When you need to track your assets you need to use reliable technology. Your chosen asset register format should ideally make tracking assets a breeze. However, this is not always the case. The good news is that when you use RFID tags alongside your asset register, things become easier. 

Let’s take a look at just why RFID tags are exactly what you need.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags contain very good technology. They allow a scanner/reader to identify specific radio waves. It’s these waves that tell the scanner what an asset does/is. However, a tag such as this can only work this way if it’s already been programmed. 

When you set up an asset register, you need to attach an RFID tag to all of your assets. Then, it’s time to scan a tag and fill it with the information you need. Depending on the asset register format you choose, you could add a lot of information to it. This information should help you to quickly identify the asset. It could even help you to learn how the machine, for example, works or who is currently using it.

Some businesses tend to use QR codes when they’re tracking their assets. Other businesses use RFID tags. The latter option is without a doubt, the better of the two. Just make sure that your shiny new asset register format lets you use tags rather than codes. 

Tags are better than codes for a number of reasons. Below, you can find just a few of these reasons listed: 

• The scanner you use will automatically detect the tag without you having to scan it. This makes using tags so much more convenient. 
• You don’t have to stick the tag in an easy-to-find place. Simply attach the RFID tag anywhere on the asset and it’ll work well. 
• Tags often tend to last longer than QR codes. They’re known for being quite robust. This means they’re ideal for frequently used assets. 
• Tags can be personalised. You could have your business’s logo added to your tags. This can make for easy identification. It’s also useful if you hire or lend your assets to others. 

As you can see, using RFID tags just makes sense. While there’s nothing from stopping you using QR codes, they just don’t offer quite as much. 

Using GPS technology with tags can help immensely with asset tracking. Regardless of which asset register format you use, it needs GPS technology. 

Originally designed for use by the military, GPS is used by millions in this country. It helps us to get to where we need to be. It also helps us to locate assets in no time. 

When you log into your asset register you can see where all of your assets are. This is all thanks to the power of GPS technology. 

Imagine just being able to check where your assets are at the touch of a button. You could see if they’re in the correct location at any time. When used in combination with an asset register, wonderful things can happen.

Tracking assets is never easy, or should we say was never easy. Thanks to the way that almost every modern asset register format works, asset tracking can be easier than you think. 

As long as you have attached an RFID tag to your assets you can create an asset register. Ideally, your new asset register format will allow you to input a lot of information about each asset. Once this information has been added, it’s time to track your assets. You could see the location of each of your assets both day and night. You could see whether they’re in the correct office or the correct site. You could also see who is in the queue to use the asset in question and who already has. Tracking your assets is not just very convenient. It can help to save your business both time and money. It can help you to become more productive. 

Tracking the location of your assets by using GPS and RFID tags can give you reassurance. You know you can track and locate your assets within a few seconds. Consequently, your business’s security levels will rise. This is because you can see each asset’s location. So, if something is in the wrong location, you can tell. A result of this means that fewer assets will go missing. Imagine being able to locate all of your assets within a very short space of time. Imagine being able to take full control of your assets. This is perfectly possible when you use RFID tags to help you manage your assets. 

Would you like to chat with an asset register format expert about using RFID tags? Contact us now at team@itemit.com.

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or, download the itemit app to get started

In this guide:

1. What Are RFID Tags?
2. What Can You Attach RFID Tags To?
3. Tracking Your Hospital’s Assets
4. Location Tracking And So Much More

In this guide:

1. What Are RFID Tags?
2. What Can You Attach RFID Tags To?
3. Tracking Your Hospital’s Assets
4. Location Tracking And So Much More

If you work in a hospital you’ll know that it’s often hard to keep track of equipment. With the same equipment often being shared between wards and departments, tracking isn’t always easy. However, tracking everything can be made simpler if you use RFID tags. Tags such as these can help you to locate all of your equipment within moments. 

Let’s take a look at how RFID tags can be used in a hospital, thereby making life easier.

