How You Can Use RFID To Track Assets

How You Can Use RFID To Track Assets

How You Can Use RFID To Track Assets

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a wireless system that consists of two components: tags and readers. The reader is a device equipped with one or more antennas that emit radio waves and receive signals from RFID tags. 

RFID asset tracking system helps you to keep track of your assets. It saves time and money while deterring equipment theft, improving security, reducing lost or misplaced items, and centralising data about individual items’ location and use.

RFID asset tracking systems benefit small, but expensive movable items. Fax machines, medical supplies, laptops, and office chairs are all examples of items that may be eligible for RFID asset tracking. 

It can be difficult for business owners and companies to keep track of their assets. But don’t worry, itemit has your back! To keep track of your assets you can try different asset tracking tools that we offer. RFID asset tracking is the most useful and efficient tracking technology among the various other tagging technologies we offer.

RFID medical


How Does RFID Asset Tracking Work?

RFID asset tracking enables you to automate and improve asset control. It’s similar to QR or barcode asset tracking as it makes use of tags and scanners. However, in order to achieve a higher level of automation, RFID requires the use of some additional tools such as fixed readers that detect RFID tags automatically. RFID asset tracking software is also designed to be simple to manage.


What Are Different Types Of RFID Readers?

itemit aspires to provide every organisation with an easy and simple way to track and manage all of its assets. The RFID asset tracking system approach is unique in that it allows multiple Auto-ID and tracking technologies to be combined and managed using the same system.

We offer two types of RFID asset tracking readers. Each one has its own set of specifications.

  1. Fixed RFID Reader Set
  2. Handheld RFID Reader


itemit’s Fixed RFID Reader

The fixed RFID reader provides you with greater automation. When an asset enters or exits a location, itemit automatically updates its location in real-time. This is achieved without manual intervention, saving time and money. Also, itemit keeps track of your assets’ movements.

The fixed RFID reader set includes everything you need to start tracking your assets. You can simply plug in the reader and start reading your RFID-tagged assets immediately!

The fixed RFID asset reader comes packed with Zebra FX7500, Fixed RFID Reader, Zebra Power Supply, Zebra Power Cable, x2 RFID Antenna, and x2 RF Antenna Cable.

In case you find the fixed asset reader a bit difficult to handle, we can assist you with the setup and ensure that your reader is ready to use right out of the box.


itemit’s Zebra Handheld RFID Reader

At the touch of a button, the Zebra RFD8500 handheld RFID reader connects to itemit via Bluetooth. It is ideal for asset tracking operations. With a push of a button, you can expedite audits, location tracking, and high-value asset management.

Furthermore, you can also scan your existing itemit asset tags. With the click of a button, you can integrate RFID asset management with QR code asset management and barcode operations.

Among the many features of this handheld RFID reader, the following stand out:

  1. It includes a Trigger and three pushbuttons for user input.
  2. The rechargeable Li-Ion 44100mAh battery pack in the handheld RFID reader is also removable.
  3. Its operating temperature ranges from -10 C to 40 C.
  4. RFID standards that are supported include EPC Class 1 and Gen 2.
  5. It has a nominal range of more than 6m.
  6. It has a frequency range of 4.5-34.5 dBm in the EU and 4.5-34.5 dBm in the US.


What Are Different Types Of RFID Tags?

RFID allows you to view an asset’s record by scanning its tag. The asset’s location, as well as which member of your team, scanned it and when will be automatically updated. RFID asset management allows you to see where your assets were last seen and who had them. This guarantees that you will never lose an asset. 

RFID tags can be either active or passive. The main distinction between the two is that the former is powered by batteries, whereas the latter is powered by the reader and lacks a battery.


How Is RFID Better Than QR Codes?

Asset tracking with barcodes and QR codes requires a visible tag on the asset to be scanned for asset management. You can’t add a tag in a direct line of sight over valuable and delicate assets such as paintings. 

RFID, on the other hand, does not require the tag to be visible on the asset because you will use an RFID reader to scan the asset and the reader will detect the tag on its own. Hence, the RFID tag can be installed obscurely in an asset.


Conclusion

For small businesses and companies, RFID asset tracking systems are the most useful of the three main types of available asset tracking systems: RFID, barcode, and GPS. If you are not sure which type of RFID reader will suit your needs we can help you with that.

