Spanish-based technology specialist Clustag is aiming for leadership in the RFID sector. Paul Hamblin spoke to Jorge Robledillo, North America Director, about the company’s products, successes and plans.
RFID is a word we see a lot, perhaps without understanding the term fully. Please explain what RFID is and why it is a transformational technology in logistics.
“RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, is a technology that allows assets to be identified, tracked, and managed automatically and without direct visual contact, using radio waves. Unlike barcodes, which require manual scanning and a line of sight, RFID systems can read hundreds of items simultaneously, even when they’re inside closed boxes or in motion. This not only increases speed but also improves the accuracy of intralogistics processes.
“Within the RFID universe, there is RAIN RFID, a global standard based on UHF (Ultra High Frequency) technology that enables wireless communication between tags and readers with greater range and faster read speeds. RAIN RFID is the technology that makes possible many of the item-level traceability solutions used today in sectors such as retail, sports, fashion, cosmetics, and even healthcare.
“At Clustag, we work specifically with RAIN RFID because it forms the foundation for developing robust, scalable, high-performance solutions tailored to modern, automated, or semi-automated logistics centres. This is the technology that powers our mass scanning tunnels, our MOT stations, and all our integration with WMS, ERP, or e-commerce systems.
“Understanding RFID and RAIN is key to understanding what we do at Clustag: automating intelligently, optimising with precision, and providing real visibility into the flow of millions of products each day. From there, everything we do makes sense.”
That leads us nicely into Clustag. Tell us a bit more about the company.
“Clustag is much more than an RFID solutions provider. We design, manufacture, install, and support customised RFID solutions for all types of warehouses: from manual operations to highly automated centres.
“We are a global company specialising in advanced RFID and IoT solutions applied to intralogistics, traceability, and process digitalisation. Our main headquarters is in Valencia, Spain, and we have a direct presence in North America, with offices in Miami (where I spend most of my time) and a subsidiary in Puebla, Mexico. We currently operate in over 30 countries and have deployed more than 3,000 active RFID solutions.”
What is the Clustag point of difference?
“All our RFID solutions incorporate Zentup, our exclusive middleware that seamlessly integrates hardware and software, enabling total and secure control over data capture and management. This integration ensures that all collected information is accurate, reliable, and available in real time for decision-making.
“In addition, we have patented technology, RFID-Shield Technology, which prevents any kind of cross or unwanted reading between boxes – stray reading – even in the smallest spaces. This guarantees the highest precision in the identification and traceability of each item, eliminating errors and improving operational efficiency. Thanks to these innovations, our clients benefit from faster, safer processes with complete visibility over their inventory.”
And all this happens with a 100% focus on real integration with the client’s systems such as their ERP and WMS.
“Since day one, we have been committed to innovating where it matters most: precision, speed, and visibility. Today, our systems have processed more than five billion RFID tags and have achieved reliability levels above 99%.”
What does this precision, speed and visibility mean for the client?
“It means the ability to make decisions in real-time. Thanks to Zentup, our customers can see exactly the status of every item at every point in their operation.
“It also enables seamless integration of both hardware and software. Our implementations are agile and functional, designed to minimise any disruption and to ensure that daily operations continue smoothly without unnecessary interruptions.”
Could you talk us through some real-world examples of Clustag’s success with clients?
“At Clustag, we don’t make promises. We deliver results and provide tangible, sustainable outcomes in any sector. We minimise errors and inventory losses through automation, offer total real-time visibility for agile decision-making, ensure seamless integration with existing systems without disrupting operations, and optimise every logistical process, from inventory management to order fulfilment.
“All of this is achieved under strict security standards and regulatory compliance, resulting in cost savings, improved customer experience, and a true competitive advantage. Let’s start with an example from the retail fashion sector, with Sport Time, which distributes Nike products in some territories of Eastern Europe.
“To address the logistical challenges of sports distribution, Sport Time Group implemented Clustag’s parcel RFID Solution (MOT Station), powered by RFID-Shield Technology and Zentup, an advanced system that optimises post-picking control in its distribution centres.
“Post-picking RFID control: The MOT S20 scans items at order level as they are grouped into boxes, automatically detecting if any products are missing, if there are unexpected items, or unreadable tags.”
Automated audit: Boxes with discrepancies are diverted to an audit area, where operators use Zentup software to correct errors before shipping.
Full integration: The system connects Sport Time’s warehouse systems, enabling efficient inventory management and order preparation, even with multiple materials and references.
Results: There has been a significant improvement in order accuracy, a reduction in human errors, and greater speed and reliability in preparation for retail, wholesale, and e-commerce.
“Thanks to staff training and familiarisation with Zentup, Sport Time has optimised inventory management and raised the standard of efficiency in sports goods distribution in Eastern Europe.”
Our second example comes from the pharma and healthcare sector, focused on loan kits.
“In the rapidly evolving field of healthcare logistics, precision is essential. A major global pharmaceutical company faced significant challenges managing orthopaedic loan kits, which were often packed manually, shipped to hospitals, returned incomplete, and processed again, all while needing to maintain flexibility, inventory accuracy and proper billing.”
To address these issues, the company sought to establish a robust quality checkpoint system at every stage of the kit’s journey:
Outbound: kits scanned before leaving the warehouse.
Hospital arrival: contents verified upon delivery.
Return: kits scanned before being shipped back.
Warehouse inbound: returned kits scanned to detect missing or incorrect items.
“If discrepancies arose, the system would need to flag them immediately, and any unreadable tags would need to be reprinted on the spot, eliminating delays and blind spots. This was crucial, as every missed tag could result in stock errors, surgical delays, or billing disputes. The company required a solution that would provide clarity, speed, and total control over a complex, high-volume process.
“The successful solution was provided by Clustag’s Standard RFID Solution (Massive Plus Station), powered by RFID-Shield Technology and Zentup, turning a manual, error-prone process into a streamlined, intelligent workflow. The solution delivered speed, accuracy, and traceability, proving that RFID can thrive even in non-automated environments.”
The future looks exciting. What’s next for Clustag?
“At Clustag, on a global level, we aim to be the global leaders in intelligent traceability solutions and advanced asset management.
“Under my leadership as North America Director, we are fully committed to innovation and to tackling every challenge our clients present to us, whether in pharma, food, fashion, or sports. Our ambition is to continue growing, launch new projects in more US states, and strengthen our presence throughout the country.
“We will be present at MODEX 2026 in Atlanta, after recently participating at Promat Chicago. We are determined to stay at the forefront, wherever the future of logistics is being shaped.
“But our real driving force is our ability to adapt and anticipate the needs of such diverse industries. At Clustag, we don’t just install technology, we transform operations, support our clients, and turn every challenge into an opportunity to innovate and grow together.
“Because being a leader means knowing where to go, why to go there, and having the determination to bring others along on the journey.”