RFID Process & Data your Customers can Trust
Core Audit Pillars
1. RFID System Infrastructure
Objective: Confirm that the RFID hardware and software environment is robust, secure, and optimally configured.
Audit Criteria:
All relevant RFID hardware (portals, antennas, handhelds) is installed and functioning
Read points are located at key process stages: intake, sort, finish, mending, and dispatch
Use of directional shielding or read-zone containment to prevent cross-reads
RFID-compatible trolleys and packaging (non-metallic or lined where necessary)
Networked or cloud-based data architecture (preferred) for traceability
Verification:
Site walk-through and visual inspection
Hardware specs and placement documentation
Reader accuracy tests at each station
2. Data Capture and Inventory Accuracy
Objective: Ensure that RFID chips are reliably captured, tracked, and reconciled throughout their lifecycle.
Audit Criteria:
≥ 98% read accuracy at all key points (sorting, finishing, dispatch)
No significant evidence of ghost reads, misreads, or duplication
Real-time data availability and integration with production planning
Tag-to-item association is correctly maintained (by SKU, category, customer)
Verification:
Spot audits of tagged inventory
Live system demonstration
Review of daily item logs and variance reports
3. Process Compliance and Operator Integration
Objective: Validate that RFID processes are embedded in daily operations and staff are properly trained.
Audit Criteria:
Operators follow SOPs for rewash, no-chip, over-washed, and repair workflows
The mending team properly reassigns/rechips items as needed
New item tagging and data entry follow standard protocols
Rewash/retire/reassign decisions are trackable and justified
Verification:
Staff interviews and process observations
SOP manuals and training records
Random test items tracked through the process
4. Software Configuration and Reporting
Objective: Confirm that the software supports full RFID lifecycle management and provides transparent data.
Audit Criteria:
Automated flagging of no-chip, over-wash, or damaged items
Customer-level and pool-stock-level inventory reconciliation
System logs available for all reads, edits, and dispatches
Alert system for anomalies (e.g., chip not read, chip duplicated, wrong item in dispatch)
Verification:
Software demonstration and test scenario walkthroughs
Review of daily, weekly, and monthly reports
Sample audit of item histories in the database
5. Dispatch & Customer Assurance
Objective: Guarantee accurate, validated deliveries using RFID verification.
Audit Criteria:
Read portal or equivalent system used for outbound verification
Trolley validation (number of items, types, customer match)
Dispatch records match system output
Ability to confirm delivery contents post-factum (audit trail)
Verification:
Live dispatch simulation
Review of customer feedback logs
Sampling of closed-loop dispatch records
6. Governance, Quality Control & Risk Mitigation
Objective: Ensure that the laundry has internal quality and escalation processes for RFID-related anomalies.
Audit Criteria:
Policies in place for tag loss, chip failure, and exception handling
RFID asset lifecycle tracking (e.g., number of washes, repairs, reassignments)
Internal audits are conducted regularly and documented
Soiled in reader audit system in place to validate soiled in accuracy.
Continuous improvement and tech upgrade planning
Verification:
Review of incident logs and resolutions
Live monitoring of soiled in readers and test batch audits.
Interview with QA/Operations leadership
Assessment of internal audit outcomes