RFID tags are tags that contain barcodes. These barcodes are unique to the tags and they can make equipment tracking a breeze. As soon as you attach a tag to a monitor, bed, laptop, etc. you can start tracking it. When scanned, each RFID tag will open up some tracking software. The software in question could allow you to see where your assets are. There’s also the opportunity for you to add various pieces of information to each asset’s digital profile.

You can do so much with RFID tags, especially those that have been made to last. When they’re attached to your equipment they can monitor many different aspects. As a result, tracking your hospital equipment can be easier than you think.

You can attach RFID tags to just about anything. As long as the asset in question has a flat surface, a tag can be attached to it. You could, for example, attach a tag to:

• Medical fridges
• Furniture
• Examination equipment
• Scanners
• Machines
• Computers
• Microscopes
• Storage equipment 
• And so much more

As we have already seen, as long as there’s a flat surface, a tag can be attached to it. You could, for example, attach an RFID tag to the side of a scanner that’s used on multiple wards. You could put a tag on the underside of some furniture. Computers, tablets, and laptops could have a tag attached on the rear, or wherever is convenient. 

One of the benefits of using this type of tag is that they tend to be very robust. They have been manufactured to last a long time. Additionally, it may be possible (depending on the brand you use) to add the name of the department/hospital and/or trust to the tag. This makes for quick asset identification and it can help to reduce confusion as to which asset belongs where. 

When you use an RFID tag for equipment tracking purposes, it makes life easier. You can quickly identify assets, check them in and out, and so much more.

Tracking your hospital’s assets with RFID tags is easier than you might think. As soon as a tag has been attached to an asset the equipment tracking process begins. You can potentially see where all of your department’s assets are at any given time. You could, for example, see if the scanner you need is on the ward or if it’s being used elsewhere. Alternatively, you could choose to track every single piece of equipment that’s in your hospital. 

Imagine being able to track the location of everything. Depending on the tracking software that you choose, you could categorise your assets into departments or wards. You could see which ward has the most scanners and medical fridges. You could see which wards tend to share equipment, and so much more. Tracking everything in your hospital is possible.

Equipment tracking software is not always limited to location tracking. Some software will allow you to do so much more. You could, for example, note the date of purchase, the cost at purchase, serial number, warranty details, insurance information, and anything else that’s relevant. 

You may even wish to:

• Set up important maintenance schedules for each of your assets
• Allow hospital staff to book equipment in and out 
• Update all of your assets using bulk actions 
• Schedule important reminders such as software licence renewals
• Create exportable reports based on the data that assets create when they’re used
• See which members of staff use which equipment more than others 
• Report issues with assets to the maintenance team 
• Only allow specific team members to use specific assets
• And much more

Some equipment tracking software will allow you to track more than the location of each asset. Others may be limited in that they only allow you to track the location and nothing else. The good news is that most modern, easy-to-use tracking software will let you monitor your assets in many different ways. As a result, it’s possible to track your hospital equipment within moments. This ensures that you can give the level of care that your patients deserve. 

Would you like to chat with an expert about hospital equipment tracking? Contact us today at team@itemit.com.

Instant access. No credit card details required.

or, download the itemit app to get started

In this guide:

1. Why You Need To Track Your Assets
2. The Technologies Used By An Asset Tracking System
3. How Your Supply Chain Is Impacted by Asset Tracking

In this guide:

1. Why You Need To Track Your Assets
2. The Technologies Used By An Asset Tracking System
3. How Your Supply Chain Is Impacted by Asset Tracking

Your supply chain is likely to be considered one of the most important aspects of your business. When your supply chain is working well, the rest of your business can also be working well. However, your supply chain is also where a lot of operational stages take place. From the purchasing and delivery of products, the whole system can be quite complex and it can impact your business as a whole. 

So how can your asset tracking system impact your supply chain? How can it make this integral part of your business work even better? Read on for more information.

Tracking your assets via an asset register is a very good idea. Doing so will automatically give you a lot more control over every single asset. You could see, for example: where your assets are, who is using your assets, if they are in good condition, whether they need to be repaired, and if there is a waiting list to use them. 

