RFID Chemical Inventory Tracking

Use of RFID for Chemical Inventory at Berkeley Lab

RFID Implementation Overview

The Lab has transitioned to RFID inventory tracking for safer and more efficient chemical inventory management. 

• A site-wide effort was completed in 2022 to transition hazardous chemical containers to RFID

• Containers in the chemical management system (CMS) that still do not have RFID tags will be searched for during a site-wide reconciliation effort in 2023 to ensure an accurate chemical inventory

• Affix RFID tag only to any new containers. Be familiar with tagging guidance if you apply RFID tags. It's very important that they are applied properly, and an appropriate RFID tag type is used, to ensure good adhesion and performance.

• CMS barcodes have been phased out

• RFID tagging on newly received chemical containers is performed at the Central Chemical Receiving Facility to save researcher time and improve inventory accuracy 

  1. • Check containers received for RFID tags 

     • A responsible individual must RFID tag any containers that require tracking in CMS that are not already tagged when received 

     • CMS may also require updating, such as "receiving" chemicals to change their status to active, or entering chemicals directly (e.g. samples, collaborations, etc.) 

Benefits of RFID Tracking: 

• Significantly reduces the time for doing reconciliation compared to barcode scanning, especially for chemicals in gloveboxes, desiccators, and fridges 

• Labs can perform reconciliations more often to improve accuracy (reconciliation app being developed for site-wide rollout in Summer 2023)

• Easier to locate containers using the RF signal - See how it works!

Types of RFID Tags

The Lab currently uses two primary types of RFID tags, "flat" tags and "flag" tags

• NEW! Flat tags are the primary tags used, available starting in 2023

• Flag tags are recommended for on-metal (cylinders, flam-cabinet multi-inventory sheets, etc.) and for small containers

• Freezer tags will be available in early 2023, recommended for use in -20 C and below storage temperatures

RFID Resources

RFID Tag Field Guide

How to set up static RFID tag / multi-inventory datasheet inventory management

RFID "Flag Tag" Step-by-Step Instructions

RFID Tag Request Form 

RFID Feedback Form

RFID Inventory Reconciliation Guide (Coming Summer 2023!)

Request to Borrow an RFID Reader (Coming Summer 2023!)