RFID technology has transformed numerous industries, and retail has been one of the most significantly impacted. Within this ecosystem, the Auburn University RFID Lab’s ARC program has become a global benchmark to ensure the quality and reliability of RFID tags. But what exactly is ARC RFID certification, and why is it relevant across so many different sectors?
In this article, we’ll explain what ARC certification is, how it works, and which industries benefit from its standards, turning this into a reference guide for anyone looking to understand its role in RFID deployments.
Understanding ARC RFID: What It Is and Why It’s Crucial
ARC RFID is a certification program that ensures tags meet strict performance, , and quality standards tailored to  industries using RFID. Rather than being a supplier-driven certification, ARC specifications are defined by the requirements of leading retailers and end users.
Its importance lies in the assurance it provides both to manufacturers and retailers regarding the long-term functionality and reliability of RFID tags across the entire supply chain. ARC remains neutral across industries and inlay providers, focusing on creating consistent, performance-based specifications that support scalability and reliable performance across a variety of environments, such as retail, aviation, and manufacturing.
Certified tags streamline processes such as accurate inventory management, reliable product tracking, and compliance with industry-specific needs. By aligning with ARC standards, companies demonstrate that their RFID tags can be trusted in real-world environments.
Industries Covered by ARC Certification
ARC testing thoroughly evaluates what is RFID capable of by simulating real-world conditions to ensure optimal performance.
ARC does not focus exclusively on retail. Its scope spans a wide range of industries, each with specific demands for RFID performance:
- Retail apparel – Ensures accurate stock visibility and efficient replenishment.
- Retail general merchandise – Supports product variety and complex logistics.
- Aviation – Improves baggage tracking and operational safety.
- Healthcare – Guarantees traceability of medical equipment and supplies.
- Automotive – Enhances component tracking and supply chain visibility.
- Food – Supports safety, compliance, and freshness monitoring.
- Tolling – Delivers reliability for high-speed identification.
- Industrial – Enables efficiency in manufacturing and distribution processes.
By covering such a broad spectrum, ARC certification has become a cross-industry standard for RFID reliability.
How ARC Testing Works
ARC testing goes beyond single-condition evaluations. Each inlay submitted undergoes rigorous testing to build a full performance profile under simulated real-world conditions.
Key parameters include:
- Readability – Ability to scan tags quickly and accurately, even in motion or when stacked.
- Interference resistance – Ensures performance despite potential electronic or material disruptions.
Alongside standard tests, custom tests are designed for industry-specific use cases. These ensure that RFID solutions perform effectively in specialized environments, whether in retail stores, hospitals, or airports.
Key Factors Affecting RFID Tag Performance
Each industry and environment presents unique challenges. Among the most critical factors are:
- Product type – From fragile apparel to perishables, different materials affect RFID tag
- Infrastructure – Reader quality, configuration, and placement can influence results.
- Operational processes – Logistics, product handling, and POS dynamics all play a role.
To support this, the ARC program collaborates with end users and suppliers, ensuring deployments are tested against real operational needs.
Checkpoint’s Role in ARC Certification
Checkpoint is one of the few providers globally recognized with the prestigious ARC Quality Certification, earned for any of our approved chip suppliers. This achievement places Checkpoint among just seven certified inlay providers acknowledged by Auburn University’s RFID Lab.
With one of the industry’s widest ranges of RFID tags, Checkpoint tailors solutions for every sector, from fashion to logistics.
In conclusion it is a requirement for working with many leading retailers and organizations. By establishing performance-based standards across diverse industries, ARC ensures that RFID tags function reliably in real-world environments.
For brands, suppliers, and manufacturers, understanding ARC means recognizing its role as the trusted benchmark for compliance, performance, and scalability across retail, aviation, healthcare, automotive, food, tolling, and industrial applications.
