Nov/Dec 2003

Assets and equipment can benefit just as much from automatic tracking as vehicles - or that's the argument advanced by Texas Instruments' RFID (radio frequency identification) division. To make it easier for users to introduce this kind of tracking, it has joined forces with another American-based company, Emerging Foundations, to launch a fully integrated asset tracking package for managing inventory and tracking items and assets such notebook PCs.

The technology behind the system centres on TI's 13.56 MHz Tag-it smart labels, which conform to ISO 15693 standard, and its and S6500 Long Range Reader/Antennas. These are used in conjunction with Emerging Foundations' Web-based Logistical Tracking System software suite.

When moved within three feet of a TI S6500 Long Range Reader, which can be mounted at a doorway or entrance, the smart label is automatically identified and logged with its unique identification number and timestamp.

Data from the tagged assets is transferred to Emerging Foundation's Logistical Tracking System software, Space Manager, which can provide asset reports by location, room or facility. The application uses geographic information system technology for improved accuracy, and produces a detailed audit trail.

Meanwhile, an RFID-based asset management system called Dogtagz, aimed particularly at industrial and explosive environments, has been developed by two other specialists - Ascendant Technologies and DI (Diagnostic Instruments).

It uses DI's Zone 0 handheld terminal, with integrated RFID reader, which can handle a variety of transponder types such as Philips Hitag and EM Marine. DI also offers rugged, wireless-enabled terminals that can interface with other low and high frequency tags such as TI Tiris and Philips I-Code.