Please feel free to contact us at team@itemit.com to learn more about how itemit can benefit your business. You can also fill out the form below to begin your free trial of the RFID asset tracking software.

RFID Asset Tracking

Choose a better way to track your assets

Start your free 14-day trial now

Instant access. No credit card details required.

or, download the itemit app to get started

Related articles

How RFID Asset Tracking Changes The Game For Equipment Management

How RFID Asset Tracking Changes The Game For Equipment Management

How RFID Asset Tracking Changes The Game For Equipment Management

Automation improves productivity and increases efficiency. On this note, we’ll be discussing RFID asset tracking, and how it can provide your business with much needed next-gen automation.

How To Use RFID Asset Tracking Software


What is RFID Asset Tracking?

To put it briefly, RFID asset tracking is quite similar to using QR asset tags. In its simplest form, RFID asset tracking is a way of automating the process of managing and locating physical assets.

By attaching a physical RFID tag to an asset, you can easily associate data with the said asset. As always, data may range from name, assignee to value and location.


How Does Asset Management Work?

You’re probably wondering how RFID asset tracking factors into asset management. So, let’s start off with the basics: an asset management system allows you to log each of your assets as unique, digital profiles. These profiles can then be populated with data and tracked accordingly.

Moving on, asset tags are physical entities, linking your physical assets to their digital counterparts. These tags can be barcodesQR codes, or RFID labels.

Scanning an asset’s tag redirects you directly to the asset’s digital profile, making editing and updating of asset details a breeze.

Additionally, scanning an asset’s tag will automatically log the time, location and identity of whoever performed the scan. This will boost accountability in your business, allowing you to track your assets directly from the ease and comfort of your home!


What Benefits does RFID Asset Tracking Provide to Your Business?

Whether you want to automate auditing or improve accountability, RFID asset tracking got you covered.

Using RFID asset management, you can simply sit back and relax, while your assets collect the data without any need for manual scanning and tracking. Likewise, by utilising handheld RFID capabilities, you can instantaneously update and monitor your assets data.

Though the speed and accountability benefits are of significance, the accuracy achieved from automation is the game-changer, reducing losses stemming from human errors.

However, the list doesn’t end here. No matter what industry or organisation you may belong to, tracking your tools and equipment holds immense importance. With the help of RFID asset tracking, you’re able to monitor how your tools and equipment move throughout your sites-all without any form of manual input.


Different Forms of RFID Asset Tracking


Fixed RFID Asset Tracking

Using RFID asset tracking, you can log physical asset location via GPS tracking. For instance, you can log assets as in a particular room, floor, or building. This essentially gives you more visibility over your assets.

In fixed RFID asset management, location tracking is completely automated. What this means is that every time an asset enters a location, the change in location will be automatically logged within your asset tracking software.

This system makes use of RFID scanners strategically placed at key points throughout your facility. As a result, whenever an asset crosses these points, its location is updated accordingly.

Naturally, the benefit is obvious: auditing and location tracking requires no human interaction. Automation leads to assets being less prone to being misplaced, and better tracking of inefficiencies in your supply chain.

On the other hand, fixed RFID asset management has one noticeable disadvantage: it is costly. However, the return on investment can potentially surpass the cost, increasing the profitability of your business in the long run.


Handheld RFID

If you’d rather test out RFID asset tracking before implementing a full-blown fixed RFID asset management within your business, handheld RFID may be the way to go.

Using handheld RFID you can still track and manage assets from speed and at a distance, however, you’ll have to scan said assets by hand.

The principles in fixed and handheld RFID asset management remain the same. The only difference is that in the case of handheld RFID tracking If you want to identify all of the assets in a location, you’ll have to enter that location and hold down on your handheld RFID reader’s trigger. this will detect every RFID tag in your vicinity.

For small to medium-sized businesses, handheld RFID tracking can easily accommodate all of your needs. The smaller upfront cost guarantees affordability and RFID naturally boosts productivity.


Why is RFID Asset Tracking Better Than Its Alternatives?