Tracking your equipment, machines, tools, vehicles, and everything else using a reliable asset tracking system can boost your business. When you track everything you will have data about everything. What this means is that you can see where your business is performing well and where it isn’t. 

Finally, your asset register can show you whether you have any ghost assets so that you can eliminate them.

Every single asset tracking system out there uses the power of modern technology to help you track your assets. Some tracking systems use RFID tags, others use barcodes, and some use GPS systems. Each of these technologies can help you to locate your assets with ease all day every day. 

Let’s take a look a quick look at how each of these technologies works:

• RFID  – RFID, also known as “radio frequency identification is a type of tracking system that is capable of locating assets using electromagnetic tags and readers 
• Barcodes – When a barcode is scanned, the data that are contained in those well-known black and white stripes (often printed on labels) is read.
• GPS – also known as “global positioning system”, GPS traces assets through the use of satellites. The information is sent to GPS receivers that are full of useful asset-related data. 

Each of the above technologies can be used and is often used by an asset tracking system. Users of tracking systems find it easy to access data via the technologies and in a secure and reliable way.

Your supply chain is impacted by your asset tracking system as it offers:

A better level of security – We’re all aware of how important it is to have a good level of security. When you track your assets, this is possible. Increased security is a direct result of having more control over your assets. You may be able to see where your assets are in real time and even who is using them. 

Improved operations – When you track every single asset in your possession you can become more efficient. Operations are improved as it may be possible to see where inefficiencies lay. For example, you could see if your delivery trucks are taking a route that’s too slow. Using an alternative route can help to speed up delivery and subsequently many other operations as a result. 

Boosted productivity – When your team can quickly find the products that they need to send to your customers, time is saved and productivity is increased. For example, when you scan a barcode, you could see a list of where products are located in the warehouse. Alternatively, you could log into your chosen asset tracking software, find the product in the menu, and see where it’s located. As a result, there’s less time spent looking for it. 

An increase in customer satisfaction – Your customers could track their parcels and understand where they are all at times. You could, for example, give your customers the number on the barcode. They could log into the tracking system and see where their parcel is. 

Additionally, increased productivity and operations will have a direct impact on how happy your customers are. They will have their goods much quicker and will, therefore, be happier. 

Your supply chain is impacted greatly by asset tracking technologies, perhaps in more ways than many realise. This is why it makes sense for you to start tracking all of your assets ASAP. The sooner you do, the sooner your whole business and all your customers begin to reap the rewards. 

Would you like to speak with an expert about an asset tracking system’s impact on your supply chain? Reach out to us now at team@itemit.com.

Instant access. No credit card details required.

or, download the itemit app to get started

In this guide:

1. What is RFID and How Does It Work?
2. How to Get Started With RFID Asset Tracking
3. RFID Tags
4. Passive tags
5. Active tags
6. RFID Readers
7. Handheld readers
8. Fixed readers
9. itemit’s RFID Asset Tracking Solutions

In this guide:

1. What is RFID and How Does It Work?
2. How to Get Started With RFID Asset Tracking
3. RFID Tags
4. Passive tags
5. Active tags
6. RFID Readers
7. Handheld readers
8. Fixed readers
9. itemit’s RFID Asset Tracking Solutions

It’s time to start tracking your assets with RFID. RFID asset tracking is similar to using barcodes or QR codes to monitor the movement of assets but with RFID you can unlock greater levels of automation, transparency, and control. RFID asset tracking enables you to audit, manage and track assets with minimal risks and enhanced operations. No matter the size or type of industry your business belongs to, the benefits of using RFID to track assets remain the same: reduce costs, increase asset visibility, and maximise workplace efficiency. 

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification and works by using radio frequencies to broadcast the location of the tagged asset. RFID asset tracking is essentially the linking of real-life assets to online profiles. To do this, an RFID tag that uniquely identifies an asset is physically attached to it. The tag data is stored in an online asset management system where you can add crucial information such as maintenance information and user manuals. Every time the tag is scanned the asset location is automatically updated in the online register. 

