Manage your assets with RFID technology

Tracking assets is an important part of running an efficient, streamlined business, especially if your organization has a lot of inventory, equipment, or tools.  In the past, tracking assets involved manual documentation and inventory checks, which was a time-consuming and error-prone process.

Manual tracking doesn’t scale, the workers consume a lot of time to search for misplaced tools/devices. Spreadsheets get outdated, some worker forgets to record a movement. Human error affects largely and that’s before you encounter in the stress of audits or compliance checks.

RFID is as a transformative solution in modern asset management, playing a vital role in identifying and tracking tags attached to assets, offering enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and real-time data tracking.

When do you need the RFID Asset Tracking? 

• High volumes of Assets: especially that your company need to manage many assets which are frequently moved or used
• High asset value: such as specialized machinery/tools in manufacturing or medical equipment in hospitals 
• Need Real-Time tracking: You want to know the exact location of assets in real-time such as in healthcare, logistics, or manufacturing 
• Complex supply chain: RFID’s ability to provide detailed insights into the movement and status of goods throughout the supply chain
• Labour-intensive inventory process: Manual work by worker are time-consuming and labor-intensive, leading to increased costs and potential for human error
• Regulatory Compliance and Auditing: You can leverage RFID for accurate, automated data collection, simplifying compliance and audit processes for stringent regulatory requirements for asset tracking and reporting
• Frequent asset loss or misplacement:  often experiences asset loss or misplacement, which caused to operational disruptions and financial losses

RFID Tags
Small electronic devices, equipped with a chip and an antenna, are affixed to assets for tracking purposes. It is stored and transmitted critical data about the asset. To select the right RFID tags depends on specific needs and applications
 - Passive RFID Tags: Have no own battery and are activated by the electromagnetic energy from the RFID reader. It is cheaper and smaller, ideal for tracking many assets over short distances.
 - Active RFID Tags: Have own battery, enabling them to transmit data over more extended distances. It is suited for tracking high-value assets in larger areas, providing broader coverage and enhanced tracking capabilities.

Label Design Software
Label design software is crucial for creating customized layouts and content for RFID tags, ensuring they align perfectly with your requirements.
Seagull Scientific BarTender Software is widely selected it is user-friendly interface and comprehensive suite of features, BarTender enables the effortless creation and printing of RFID labels. These labels can be embellished with various elements, including symbols, images, text, and barcodes.

RFID Printers
It is essential in encoding and printing RFID tags. To select the right RFID printer is key to enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of your operations. 
More information about RFID printer Zebra ZT231R, ZT411R (Options)

RFID Readers
The devices that transmit and receive radio waves to detect and communicate with RFID tags. Then send it to the system for processing. There are 2 most commonly used RFID reader types:
 - Handheld Readers: Portability and ease of use and versatile for various applications such as conducting inventory counts and tracking assets across multiple locations.
Recommended products: MC3300 RFID, RFD40, RFD90
 - Fixed Readers: Installed at predetermined points, such as entry and exit doors or checkpoints. Fixed readers are designed to continuously monitor and track assets within their designated range such as warehouses, manufacturing facilities, or large retail spaces.
Recommended products: FXR90, FX9600

Antennas
It is used in conjunction with RFID readers to enhance their signal range and reception. The type and number of antennas required will depend on the coverage area and the system’s environment. 

Software and Middleware 
Middleware acts as a bridge between the RFID hardware and the software applications. It processes the raw data which is collected by the readers and translates it into a usable format. 
The software is the tracking data software, users can use it to monitor asset locations, generate reports, and analyze asset movement and usage

The most important concerns of customer about the investment and ROI

The total expense of implementation can vary based on several factors, including the scale of system, the type of hardware chosen, and the complexity of integration with existing systems. 

The key cost components are mainly from 

• RFID tag types which based on application
• Type of RFID reader
• Middleware and Software: The price can vary significantly based on its capabilities, scalability, and the level of customization required
• Installation and Integration Costs
• Operational and Maintenance Costs such as Training and Support and Maintenance and Upgrades
• Hidden Costs which is from environmental modifications

The initial investment may be higher than traditional methods but the long-term ROI regarding operational efficiency, reduced labor costs, cost saving and improved decision-making is worth to invest !