The new application offers a modern and clear interface that optimises RFID data interpretation, opening up new operational opportunities.

Clustag, a global leader in RFID solutions and data capture, has announced the development and launch of ‘Tag Inspector’, the first open application specifically designed for smartphones with integrated RAIN RFID readers, targeted at technical validation and R&D. This new tool marks a qualitative leap in the way RAIN RFID data is read, managed and interpreted in a fast, intuitive and efficient way, directly from the mobile device.

Clustag will officially present ‘Tag Inspector’ at EuroShop 2026, to be held from 22 to 26 February in Düsseldorf, at Zebra Technologies’ stand (Hall 6, A79). In an edition marked by the strong presence of RAIN RFID, the company will demonstrate how this technology, already well established in retail, allows for optimised efficiency and automation of validation and inventory processes in real-world environments.

With this launch, Clustag expands its RAIN solutions ecosystem with an application for R&D, IT and test lab departments, as well as professionals who need to conduct rapid validations, comparative tag analyses or technical demonstrations in different environments.

‘Tag Inspector’ overcomes the usual limitations of native applications for these devices thanks to a modern, clear and process-oriented interface, which makes reading, validation and identification tasks simple and accessible.

Zebra Technologies, the perfect partner to enhance RAIN development.

The launch of ‘Tag Inspector’ forms part of a global trend highlighted by the RAIN Alliance, which describes the integration of RAIN RFID readers into smartphones as a “new wave of innovation”, driven by manufacturers such as Qualcomm and Impinj. The organisation is accelerating this technology by promoting ecosystem meetings in working groups focused on ensuring interoperability through standardisation.

In this context, Clustag maintains ongoing contact with Zebra Technologies, a manufacturer that integrates RFID readers into industrial smartphones. Initially, ‘Tag Inspector’ is available for their EM45-RFID and TC5e-RFID models, with plans to expand to other additional models. Although these devices do not yet achieve all the capabilities of a traditional RFID PDA, their design and ongoing advances in mobile reading are accelerating their adoption in technical environments.

The goal of this collaboration between Clustag and Zebra is to continue exploring new applications, understand the evolution of these devices and progressively optimise ‘Tag Inspector’ according to real market needs. In this context, there is consideration for the application to also work on other industrial Zebra devices without an integrated RFID reader, increasing its versatility and enabling flexible technology adoption without replacing current equipment.

Clint Tenill, Vice President of Product Innovation at Clustag NA, highlights the impact this transformation will have on the sector, noting that the adoption of this technology is accelerating in North America “driven by initiatives such as the RAIN Alliance, which is standardising its integration into mobile devices. ‘Tag Inspector’ offers retailers an agile tool to validate tags, compare suppliers and make decisions based on real data, directly from a smartphone. This reduces friction and speeds up RFID integration in stores and logistics centres.”

Multiple features in an intuitive yet specialised tool.

‘Tag Inspector’ stands out for being an open application compatible with a variety of RFID tags from multiple manufacturers. Its ability to scan heterogeneous tags allows retailers to identify which models each uses, analyse their behaviour and determine what improvements they may need. This is especially useful in evaluation, benchmarking and supplier selection processes.

These features allow tags to be tested in different environments and reading points, observe variations in frequency, power and sensitivity, or compare performance between old and new models. In this way, suppliers can be objectively assessed, and their entire RAIN RFID ecosystem optimised in telecommunications, R&D or technical validation contexts.

“Our goal with ‘Tag Inspector’ was to put the user experience at the centre and develop a tool that is intuitive but highly specialised, aimed at technical and innovation teams that require precision, speed and constant evolution in their RFID tests and deployments,” says Toni Tortosa, project lead in the Clustag IT team.

With the launch of ‘Tag Inspector’, Clustag reaffirms its commitment to democratising access to identification technologies, helping organisations to optimise their operations in an increasingly connected and demanding environment.

ABOUT CLUSTAG

Clustag is a technology company specialising in IoT and RFID solutions for asset tracking, management, and intralogistics. Based in Spain, with offices in Mexico, Miami, Netherlands, and Bangladesh, Clustag draws on over a decade of experience to deliver customised systems from design to maintenance for its clients.