There are two main pieces of equipment you need for RFID asset tracking: tags and readers. Both tags and readers come in various forms so it’s important to familiarise yourself with the different options available. There are a few key features to consider, namely battery power, radio frequency, tag memory, tag size and shape, and cost. Getting to know the features and capabilities of the different types of tags and readers will help you make the right choice when it comes to your business.  

There are two main types of RFID tags: passive and active.The tag power system defines which type of system it is.

Passive tags rely on the tag reader for power and, as a result, have a transmission range of a few metres. As they don’t have an internal battery, passive tags are small in size and typically last around 20 years resulting in a lower tag cost. Their small size also means they are able to fit into almost any package or product, making passive tags a great choice for tracking inventory, supply chain management, and access control. 

Active tags are typically larger in size than passive tags but usually no bigger than a smartphone. This type of tag incorporates a transmitter with a battery in a single unit. They have significant data memory and can transmit up to 2000 metres continuously or when activated by a reader’s radio signal. Their ability to cover great distances make them popular in the construction, mining, oil and gas industries. Active tags can also include environmental sensors that collect data on temperature, moisture and other metrics to help protect high-value and sensitive assets. 

The most significant difference between active and passive RFID tags is that an active tag has a battery and a passive tag does not. Although an active tag can communicate at a much longer range, a passive RFID tag is often still the preferred choice as it is significantly cheaper at the point of sale as well as longer term since passive tags do not require battery replacements. In most use cases, having a shorter read range is an advantage as you can be confident that the tagged item is right in front of you or the reader. 

To use RFID for asset tracking you need a reader. RFID readers transmit and receive radio frequencies, meaning they can read and write information to an RFID tag and to an asset tracking database where the data is stored, evaluated, and actioned. An RFID reader is the brain of the RFID system, without it the system can’t function. RFID readers come in two main types: handheld readers and fixed readers. Unlike barcodes and QR codes, RFID asset tracking doesn’t require a line of sight for scanning. With RFID asset tracking, your reader picks up the RFID tag. 

Handheld readers are completely mobile making them the ideal solution for on-the-go applications like stocktaking multiple assets. The great benefit of this type of reader is its combination of flexibility and functionality. 

Fixed readers offer a more powerful solution but are positioned in a fixed location at your site or building. This type of reader normally requires an external antenna that can track the direction the asset is moving in. You can position fixed readers at tactical positions across your sites and any movement an asset goes through will be automatically logged. This enables your online register to be continually updated without the need for any manual interaction. The greater level of automation makes fixed readers ideal for warehouses, store rooms, hospitals, laboratories and many more large-scale operations.

RFID asset tracking lets you know where your asset is every step of the way, from checking in to checking out and everything in between. Whether it’s expensive artwork, equipment or critical hospital and medical devices, you can track any asset using itemit’s RFID technology. With itemit you can combine the advantages of handheld and fixed readers by using them in tandem. Enjoy the freedom of movement that comes with handheld readers along with the full automation of fixed readers. And with a fixed reader, you’ll know instantly if an asset has gone missing. Use itemit’s award-winning fixed RFID asset tracking functionality for full, off-the-shelf automation. itemit is your one-stop shop for RFID readers, tags and software. Get everything you need to manage your readers, collect tag data and deliver timely information.

To find out more about itemit’s equipment loan software and how it will help you, you can contact our team at team@itemit.com that’s always happy to answer your queries. You can also fill in the form below to start your 14-day free trial.

Instant access. No credit card details required.

or, download the itemit app to get started

In this guide:

1. What is RFID Asset Tracking?
2. How Does RFID Asset Tracking Work?
3. How to Track High Value Assets with itemit
4. Which Type of RFID Tag Should I Use?
5. Passive Tags
6. Active Tags
7. Which Type of RFID Reader Should I Use?
8. Handheld Readers
9. Fixed Readers
10. The Benefits of RFID Asset Tracking
11. Discrete Tags
12. Digitise the Assets’ History
13. Easy Auditing
14. Keep a Record of Your Insurance
15. Protect Against Loss and Theft
16. itemit’s RFID Asset Tracking

