Reimagining Mobile AIDC: AI, Hybrid Tracking & Zero-Trust Security at the Edge

As CEO of RFgen Software, I have a front-row seat to how mobile technologies and automated data capture are transforming supply chains. The real challenge lies not in chasing every new tech trend but in pinpointing the breakthroughs that deliver measurable gains to our clients.

As we work through our product roadmap refresh, I’ve been reflecting on the three core areas we’re investing in to ensure RFgen’s Mobile Edge solutions continue enabling our customers to stay ahead of that change. Each of these areas touches on a fundamental shift in how modern supply chains are being built and optimized.

1. AI‑Assisted Edge Processing for Real‑Time Decision‑Making

Advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning are moving closer to the source of the transaction, transforming mobile devices into smart agents capable of local decision‑making. Devices like handheld scanners and rugged mobile computers are no longer just collecting data; they’re validating it at the point of activity. This matters greatly in environments where a constant connection to the ERP can’t be guaranteed. We’ve long supported offline, rules‑based transaction processing through our Mobile Unity Framework, but AI is allowing us to go further by analyzing transactional data to streamline data exchange, optimize workflows, and provide enhanced user direction even in disconnected environments.

In edge‑of‑coverage scenarios, AI‑enabled mobile solutions can detect anomalies in real time such as incorrect items scanned or unusual sequence deviations. They can dynamically adjust pick routes or task priorities based on location, urgency, and capacity, and they enable more responsive warehouse and manufacturing execution. According to Gartner, by 2027 over 50% of cloud computing will be deployed at the edge, and AIDC solutions are riding that wave.

2. Hybrid Location Tracking Convergence

We’re doubling down on the convergence of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ultra‑wideband (UWB), and RFID technologies into unified tracking systems. Historically, these have been siloed, but that’s changing quickly. The interoperability between these technologies is making it possible to deploy more flexible, cost‑effective solutions that offer enhanced range and precision. At RFgen, we’re already helping customers implement these hybrid systems using our Mobile Unity Framework to orchestrate how they interact with business systems and devices.

These hybrid tracking systems matter because the environments our customers operate in are getting more complex. Whether it’s a sprawling yard with high‑value consignment inventory or a multi‑story manufacturing plant, hybrid tracking increases visibility, automates location‑based decisions, and reduces reliance on costly infrastructure. As hardware costs continue to fall, we expect adoption to grow significantly in the next 12–18 months. Recent research from VDC indicates that nearly 70% of industrial operations are planning to expand their use of RFID and BLE over the next two years.

3. Zero‑Trust Mobile Architectures for Security

With rising cybersecurity risks and more mobile and remote users than ever before, expectations around mobile platform security have fundamentally changed. Our customers, especially in regulated industries like aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and defense, need to ensure that every data point collected is secure, authenticated, and auditable. Zero‑trust goes beyond secure logins, extending into encrypted transactions, granular role‑based access, and enforced data boundaries.

At RFgen, we’ve always taken a security‑first approach, and that’s reflected in every layer of our solution. But as organizations continue migrating systems to the cloud or modernizing legacy infrastructure, the importance of zero‑trust principles only grows. According to IBM’s 2023 Cost of a Data Breach Report, organizations with fully deployed zero‑trust architectures save an average of $1.76 million per breach compared to those without.

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead, these three trends—AI at the edge, hybrid tracking systems, and zero‑trust architectures—are where we believe the most value will be created in mobile AIDC over the next 12 to 18 months. Our goal at RFgen is to stay ahead of these shifts and ensure our customers can leverage them with confidence, simplicity, and security.

I’d welcome the opportunity to hear how others are approaching similar challenges in this space. Let’s connect.