Compared to your traditional QR code or barcode scanner, the reason RFID tracking does not require a direct line of sight with the scanner itself. This allows for more innovative ways of incorporating RFID tracking and ensures that less time is expended in manually scanning each asset’s tag.


itemit: The Next Step In RFID Asset Tracking

If you want to boost your business’s efficiency or reduce losses, itemit is the way to go. Whether you want GPS tracking, image detection, or RFID scanning, itemit’s asset management software can help you in any scenario. 

To find out more about how RFID asset tracking can help your business, book a demo here. Feel free to contact our team at team@itemit.com.

In our experience, the best way to gauge performance is to try it out for yourself. If you wish to experience itemit’s RFID asset tracking capabilities for yourself, fill out the form below and start your 14-day free trial today!

RFID Asset Tracking

Choose a better way to track your assets

Start your free 14-day trial now

Instant access. No credit card details required.

or, download the itemit app to get started

Related articles

How To Use RFID Asset Tracking Software

How To Use RFID Asset Tracking Software

How To Use RFID Asset Tracking Software

Are you looking for an asset tracking solution that lets you scan and identify assets without using visible QR code tags? Do you want to track asset locations automatically without having to scan each item manually? If you’re already using asset tracking software but want greater automation, then RFID asset tracking might be the perfect solution for you.

itemit’s RFID or Radio Frequency Identification asset tracking combines the most sophisticated radio tracking technology with an easy-to-use app that anyone can start using right away. This way, you can utilise cutting-edge tech for your business’ asset tracking needs to get one step ahead of your competition straight away. 

RFID asset tracking is something you don’t want to stay behind on. Still, a lot of companies are reluctant to adopt this amazing application just because they’re unsure of how it works. If you’re from one such company, it’s your lucky day because we’re going to show you just how simple and straightforward it is to set up and use RFID asset tracking. 

Trust us, it’s only the name that sounds techy. Everything else is very simple!

How To Use RFID Asset Tracking Software


What is RFID Asset Tracking? 

RFID asset tracking is just like conventional asset tracking. Suppose you’ve got an item tagged with a QR code sticker and have added this to your asset register with all its details. When you scan the QR code with a smartphone camera, the asset tracking software takes you to the asset profile. In RFID asset tracking, QR code tags are replaced with RFID tags. 

RFID tags are thin, unobtrusive strips that can be pasted anywhere on an asset. E Powered by RFID readers, each tag emits unique radio waves that can be picked up and identified by the RFID reader. As compared to QR codes that need to be in the line of sight to be scanned with a camera, these tags can be scanned even if they’re not directly visible.  

The complete setup is made up of three units: RFID tags, readers and an antenna.  When you move a reader towards an asset, it automatically picks up the unique radio signals being emitted by its tag. The radio signals are recognised by the RFID asset tracking software which then takes you to the right asset profile.


How to Set Up RFID Asset Tracking?

You can use this asset tracking system either with a handheld reader or a fixed one. To begin with, you need to connect your reader to itemit via Bluetooth. To do that, simply go to the Devices tab on itemit and select the Add Reader button. 

Next, tally the reader ID from the box or the device itself to the app or web portal. Once the reader has been added, you can edit its details like the reader’s location if it’s a fixed reader. For that, click on the Assigned Location option under Configuration and select the right location. 

Once the readers are up, you will then move on to tagging each asset with an RFID tag. Not to mention, you can use itemit RFID asset tracking with a range of other technologies like barcodes and QR codes. Once you’ve tagged the assets you want to track with RFID, the reader will pick up signals so you can create a new asset profile.

With fixed RFID readers, the asset tracking process will be much more automated. The reader will automatically pick up an asset as soon as it enters its area. It then updates the asset location and records how long an asset stays at a particular location. You can view all this information in the asset usage report. 


Which RFID Asset Tracking Solution Should You Go for?

While there are quite a few options out there for RFID asset tracking, you need to choose one that suits you best. There’s a range of factors that you need to consider when choosing an asset management solution. 

Firstly, you need to see how easy it is to set up and use. Most RFID tracking solutions on the market will cost you a fortune and are extremely difficult to handle. You’d need a lot of practice to be able to use them. On the other hand, itemit offers a much better option at a fraction of the cost and you can get it up and running in a matter of days. 

The second thing to consider is scalability. Now, not every option will let you combine different technologies like RFID and QR code asset tracking together. With itemit, you can. 