In this guide:

1. What is RFID Asset Tracking?
2. How Does RFID Asset Tracking Work?
3. How to Track High Value Assets with itemit
4. Which Type of RFID Tag Should I Use?
5. Passive Tags
6. Active Tags
7. Which Type of RFID Reader Should I Use?
8. Handheld Readers
9. Fixed Readers
10. The Benefits of RFID Asset Tracking
11. Discrete Tags
12. Digitise the Assets’ History
13. Easy Auditing
14. Keep a Record of Your Insurance
15. Protect Against Loss and Theft
16. itemit’s RFID Asset Tracking

When you invest in high value assets you want the peace of mind of knowing where they are and how they are behaving. RFID technology does just that, offering a smarter and more discrete solution than other asset tracking solutions that helps you protect your most valuable investments. Whether it’s expensive artwork, construction equipment or critical medical devices, you can track them all using RFID. With a centralised system you can log, account for and track a diverse and varied portfolio of assets all in one place. Anything from great art to fine wine can be categorised, managed, and located, along with a secure record of insurance details, valuations and the location of your unique collection.

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification and works by using radio frequencies to broadcast the location of the tagged asset. RFID asset tracking is similar to using barcodes or QR codes to monitor the movement of assets but with RFID you can unlock greater levels of automation, transparency, and control with less conspicuous tags. Whether you work at a construction company, fine art auctions, or the healthcare industry, RFID asset tracking can transform your operations, saving you time and money.

RFID asset tracking is essentially the linking of real-life assets to online profiles. To do this, data about the asset is contained within an RFID tag and physically attached to the asset. The asset data is stored in an online asset management system resulting in a register of uniquely tagged assets. You can interact with the online asset register and add crucial information such as maintenance plans, personnel information or asset location. Unlike barcodes and QR codes, RFID asset tracking doesn’t require a line of sight for scanning. With RFID asset tracking, your device (either a fixed or handheld reader) picks up the RFID tag. This greatly speeds up auditing assets as the only thing you need to do is pull the trigger on the RFID reader. The same is true for when you’re adding multiple assets to a new location, as itemit’s Quick Add feature speeds this process along. Keeping track of your assets has never been simpler.

Track your high value assets with itemit.  Our RFID technology enables you to simply tag and scan items, and photograph them for instant recognition within an asset register. RFID asset tracking allows you to make sure you know where your asset is every step of the way, from checking in to checking out and everything in between. How to track an asset with RFID technology can be broken down into three steps:

1. Attach a tag to the asset.
2. Scan the tag with an RFID reader.
3. View the asset’s records and automatically update its location in the database.

Every time you pick up an RFID handheld reader you can locate assets tagged within its range, whilst an RFID fixed reader will pick up each time an RFID tag passes it, making it super easy to follow a trail of where your assets were last seen. 

The retrieval of asset profiles is sped up this way, too, meaning that you don’t need to log changes manually on a spreadsheet later on down the line. Instead, you can update a fixed asset register while you’re physically with assets simply by using a cloud-based app.

The various types of RFID tags offer a solution for any application. Passive tags rely on the tag reader for power and, as a result, have a transmission range of a few metres. As they don’t have an internal battery, passive tags are small in size and typically last around 20 years, resulting in a lower tag cost. Their small size also means they are able to fit into almost any package or product, making this type of tag a great choice for tracking inventory, supply chain management, and access control.

Active tags are typically larger in size than passive tags but usually no bigger than a smartphone. This type of tag incorporates a transmitter with a battery in a single unit. They have significant data memory and can transmit up to 2000 metres continuously or when activated by a reader’s radio signal. Their ability to cover great distances make them popular in the construction, mining, oil and gas industries. Active tags can also include environmental sensors that collect data on temperature, moisture and other metrics to help protect high-value and sensitive assets. 

