An RFID system includes a first RFID reader storing old reader programming, a plurality of RFID administrator transponders, and new reader programming. The new reader programming is divided into a plurality of segments. Each RFID administrator transponder has an administrator transponder memory, which stores a new revision identifier correlated to the new programming, a different segment of new reader programming, and a correlated programming segment identifier. The RFID system further includes first, second and third writing means. The first writing means writes the segment of new reader programming stored in each administrator transponder memory to the first RFID reader, thereby enabling the first RFID reader to reprogram itself with the new reader programming. The second writing means writes one of the segments of new reader programming stored in the first RFID reader to a user transponder memory. The third writing means writes the segment of new reader programming stored in the user transponder memory to one or more additional RFID readers in the RFID system in response to the new revision identifier and correlated programming segment identifier, thereby enabling each of the additional RFID readers to reprogram itself with the new reader programming.