If you want to find out more about itemit’s RFID asset tracking, reach out to our team at team@itemit.com. Or if you’re ready to take the 14-day free trial, fill in the form below to start.

RFID Asset Tracking Software

Choose a better way to track your assets

Start your free 14-day trial now

Instant access. No credit card details required.

or, download the itemit app to get started

Related articles

What Is RFID And How Does It Work?

What Is RFID And How Does It Work?

What Is RFID And How Does It Work?

How do you track assets without pasting QR codes over them? How do you scan an asset tag if it’s not directly in your line of sight? How can you record the location of your assets automatically? There’s a single solution to all of these questions: RFID asset tracking

The most technologically-advanced organisations around the globe are using RFID technology to upgrade their asset tracking solutions, increase productivity and maximise profits. While the trend towards RFID asset tracking is rising, some businesses are still doubtful about it. Primarily because they’re not sure how the technology works and how can they use it in their day-to-day work.

How Does An RFID Fixed Asset Tracking System Work


What is RFID?

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. It’s a system of data communication whereby data stored in an RFID asset label is transferred to an RFID reader through radio waves. Unique radio waves emitted by the tag allows the reader to identify individual assets. 

The complete system comprises three units, the RFID tag, RFID reader and the antenna. Although the technology has various applications, we will focus on how it works with asset tracking for now.


How Does RFID Asset Tracking Work?

You might already be aware of how QR code or barcode technology works. When a QR code is scanned by a camera, or when a barcode is read by laser light reflections, the reading device identifies the item it’s associated with. 

An RFID system works in the same way, the only difference is that it reads radio waves instead of images or laser light. Instead of QR codes or barcodes, you are given RFID asset tags that can be installed unobtrusively on an asset. For instance, if you want to track a painting, the tag can be attached on the reverse of the frame. 

The RFID tag emits unique low-frequency radio waves that can be read by the reader even when the tag is not directly visible. The RFID asset tracking system records information like asset identity, location and other details and stores it automatically within an online database. All of this is done with very little manual intervention.


More About RFID Asset Labels and Readers

itemit’s RFID asset tags have two units inside: the RFID chip and the antenna. The chip, also known as Integrated Circuit, stores all the essential data about the asset. The antenna receives and transmits radio waves to and from the chip. These are passive asset labels, which means they have no power source of their own and are powered by the radio waves they receive. 

The mention of the antenna might suggest a long protruding stick attached to the asset tag. However, the entire RFID asset label is no more than a 96x24mm self-adhesive sticker that does not weigh more than 2g. Our RFID tags can be read from up to a distance of 6m and are compatible with metal, plastic and ceramic surfaces. 

An RFID reader, on the other hand, is a larger device that sends, receives and interprets radio waves to display readable information. itemit offers fixed readers, as well as handheld RFID scanner systems to suit your needs.


Applications of RFID Asset Tracking

RFID asset tracking gives you next-level automation that improves your asset management operations a lot. In this section, you’ll learn about some of the many applications of RFID asset tracking. This will help you better understand how this technology can be utilised in your business.


High Value Asset Tracking

When you have large collections of very expensive artwork hung on walls, the last thing you want to do is stick barcodes/QR codes on to the artwork. RFID gives you a solution that means you can  attach RFID tags to the reverse of artwork and put the painting back on the wall. Now when you need to stock take or audit your collection, you can simply wave your RFID reader and the asset’s tag will be detected even without line of sight.


IT Asset Tracking

When you have large collections of very expensive artwork hung on walls, the last thing you want to do is stick barcodes/QR codes on to the artwork. RFID gives you a solution that means you can  attach RFID tags to the reverse of artwork and put the painting back on the wall. Now when you need to stock take or audit your collection, you can simply wave your RFID reader and the asset’s tag will be detected even without line of sight.


Vehicle Tracking

Using RFID technology has three major benefits. 

  • Vehicle access control: With RFID tags installed in a vehicle, automated systems can scan the tag to know whether a vehicle is permitted to enter a building or parking area or not. 
  • Vehicle identification: When you’re working with a lot of vehicles, trying to remember details like a model number or engine power can be hard. However, identifying vehicles and accessing their information by scanning their RFID tag makes life much easier. This application comes in handy for companies like car dealerships, car rental agencies, and car washes. 

