instance, the NextNav petition currently under FCC review threatens to disrupt existing RAIN deployments in the U.S. supply chain. The RAIN Alliance has been actively voicing the industry’s concerns, advocating for the protection of our members’ investments and the broader ecosystem. Read our update on this important issue here.
The RAIN Alliance Manufacturing Quality Workgroup is playing a central role in strengthening the foundation of the RAIN ecosystem. The industry needs quality standards that are open, common, and consistent around the world, coupled with certification capabilities with adequate capacity and throughput speed to meet global demand as the industry continues to scale. This group is made up of active, engaged members from across the value chain working together to define best practices, establish quality benchmarks, and improve overall manufacturing standards.
Their work supports greater reliability, drives trust in RAIN, and reduces variability in the field, critical factors for scaling the technology with confidence. It’s a powerful example of how RAIN Alliance members directly shape the future of the industry, not just by participating, but by leading efforts that benefit the entire ecosystem. Learn how we’re unlocking quality in RAIN manufacturing.
What Does RAIN Alliance Membership Mean for our members?
When your company joins the RAIN Alliance, you’re not just getting a seat at the table, you’re gaining wider eyes, sharper ears, and access to a deep knowledge base that keeps you ahead of the curve.
From comprehensive training and certification programs to robust working groups and standards development, we ensure every member is seen, heard, and empowered.
We’re seeing a wave of new members from all corners of the ecosystem, and they’re joining for good reason. They want to be part of a dynamic, collaborative community. They value the opportunity to grow alongside industry peers and to influence the direction of a technology that’s reshaping global business. Most of all, they see the power of being part of an organization that is not only advocating for industry-wide priorities, but also actively aligning with their strategic business goals, whether that’s expansion, innovation, compliance, or influence.
Our members operate across industries: retail, healthcare, aviation, supply chain, pharmaceuticals, and more, each benefiting from RAIN’s growing ubiquity and impact. As use cases expand, so does the importance of engaging with an organization like the RAIN Alliance that ensures the technology’s success and sustainability.
Let’s Build the Future Together
At the RAIN Alliance, we believe in serious work and serious fun. We’re a global community that travels, collaborates, and comes together to celebrate milestones and explore what’s next.
The highlight of our year? RAIN in Action, our premier event that brings together members, industry leaders, and innovators from around the world. If you haven’t already, make sure to secure your spot for this year’s gathering in September, it’s the place to be for insights, networking, and inspiration.
Book your tickets now (don’t miss out!)
Whether you’re a new member, a long-term existing member, or considering joining, we’re thrilled about what’s ahead, and we’re glad to have you with us.
Want to help us shape the future? Please contact me via email to learn more about the RAIN Alliance.