Rapid Audits & Data Collection

RFID Tracking Software & Systems

Easily and quickly perform bulk asset transactions such as moves, check-outs, check-ins and disposals.
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Overview

Accurately managing and tracking valuable assets is a challenge faced by businesses across the world.

Time spent searching for misplaced, lost, or stolen assets can lead to costly delays, downtime, missed deadlines, and wasted labor. Manual tracking methods such as pen and paper or spreadsheets have proven costly, time consuming and error-prone.

One method that has revolutionized day-to-day asset management operations is the use of radio frequency identification or RFID technology. RFID asset tracking automates the process of physical asset management and location. It is one of the most efficient and cost-effective tracking technologies available today.

How does an RFID tracking system work?

An RFID asset tracking system combines an RFID scanner or reader with active or passive RFID asset tags and asset management software.

The system works by loading, or commissioning, an RFID asset tag with data and attaching it to an asset. The data can include information such as the asset's name, condition, quantity, manufacturer, or location.

The next step in the process varies depending on whether your RFID asset tracking system uses active RFID tags or passive RFID tags. Selecting the right RFID tag will depend on your environment, data requirements, as well as the size and material of the asset(s) you’re tagging.

Asset Tracking with Active RFID Tags

If you’re using active RFID tags with your system, the RFID tag can either respond to queries or actively send beacons which an RFID reader reads to capture the stored data. The reader collects the data and stores it in asset tracking software where the data can be evaluated and actioned.

Active RFID tags are commonly used in processes to track assets in real-time such as where the exact location is critical. Active RFID tags are generally more expensive than passive RFID tags and there is a wide range of alternatives.

Asset Tracking with Passive RFID Tags

If you’re using passive RFID tags with your system, the RFID reader sends a radio frequency signal to the RFID tag which powers it on and reflects the energy back to the reader. The reader then captures and stores the data in asset tracking software where the data can be evaluated and actioned.

Because passive RFID tags do not have a power source of their own, they are generally smaller, lighter weight, less expensive, and have a longer life expectancy than active tags. With passive RFID tags, the more data that is stored on the tag, the shorter the read range will be. Passive RFID tags are often used for tracking inventory, supply chain management and access control. The flexibility and cost-effectiveness of passive RFID tags makes it possible to attach them to or embed them in a wider range of objects than active tags.

RFID Consult

One of our advisors will contact you to discuss your needs in depth.