The antenna and reader work together to send radio waves filled with information from the tag to a computer database. When the computer database receives its signal through the reader, it sends information back to the reader, and the reader then decodes the raw data.

• RFID Tag – One on every item, filled with data about the product.
• Antenna (part of the tag itself) – Sends data to an RFID Reader.
• RFID Reader – Forwards data to the Computer Database.
• Computer Database – Stores and evaluates the data and communicates it to other parties if needed.

There are two types of RFID readers: fixed and mobile. Fixed readers are installed in a specific place (for example, a check-out zone that reads the tags on the items in a cart). Mobile readers are handheld and can be used in aisles, at checkout, or anywhere. RFID Walmart uses both types of readers at its stores and distribution centers.