RFID Asset Tracking

The radio frequency identification or RFID is one of the most commonly used technologies in asset tracking. Sometimes, it is referred to as Dedicated Short Range Communication or DSRC. It uses radio waves to identify and track tagged objects. The objects are either actively or passively RFID tagged. The active tag means that the object contains a battery to power the transmission of radio signals. On the other hand, the passive tag means that the tracked object does not have a battery and relies on external energy source to transmit signals.

How to Start Tracking

You will need an asset tracking system that is equipped with RFID before you can start tracking. You will find various brands out there. Expect that there are slight differences on the price and features. Make sure to look at the speed of the system which is measured in tags per second.

You will also need to design a spreadsheet that has some important fields such as the asset's name, cost and serial number. Today, you can find excel sheets for asset tracking offered for a very affordable price. It is a good solution if you are not adept to spreadsheet applications, do not have someone to help you or want to save time.

The next step is to tag the assets that you need to track. The tag has two parts namely the circuit chip and the antenna. The antenna is the one that identifies the chip placed in the objects after sending scanning signal through a reader or scanner. It also activates the transponder in the tag even if it is not visible. The tag will also transmit signal, which will be decoded to have the registered object's information. The spreadsheet will then be updated after each system's scan.

Where to Use RFID

The RFID technology for asset tracking can be used in a wide variety of fields. It has been used for recording the start and end time in races and marathons since early 2000. The tags are placed in the numbers on the racers' chest while the antennas are on the side of the track. It is also used in transportation especially in railroads. It is very effective in identifying axles, cars, and equipment. The airports also use it to track the passengers' baggage. Now you know how they reduce the likelihood of misplacing baggage. It can also be used for tracking farm and husbandry animals. The tags can be injected for easier tracking of age and health of the animals. Lastly, it can be used in businesses wherein products are sold or lent. It can also be used to track the attendance of employees. The tags will be placed in their ID cards.

Advantages and Disadvantages

An advantage of RFID technology over other asset tracking systems is that it can scan and detect many items simultaneously. It can also detect the tag even if it is embedded in the object. These two features make it a better choice than barcode tracking systems. However, the disadvantage is that it can detect at shorter ranges. In fact, the high RFID frequency can reach only up to 90 feet.