At the 2025 HSBC Golf Championship in Abu Dhabi, UAE, RAIN RFID technology played a key role in redefining the guest experience. To manage complimentary beverage entitlements efficiently and transparently, the organizers adopted an RAIN RFID-based beverage tracking system — designed to simplify service, prevent errors, and ensure accurate control throughout the event.
The solution was developed and implemented by Technowave Group, an established systems integrator specializing in RFID and mobility solutions. Chainway provided the core hardware: the Chainway C66 built-in UHF RFID reader, powered by Impinj E-family chip and running Android 13, ensuring high reading performance, smooth integration, and reliability for large-scale event environments.
The Challenge: Managing Beverage Entitlements with Accuracy
As part of HSBC’s hospitality program, premium cardholders were entitled to complimentary beverages within the event’s hospitality zones. Managing these allocations manually was time-consuming and prone to error, especially during peak hours.
The organizers required a solution that could provide real-time verification, reduce manual intervention, and ensure accurate and transparent redemption tracking — all while maintaining the premium service standard expected at an international sporting event.
The Solution: Chainway C66 RFID Readers + RAIN RFID Wristbands + RAIN RFID-Based Beverage Tracking System
The deployment combined three tightly integrated components to deliver a seamless experience:
- RAIN RFID Wristbands (Guest Identity & Entitlements)
Each eligible guest received a color-coded RAIN RFID wristband pre-encoded with entitlement details (tier and beverage quota). Wristbands enabled quick, contactless identification at service points. - Chainway C66 UHF RFID Readers (On-site Mobile Hardware)
Bar and hospitality staff used Chainway C66 UHF RFID Readers (powered by Impinj E-family chip, Android 13) to read wristbands with fast, reliable tag capture and stable performance. The C66 served as the rugged, on-site terminal for scanning and user interaction. - RAIN RFID-Based Beverage Tracking System (Application & Backend)
The RAIN RFID beverage tracking application, developed and integrated by Technowave, handled entitlement verification, real-time deduction and logging, and synchronization for reporting and analytics. Each redemption updated the guest’s remaining quota instantly and generated complete, auditable records for event management.
How it works (flow):
Guest presents wristband → C66 scans via UHF RFID → App verifies entitlement and shows remaining quota → Staff serves drink → System deducts and logs the transaction in real time → Data syncs to backend for dashboards and stock/operations planning.
The Results: Smarter Service, Elevated Guest Experience
In this deployment, the impact assessment showed that the integrated solution delivered:
- Smooth, contactless service — guests received their drinks quickly without the need for manual verification.
- Accurate and transparent redemption tracking, preventing duplication and ensuring fair allocation.
- Error-free operation, with automatic logging of each transaction for accountability and reporting.
- Valuable analytics on consumption trends, helping event organizers plan stock and staffing more effectively.
Through this collaboration, Technowave and Chainway demonstrated how RFID technology can combine efficiency, accuracy, and elegance in live event operations.
Technowave’s on-site expertise and integration capabilities ensured seamless implementation, while Chainway’s advanced RFID hardware, featuring Impinj E-family chipset, provided the technical backbone that made the system reliable and responsive.
Together, we delivered a solution that streamlined event operations and enhanced the guest experience, contributing to more efficient and data-informed hospitality management in the region.
Beyond the Fairway: Expanding Possibilities
The RAIN RFID solution proven at the HSBC Golf Championship can be adapted across multiple industries:
- Hospitality & Resorts: Manage guest entitlements and loyalty programs digitally.
- Exhibitions & Conferences: Enable smart check-ins and contactless service verification.
- Retail & Live Events: Automate voucher and promotion tracking with precision.
With the Chainway C66 at its core and local integration support from Technowave Group, organizations in the UAE and beyond can bring the same combination of control, insight, and premium experience to any environment.
Conclusion
The HSBC Golf Championship RAIN RFID beverage-tracking project illustrates how effective collaboration transforms technology into experience.
Through the joint efforts of Technowave Group (integration and deployment) and Chainway (hardware provider), powered by Impinj E-family chip, the system delivered efficient, transparent, and elegant service — proving that smart technology can truly elevate human experience.
Hardware by Chainway. Powered by Impinj chip. Integrated by Technowave Group. Delivering consistent, dependable performance