The most significant difference between active and passive RFID tags is that an active tag has a battery and a passive tag does not. Although an active tag can communicate at a much longer range, a passive RFID tag is often still the preferred choice as it is significantly cheaper at the point of sale as well as longer term since passive tags do not require battery replacements. In most use cases, having a shorter read range is an advantage as you can be confident that the tagged item is right in front of you or the reader.

To use RFID for asset tracking you need a reader. RFID readers transmit and receive radio frequencies, meaning they can read and write information to an RFID tag and to an asset tracking database where the data is stored, evaluated, and actioned. When a tag is scanned the reader receives a radio frequency from the tag encoded with information about the asset. 

The information is automatically sent to the database for collecting, logging and processing.  An RFID reader is the brain of the RFID system, without it the system can’t function. 

RFID readers come in two main types: handheld readers and fixed readers.

Handheld readers have integrated antennas and displays making them completely mobile. This type of reader is easy to use and allows for immediate interaction with data, making it ideal for on-the-go applications like stocktaking multiple assets and tag programming. The great benefit of this type of reader is its combination of flexibility and functionality.

Fixed readers offer a more powerful solution but are positioned in a fixed location at your site or building. This type of reader normally requires an external antenna that can track the direction the asset is moving in. You can position fixed readers at tactical positions across your sites and any movement an asset goes through will be automatically logged. This enables your online register to be continually updated without the need for any manual interaction. The great level of automation makes fixed readers ideal for warehouses, store rooms, hospitals, laboratories and many more large-scale operations.

With itemit you can combine the advantages of handheld and fixed readers by using them in tandem. Enjoy the freedom of movement that comes with handheld readers along with the full automation of fixed readers. And with a fixed reader, you’ll know instantly if an asset has gone missing. Use itemit’s award-winning fixed RFID asset tracking functionality for full, off-the-shelf automation.

If your team is responsible for high-value assets then you need a discrete asset tagging solution that stays out of plain sight. With RFID you can hide tags on priceless paintings or fine wine in a way that isn’t possible when using QR codes and barcodes. One of the great advantages of RFID is not needing line of sight to the tag in order to detect it. This means that you can have a tag stuck on the back of a painting so that it remains hidden. At the same time, when performing a stock check of assets, the RFID reader is still able to detect the tag on the back of the painting.

Not only are the team able to track the whereabouts and value of the assets but they have also been able to digitise the asset’s history. Attachments are added to each asset’s digital profile where they are safely stored and preserved. This includes unique pieces of history, letters and photographs which will never become lost.

With RFID asset tracking you can quickly and easily retrieve a pdf report of your complete asset register whenever you need to. Create unique reports to assist with auditing your high value collections. The location of each asset can be recorded and updated simply by scanning the asset’s tag. This means you’ll have full visibility of where your assets are.

Using our asset tracking software you can create an online asset profile and add relevant information to it, such as who the assets are assigned to, issues for maintenance and even critical insurance information. Asset tracking software is an all-encompassing, centralised system that allows you to organise and track important details about each asset in real time. Maintain a record of all the insurance information you need, including insurance details, current value, insured value and more. Complete your asset records by adding photos, proof of purchase, certificates and tag data. 

Tagging and tracking your high value assets helps to lower the risk of theft, loss and unauthorised usage. Asset tags create a greater theft deterrent, keeping your assets safe no matter where they are. And, thanks to asset profiles, any time an asset is scanned you can see who is responsible for it. The increased visibility and accountability and a greater peace of mind when your high value collections are on the move.

Tagging and tracking high-value assets isn’t just about auditing and accounting but also about preserving these assets and their own unique history for future generations. With RFID asset tracking you can maintain a complete and up-to-date asset register of your prized collections.

Optimise your operations with itemit’s RFID asset tracking solutions. Asset tracking has never been faster, easier, or more transparent. And with fixed RFID readers you can completely revolutionise your operations with full automation. itemit is your one-stop shop for RFID readers, tags and software. Get everything you need to manage your high value assets, collect data and deliver timely information.

If you’d like to find out more information please contact the team at team@itemit.com or you can get started straight away and try the 14-day free trial by filling out the form below! 

Instant access. No credit card details required.

or, download the itemit app to get started