Technology

How Barrel Scout works.

Purpose-built cloud and mobile software, industrial RFID hardware, and durable barrel tags — designed together as a single, integrated tracking system. No complex system integration projects, no self-hosted servers, no hardware troubleshooting.


Architecture · Three components

From tag to dashboard, automatically.

Every barrel scan flows from a battery-free RFID tag to a reader to the cloud — and back to every browser and device on the account. No manual entry, no nightly batch jobs, no lost movements.

01

Barrel Tag

Affixed once per barrel. Lives the life of the barrel.

Battery-free RFID + barcode combo. Inexpensive, yet sought enough to survive the rigors of a decade in a barrel warehouse.

  • RFID + barcode in a single tag
  • 10+ year operational lifespan
  • No batteries, no replacement
02

RFID Reader

Handheld, mobile, or forklift-mounted.

Reads hundreds of barrels per second at up to 20 ft. RFID's unique benefit is no line of sight is required, meaning scans are fast and accurate. Capture movements automatically with forklift-mounted readers.

  • 20 ft read range, no line of sight needed
  • Handheld and forklift options
  • Never miss a barrel
03

Software

Cloud, iOS, and Android; unified to one system of record.

Centralized inventory, reporting, ownership, and audit history. Browser to log in. Phone to scan on the floor. Both in real time, both backed by the same data plane.

  • Browser-based — no installs
  • Native iOS and Android apps
  • Full audit trail on every event
  • 100s Barrels read per second
  • 20 ft+ RFID read range
  • 10+ yr Tag lifespan
  • 0 Servers to install
  • Days Not months to deploy

Software · Web

The command center.

Every barrel, every movement, every report — accessible from any browser, with nothing to install. Designed for the way distillery operators actually work: dense, fast, exportable.

  • Real-time barrel location and condition updates
  • Centralized management across all warehouses
  • Cloud-hosted — no software to install or maintain
  • Unlimited barrel event storage and history
  • Ship and receive with full shipment status tracking
  • Reports and one-click Excel export
  • Visual warehouse mapping with rack and stack views
  • Full audit trail on every barrel event and change
app.barrelscout.com / buildings / rickhouse-1
Barrel Scout web application: warehouse map view showing rickhouse floor plan with utilization stats and rack elevation cross-section

Cloud-hosted No servers, no installs, automatic updates

Locate mode
BS-1042-A Lot 23-MB-A

Within 8 ft

Scan more

iOS & Android Included with every subscription

Software · Mobile

Built for the warehouse floor.

Turn any iOS or Android device into a scanning terminal — with or without a dedicated RFID reader. Locate Mode walks an operator to a specific barrel by audio and visual proximity, even in tight rickhouse stacks.

  • Native iOS and Android apps
  • RFID and Bluetooth scanner integration
  • Camera-based barcode scanning built in
  • "Locate Mode" with audio and visual proximity prompts up to 20 feet
  • Real-time sync across all devices
  • Scan barrels directly into shipments and deliveries

Hardware · Fixed Readers

Forklift-mounted readers.

Mount a reader to the forklift and every barrel movement through the warehouse is captured automatically — no manual scanning, no missed events. The system records who moved what, when, and to where.

  • Forklift-mounted for fully automated barrel tracking
  • Reads hundreds of tags per second — no manual scanning
  • Captures every movement through dock doors and aisles
  • No line of sight required — reads through wood and plastic
  • Industrial-grade hardware rated for warehouse environments
  • Syncs scan events to the cloud in real time
  • Works alongside handheld readers on the same account

100s/sec Tags read in a single forklift pass

Hardware · Handheld

Two handheld options.

Most distilleries deploy with the XR2 — full RFID + barcode in one trigger pull. The XT4 is the cost-effective barcode-first option for warehouses that don't need RFID range, or as a secondary device.

Barcode only · Alternate

Janam XT4

A cost-effective option for operations that primarily use barcode scanning, or as a secondary device alongside an XR2. Lightweight, ergonomic, fully supported by the mobile app.

RFID range
— (barcode only)
Barcode imager
High-perf 2D
Connectivity
Bluetooth + Wi-Fi
Build
Lightweight, ergonomic

Hardware · Tags

Two form factors, one durability standard.

Both tags are battery-free RFID + barcode combos rated for the life of the barrel. The form factor depends on your application preference: on metal hoops or on wood.

For palletized-only storage

Metal Hoop Tag

Attaches to the barrel hoop with super strong adhesive. Designed to survive forklift movement, stacking impact, and all storage environments. Reads cleanly through pallets when forklift-mounted readers pass by.

Profile
Hoop-mount
Best for
Palletized storage
Lifespan
10+ years
Power
Battery-free

For all storage operations

Barrel Head Tag

Staples anywhere on the barrel — ideal for any storage regime, especially those requiring the rolling of barrels. Low-profile, flexible design attaches anywhere without interrupting traditional barrel ops.

Profile
Head-mount, low
Best for
Rickhouse storage
Lifespan
10+ years
Power
Battery-free

Integration

Works with what you already use.

Barrel Scout runs standalone or alongside your existing warehouse and ERP systems. Add real-time barrel visibility on top of what you have — no replacement project required.

  • Import and export via Excel and CSV — no custom integration required
  • API available for deeper integration with existing business systems
  • Simple pricing and 30-day trial ensures you see value early
  • Flexible account structure supports single-site and multi-location operations

Book a demo

See what Barrel Scout can do for your inventory.

Give us thirty minutes and we will give you a peek into how RFID tracking will improve your barrel operations.