RFID or radio frequency identification can be used to track assets. These assets may be IT hardware and software, construction tools and machinery, hospital equipment, and other logistical property. Technology has its way of alleviating tracking operations, increasing monitoring accuracy, and ensuring the safety and security of items.
In this article, you will learn all about RFID asset management and how it can benefit your company today.
What is an RFID Asset Tracking System?
RFID Asset tracking utilizes radio waves to transmit information about one asset to a receiver that is connected to a computer management system that updates in real-time.
A company’s inventory is streamlined throughout the facility as the different departments receive this information. The whole system is upgraded when you utilize RFID asset management in your work area.
How to Build an RFID Tracking System
Know the requirements of the business
Different businesses require a distinct set of setups for their RFID asset tracking system. Even though the nature is the same, the needs may vary for your business compared to others.
This may be due to your existing system, the facility area, the amount of inventory, and the accuracy requirements that you prefer.
Select the best RFID tag
The RFID tag is placed on the asset so that it can be read by the RFID received. It must be chosen based on the following criteria: the material of the asset, environmental conditions, the method of installation, the range of the tag, and the size of the memory on the tag.
Pick the right reader
The RFID reader receives the signal from the RFID tag and converts it to usable information for your tracking system. The right reader should work with the range needed for the facility. The power supply, connectivity to the internet, and the cost should also be considered.
Choose the software
The last aspect of the system that you should think about is the software to be utilized. It should have the capacity to store the data, manage the information, track the necessary assets, and update the system. Attentiveness of the capabilities of the system with consideration to the cost must be made.
What is the RFID Asset Management operation?
The RFID asset management principle is quite easy to understand. It operates using three main components – receiver, transponder, and software.
The transponder is the RFID tag installed on the asset. The receiver takes the radio signal and transfers the information to the software. The software then utilizes and updates the asset data using its asset-tracking capabilities.
How much does RFID Tracking cost?
RFID cost of Implementation
The cost of producing the whole RFID asset management system may be around $10,000 to $100,000 depending on the type of tag, the RFID reader technology, and the software to be used.
RFID cost per tag
A passive RFID tag will cost you around $1. They are inexpensive and are very durable. An active RFID tag, on the other hand, is $10 or more. These tags need batteries or other types of power sources for them to work.
Cost of RFID Reader
The RFID reader or scanner is priced in the range of $1000 to $10000. The cost varies based on the frequency, antenna type, and brand used.
Cost of RFID Tags vs Barcodes
The cost of RFID tags and barcodes are virtually the same. However, you gain more sustainability with the use of RFID compared to barcodes.
Best RFID Asset Tracking System
Types of RFID Asset Tracking Systems
The types of RFID asset tracking systems are active, passive, and semi-passive.
Active RFID asset tracking systems are best for tracking items in real time but they cost more compared to the two types.
Passive RFID asset tracking systems have limited range but you save more on RFID tags because they do not need any battery to function.
The semi-passive systems use batteries for the tags but they do not have transmitters which will limit the range of reading.
How to Choose the Right RFID Asset Management System
The perfect RFID asset management system to use depends on the needs of your company. The frequency range should be considered. If the company has existing systems, its adaptability must also be determined. Its scalability should also be known. If the facility and inventory will multiply exponentially in the next few years, it is possible that bigger and more robust systems must be chosen. The return on investment should also be computed when selecting the RFID asset management system for the company.
What are RFID Asset Tracking Tags?
RFID tags are placed on assets to serve as identification and tracking tools. They can be differentiated based on range and the type of power source utilized.
Based on Range
- Low Frequency RFID Tags
These tags are in the range of 30KHz to 300KHz.
- Long Range High Frequency RFID Asset Tracking
High frequency RFID is in the 3 to 30MHz range. They are usually tagged as 13.56MHz for standardization purposes.
- UHF RFID Tracking
Ultra High Frequency RFID tags operate in the 300MHz to 3GHz range. This can be used with a distance of 100 meters or more.
Based on Power Source
- Passive RFID Asset Tracking
Passive RFID tags do not have an energy source. It is powered using the antenna or the RFID reader. It is an inexpensive way of tracking assets in a logistics or supply chain management system. They are very durable but have a limited range.
- Active RFID Asset Tracking
Active tags are battery-operated. They give a signal to the RFID reader and manage to give its location in real-time. They offer a more expensive investment compared to passive RFID tags.
RFID Asset Tracking Applications
Healthcare and Hospital RFID Asset Tracking
The types of assets monitored in hospitals include medical equipment, patient beds, computers, and other types of electronics.
Manufacturing Facilities
RFID tags can be placed on raw materials, the products in the assembly line, and the finished goods for delivery.
Company Offices
Companies can maximize the use of RFID technology to track computers and other equipment. It is used to have a good inventory of items in the workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can RFID Chips be tracked?
RFID chips are located on the asset being tracked. They serve as tags of the assets and can be tracked as long as they are within the range of the RFID receiver.
Can RFID track location?
Yes, RFID can track the location of the asset. The RFID tag must be durable so that it can keep working even in the most severe environments where it is used.
Is there a free RFID asset tracking software available?
Safety and security should be the highest priority for asset tracking. Investment must be placed on this technology to keep the system protected. You will not find free RFID asset tracking in the market. However, you will see value-for-money systems that will give you ROI in the quickest possible time.
What is an RFID locator?
RFID locators are used to look for difficult-to-find assets with RFID tags.
Comparison OF RFID to Other Technology
BLE vs RFID
BLE stands for Bluetooth Low Energy. BLE can only work for a limited amount of information compared to RFID which can function in a wide area with numerous assets.
BLE is composed of the application layer, the host layer, and the controller layer. RFID mainly has receivers and tags in addition to the software used in the business.
RFID vs NFC
NF or Near Field Communication can only be used in close-range situations. Both RFID and NFC are cost-effective with secure transmission of data.
GPS vs RFID
The whole RFID asset tracking management is relatively inexpensive compared to the GPS. RFID is more localized compared to the use of satellites to identify the exact location of assets in GPS. Companies often work with both GPS and RFID in some of their valuable assets.
Conclusion
The RFID Asset Tracking system can greatly benefit your company. Enhancement in tracking assets will save you money and time.
In choosing the right RFID tracking system, you must consider different factors in order to get your ROI in the shortest possible time. All-in-all, utilizing RFID is the cheapest way to manage your assets and increase your productivity in the long run.
