Zebra’s TC22R: A Compact RFID Powerhouse for Retail and Hospitality

The modern front line doesn’t have room for bulky gear, slow devices, or outdated tech. Today’s retail, hospitality, and QSR businesses need smart, compact tools that are fast, intuitive, and flexible enough to handle anything thrown their way. That’s exactly where the new Zebra TC22R shines.

As the newest addition to Zebra’s popular TC2x family, the TC22R mobile computer delivers high-performance barcode and UHF RFID scanning in a slim, cost-conscious design. For businesses who’ve been holding off on RFID adoption due to price or device bulk, this is the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for.

When deployed through Strategic Systems, the TC22R becomes even more valuable giving teams a seamless rollout, full support, and the RFID-enabled visibility they need to drive smarter decisions.

The RFID Revolution, Now Pocket-Sized

RFID has traditionally been seen as bulky, expensive, and best suited for warehouse or industrial environments. But the Zebra TC22R challenges all of that thinking.

It’s:

• Lightweight and pocketable, like a smartphone
• Built for front-line workers, not warehouse floors
• Cost-effective, without sacrificing performance
• Equipped with a 360° RFID antenna, allowing ultra-fast, accurate tag reads regardless of orientation
  
  

This means employees can scan barcodes, capture RFID data, and complete transactions all from a single device without switching tools or disrupting customer interactions.

Key Features That Set the TC22R Apart

Zebra packed this device with enterprise features typically found in much larger or pricier models:

Integrated UHF RFID reader for real-time inventory, returns, and asset tracking
SE4710 1D/2D barcode scanner with lightning-fast performance
Wi-Fi 6/6E + 5G for uninterrupted cloud and app access
Android 13 OS with long-term upgrade support via Zebra LifeGuard™
6" edge-to-edge display—large enough for productivity, small enough for agility
Optional payment-ready version with tap-to-pay and mPOS functionality
All-day removable battery, hot-swappable for zero downtime
IP68 sealing and 5 ft drop rating—built for spills, drops, and dust

In short? This is a true all-in-one device for modern retail, QSR, and hospitality teams that need power and flexibility without the bulk.

Ideal Use Cases for the TC22R

Retail Floor Associates
Scan items, check stock levels, locate inventory with RFID, assist customers, and even take payments all without leaving the floor.

QSR Back-of-House
Use RFID to track inventory like uniforms, trays, or ingredients. Enable barcode scanning for receiving and prep tracking. Keep everything moving.

Hospitality Front Desk
Check guests in, scan loyalty cards, locate tagged bags or assets with RFID, and manage service tasks from one compact mobile computer.

Pop-Up and Curbside Teams
For retail and QSR brands with curbside or temporary setups, the TC22R combines payment processing and inventory visibility in one handheld device.

Built for RFID Speed and Accuracy

The TC22R isn’t just capable of RFID, it’s designed for it. With Zebra’s latest RFID module and a built-in 360° antenna, it can capture large volumes of RFID tags with higher speed and fewer missed reads compared to traditional sled-based or retrofitted solutions.

Whether you're doing:

• Full inventory counts
• Tagging incoming merchandise
• Managing loss prevention workflows
• Tracking high-value items or uniforms
  …you’ll get a faster, more accurate, and more scalable RFID experience.
  
  

Strategic Systems: RFID Experts 

Hardware is only part of the solution. That’s why so many businesses turn to Strategic Systems for full-stack deployment support.

Our RFID expertise means you get:

• A guided hardware evaluation to determine if the TC22R fits your needs
• RFID software recommendations (including RedBeam for retail and hospitality)
• Assistance with Zebra Mobility DNA tools like StageNow and Device Tracker
• On-site deployment support and staff training
• Long-term help desk, service, and refresh strategies
  
  

Why This Upgrade Matters Now

If you’re still using aging mobile computers or managing inventory with clipboards and consumer-grade phones, you’re already falling behind. The TC22R gives you modern visibility without the complexity or price tag of traditional enterprise RFID setups.

It’s not just about faster scanning. It’s about:

• Eliminating out-of-stocks
• Reducing shrink
• Improving customer service
• Giving employees the right tools to do their jobs
  
  

And with Strategic Systems by your side, your RFID journey doesn’t have to be risky or confusing.

Ready to Try the TC22R?

You don’t need to overhaul your entire system to get started with RFID. Let Strategic Systems show you how the Zebra TC22R can integrate into your existing workflows unlocking faster decisions and smarter operations.

Contact Strategic Systems for a TC22R evaluation
Request a demo or RFID site assessment today