Vehicle tracking: RFID technology won’t be able to track vehicles over long routes and in real-time, for that you’d need GPS trackers instead. However, if your vehicle passes through ‘choke points’ on your sites, the RFID tags can be detected and that vehicle’s location updated.


itemit’s RFID Asset Tracking System

itemit has the world’s simplest RFID asset tracking system. Created by industry-leading RFID specialists, our off the shelf solution will give you the highest level of automation in asset management almost instantly. 

Fill in the form below to start your 14-day free trial risk-free. You can also contact our team at team@itemit.com if you’ve got any questions or need some advice.

What Is RFID?

Choose a better way to track your assets

Start your free 14-day trial now

Instant access. No credit card details required.

or, download the itemit app to get started

Related articles

How RFID Asset Tracking Improves Your Asset Management Operations

How RFID Asset Tracking Improves Your Asset Management Operations

How RFID Asset Tracking Improves Your Asset Management Operations

RFID asset tracking gives you next-level automation when it comes to your asset management operations. With RFID asset tracking, you’re able to monitor how your equipment moves throughout your sites without any manual input.

Essentially, RFID asset tracking lets you sit back and let your assets collect the data without the need to spend a single moment auditing manually.

Handheld RFID also gives you speed and accountability benefits, allowing you to update and monitor your asset data at speed and from a difference.

Passive RFID Vs. Active RFID


How Does Asset Management Work?

An asset management system will let you log your assets as unique, digital profiles. Then, you can track these profiles and populate them with data.

So, you can add all of your laptops if you’re using the system for IT asset management, then you can log who is responsible for which asset, for example. When anyone resigns, you can run a report on which assets you need to retrieve.

Asset tags link your physical assets to their digital counterparts. These tags can be QR codes, barcodes, or RFID labels to name a few. Once you’ve scanned an assets’ tag, the digital profile opens, ready for edits.

So, if you notice an issue with an asset, you need only scan that asset’s tag and report that issue. As every time you scan an asset’s tag, the last seen GPS location, the user who scanned the tag and the time of the scan updates, that simple set of actions shows you which asset has been damaged, where it was, who reported the damage and what the damage is. Overall, this gives you more accountability in, quite literally, three clicks.


Fixed RFID Asset Tracking

You can also log physical asset locations as well as GPS locations. So, you can log assets as in a particular room, shelf, or building. This gives you more visibility over your assets.

When you implement fixed RFID asset tracking, this location tracking system is entirely automated. Every time an asset enters a location, this change will be logged within your asset tracking system.

This works through the use of hardware that you affix to key points in your building. Then, whenever an asset crosses through one of these points, the location updates.

The benefit is clear: you can fully automate audits and location tracking. Assets are significantly less likely to go missing if they’re automatically tracked. Also, as you can see how long an asset is in a location, you can pinpoint and track inefficiencies in your supply chain.

The drawback, however, is cost as you’re looking at around £2.5k per reader (and, therefore, per location). Speed does provide you with an ROI, as does everything else the system provides, so it depends on if this return supersedes your asset and operational costs.


Handheld RFID Capabilities

A step down from fixed RFID is handheld RFID. With handheld RFID, you can still track and manage assets from speed and at a distance, you will just have to scan said assets manually.

If you want to identify all of the assets in a location, you can enter that location and hold down on your handheld RFID reader’s trigger to detect every tag in your vicinity.

The reason RFID asset tracking has an edge over conventional asset tracking here is that QR codes and barcodes need a line of sight to be scanned. Sometimes this isn’t reasonable or even possible, but manually performing this process can ultimately take significantly more time depending on the number of assets in a room.


itemit’s Asset Tracking Software

itemit’s asset tracking software is flexible as it lets you monitor, manage and track your assets through multiple different methods. With itemit, you can use QR codes, barcodes and different levels of RFID asset tracking.

This means that you can have the highest level of automation and accountability possible. Overall, this gives you much more visibility over your assets providing you with an ROI in several areas.

To find out more about itemit’s asset tracking software, you can fill in the form below to start your 14-day free trial. You can also contact the team at team@itemit.com with any questions.

