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.

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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.

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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

It’s time for a deep dive into all things RFID! In the world of asset tracking, this is an extremely powerful, reliable and cost-effective technology. When people think about tracking tools, a lot of people go straight to GPS.

This is probably because GPS crops up a lot in our day-to-day lives. However, GPS does not make a lot of sense for all assets and will not be the most indispensable tracking technology used in lots of industries. That’s where RFID asset tracking comes in. 

If you are running a warehouse (or multiple warehouses) then you will likely already be convinced of the virtues of RFID. If you work in medical care, pharmaceuticals, retail, agriculture, healthcare, construction or manufacturing (the list goes on), and are not convinced of the benefits of RFID, then read on, this article might just change your mind.

Simply stated, RFID (radio frequency identification) is a means of communication. They are a bit like bar codes 2.0. In that, they have read and write capabilities. Traditional bar codes rely solely on scanners and are read-only. That means they cannot send out new information, just share the information that the code represents.

Early forms of the tech have been around since 1970. So, if they’re so great, why haven’t they been a part of our daily lives for decades? Well, like any emerging tech, it takes a long time before it becomes cost-effective for it to be widely deployed. In the early days, RFID technology was used for tracking large expensive items, like rail coaches and livestock. 50 years later, and we are starting to see RFID all over the place. 

In fact, supermarkets and highstreet retailers may replace barcodes with RFID in the future. If this ever becomes a reality, it would mean that we would simply load up our trolleys and leave the supermarket. Each item would be tagged and the readers at the entrance to the shop would receive signals which would update a central database. Therefore, the data would be available to simply have the money deducted from your bank account without having to queue at the checkout!

But that could be a little way off yet. Right here and now, RFID is at the stage where the read and write technology can give you seriously powerful insights into your assets. Asset tracking has never been more versatile or cost effective.

It’s probably not all that helpful to have an in-depth understanding of all the technical ins and outs of how RFID tracking works. However, a basic overview may help you to get an understanding of how the tech can be implemented in your business.

So, here we go! Each system has three key components. A transponder, a transceiver and antenna. 

The tag itself contains the transponder. Data is stored on the tag which is attached to an asset. An antenna identifies the signal of any nearby tag. The RFID reader is wirelessly hooked up to the antenna, which receives the data being transmitted by the tag. The reader will then send the data to a central asset tracking database. The database is updated, which allows the manager to easily access real-time information on all their assets. 

The range of the signal will depend on the implementation. Tags with a longer range are generally more expensive. If you are working with an experienced asset tracking provider, they’ll be able to ensure you are using the most cost-effective, fit-for-purpose solution.

The other thing to consider is whether a tag is active or passive. Once implemented, this won’t be something that you need to be aware of, but if you are researching RFID systems then the differences are well worth knowing.

Active tags have batteries that power the tag itself. These tags are always broadcasting a radio wave and they generally have a much larger range. These are less commonly used in RFID asset tracking as they are more expensive and generally seen as overkill! However, they do have some applications. Often it makes sense to use active RFID tracking for high value assets.

Passive RFID tags have a lower range and, ultimately, less potential functionality. Having said that, they have fewer components and are therefore smaller and cheaper to produce, which means they are better suited for most sorts of asset tracking. These tags don’t have an inbuilt battery, so they rely on an external powersource. That means they are only using power when the tag is triggered, which means less power is consumed. Also, because they are smaller, they can be adhered to most assets.

Hopefully, you are already starting to see how RFID asset tracking could work in your operation. With relatively affordable, tried and tested technologies, you can gain a fully automated asset tracking system that gives you real-time insight and control.

However, when you think about how RFID tracking can work within your specific operation, you’ll need to be aware of the difference between Fixed RFID and Handheld RFID. 

Handheld scanners are mobile, which may be helpful if you need a member of staff to update your central database as to the status of an asset. This could be as simple as checking an item in or out. Handheld scanners are useful when updating data on multiple items, as they can pick up multiple tags in a single scan.

Handheld scanner will generally connect to a phone via BlueTooth so that you can pull up all relevant information about an asset and view / update the information on your phone.

• Make Better Business Decisions

Understanding what equipment is where can give you surprising insight into what purchasing and operational decisions are best for the business. For example, you can assess the equipment and staff that are most often working in an underperforming area of the business. You can access complete information about how reliable the assets are in that environment. This kind of information is essential to achieving sustainable growth.

• Reduce Loss, Theft and Damage

It’s just basic psychology that if someone is made responsible and accountable for a piece of equipment, then they will look after it better! This also goes for theft. Unfortunately, theft of equipment is an all too common occurrence for many organisations. Companies that utilise RFID asset tracking find that they experience greatly reduced damage and theft.

As for loss, it is difficult to misplace equipment when assets are being tracked. This is particularly true of RFID tags which do not need to be adhered to the outside of an object, and are therefore difficult to tamper with. At the very least you will be able to identify that last known location of any asset.

• Extend Asset Lifespan

RFID asset tracking is capable of reporting on more than the location of an asset. You can also update your centralised database as to the state of repair of essential equipment. That way, the right people can be notified quickly and react to any breakdowns. Asset tracking is managed via a central database via an intuitive user interface. In the event of a breakdown, you’ll be able to see all warranty and insurance information via a desktop or mobile application.

By combining RFID asset tracking with a powerful software solution, you will be able to introduce a maintenance schedule that will maximise the lifespan of your assets. Push notifications to the relevant person when it’s time for a vehicle, tool or piece of equipment to be serviced.

• Scalability

Often, organisations neglect automatic asset tracking in the early days of operating, only to regret it later. It is more costly and complicated to introduce RFID asset tracking when a business has developed a sprawling infrastructure of assets. 

It’s generally more cost-effective to introduce an asset tracking system in the early days, so that you can scale up painlessly as your business grows. This avoids getting into a situation where you need to scramble to protect assets after identifying costs from loss, breakdowns and inefficiencies have started to mount up!

Though it may be difficult to translate into costs, asset tracking software can save your hours upon hours of manual labour. The work done in say, an hour manually, can be completed in mere minutes using asset tracking software. This accumulates: over the course of a fiscal year, it may save you hundreds of pounds in salaries alone!

At itemit, we have learnt over years of successful implementations that every operation is different. However, two things remain true for every client- 

1. A fit-for-purpose solution is no good if it costs the moon.
2. A cheap system that doesn’t facilitate your goals is worse than worthless.

When we look at your requirements, we are constantly looking for the right balance between cost-effective and fit-for-purpose. We are experts in asset tracking technologies, so we know that we have the right blend of solutions to suit where your business is and where it is going.

Building a bespoke RFID system might be the right choice for your business. However, over many years of developing bespoke RFID systems, we have been able to identify patterns in what works and what doesn’t. So, we can offer off-the-shelf solutions that cut development time and costs down significantly.

You needn’t be limited to RFID technology as your sole asset tracking solution. We are able to seamlessly combine the most cutting-edge tracking technologies (QR, GPS, RFID) in a single solution. Our software makes even the most complex deployments easy to mange, scalable and effective.

Book a demo today to see all itemit’s features in action. To find out more details, you can always contact our team at team@itemit.com. 

Instant access. No credit card details required.

or, download the itemit app to get started