RFID Asset Tracking

Choose a better way to track your assets

Start your free 14-day trial now

Instant access. No credit card details required.

or, download the itemit app to get started

Related articles

How To Leverage The Benefits Of Fixed Asset RFID Tracking

How To Leverage The Benefits Of Fixed Asset RFID Tracking

How To Leverage The Benefits Of Fixed Asset RFID Tracking

Fixed asset RFID tracking can feel like a strange world from the outside. It is becoming more commonly spoken about and better known, but a lot of the requirements you need as a business are still murky, which creates a barrier for many businesses.

There are a few barriers to adoption that SMEs face or, at least, think they do. This is as for years these difficulties have been substantial. They include:

  • Set up costs
  • Development costs
  • Lengthy setup time
  • In-depth technical knowledge of RFID required
  • Middleware, and therefore liaison, required
  • Running costs

Due to a variety of mitigations, fixed asset RFID tracking is now available to SMEs as software can be purchased off the shelf, hardware can be rented and middleware is no longer required, meaning fixed RFID tracking is plug-and-play.

itemit Releases Fixed RFID Asset Tracking Functionality


What Are The Benefits Of Fixed Asset RFID Tracking?

Fixed asset RFID tracking comes with many benefits, some immediately clear and others less so. To fully leverage the benefits, you need to set up your asset tracking software correctly.

This means that your backend needs to have assets, asset information, and asset data and locations logged correctly. Then, you can take your fixed asset RFID tracking further.

This is as, once the data is there, you can completely automate the location tracking elements of your fixed RFID asset tracking, therefore losing fewer assets and keeping an eye on where everything is.

Less immediately obvious benefits include health and safety as well as speed. This is as, whether you’re using a handheld RFID reader or a fixed reader, you do not have to physically interact with your assets to account for them and can instead track them from a distance.


Total Asset Tracking Automation

As mentioned, with fixed asset RFID tracking, you can have total asset tracking automation. One of the ways this is being used at the moment is in healthcare, with hospitals tracking dialysis kits as they move between wards.

The fixed RFID readers pick up RFID asset tags when they enter or exit a room, logging the change automatically. Overall, this gives the user more accuracy over their audits and more control, as well as saving them weeks of time a year.

These time-saving benefits can be applied to any number of different cases and show a clear benefit of how you can leverage fixed RFID asset tracking. In the past, getting such a seemingly simple benefit was an ordeal that included bespoke app development, high costs, and complicated liaison between companies. Now, you simply need to purchase a reader and a software subscription to start setting up.

The user also maintains manual control, if needed, through the use of handheld RFID asset tracking. This is as RFID tags can be read by any number of hardware, making them not specific to one type of reader.


Handheld RFID Asset Tracking

Handheld RFID asset tracking is incredibly helpful for manual interactions with assets. When used in tandem with fixed RFID asset tracking, your fixed readers can pick up when an asset enters a room. Then, if you need to run an audit on that room, you can simply use a handheld reader.

Your fixed asset tracking software will make it clear when an asset hasn’t been seen in a while, making it easier for you to pinpoint any errors or anomalies, allowing you to investigate with your handheld reader.

You can also bulk add assets to a location and scan from a distance with any RFID technology. This means that high-value asset tracking is more effective when you use RFID technologies, as you can conceal tags so as not to affect the value of your assets.


itemit’s Asset Tracking Software

itemit’s asset tracking software is a powerful, customisable system. With itemit, you can mix and match asset tracking technologies including barcodes, QR codes and RFID tags, as well as GPS trackers.

itemit makes leveraging the benefits of fixed asset RFID tracking incredibly simple. With itemit, it really is a simple case of logging and tagging your assets and connecting your reader, then linking it to a location. Then, you can start seeing the results right away.

You can also view, manage and edit reports when you use itemit, making it simple to export your fixed asset register. This is great when it comes to tax and insurance operations as you can prove that your assets are getting tracked responsibly.

To find out more about how itemit can benefit your business, and how you can save weeks of time tracking your assets, you can contact the team at team@itemit.com. You can also start a free trial using the form below. We look forward to speaking soon!

Fixed Asset RFID Tracking

Choose a better way to track your assets

Start your free 14-day trial now

Instant access. No credit card details required.

or, download the itemit app to get started

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