RFID Asset Tracking

KEEP TRACK OF WHAT MATTERS

Keeping track of valuable business assets using RFID asset tracking helps increase profitability by improving operating efficiency and saving time spent locating a variety of assets

Many business use traditional, manual methods to keep track of fixed and mobile assets. Not only does this take a lot of time and resources, but it is prone to inaccuracies and errors. Not knowing where vehicles, equipment and inventory is at any given time can mean lost opportunities for business revenue and growth, as well as the expense of replacing assets unnecessarily.

RFID asset tracking solutions can solve this problem and create a range of efficiencies that help drive reduced costs and increased profits. RFID technology takes the hard work out of tracking business assets using a combination of RFID tags, RFID readers, fixed and mobile devices, as well as tracking software.

Ultimately, RFID technology delivers increased visibility across business assets, and improves operational efficiency.

Reducing errors in tracking valuable business assets

The traditional method of asset tracking for most businesses involves a combination of serial numbers, barcodes and spreadsheets that rely on human intervention to locate, identify and then enter data into a tracking system. Not only is this method time-consuming and expensive, but it is prone to human error.

Automating asset tracking with RFID technology is faster and more accurate, freeing up staff time to focus on more important tasks. It also reduces the cost of replacing lost assets.

How RFID technology keeps track of valuable assets

Assets come in many shapes and sizes and can include vehicles, equipment, technology and inventory. By their nature, many assets are mobile, such as inventory coming in to warehouses and going out to stores or customers via e-commerce sales, or vehicles that are constantly on the road picking up stock and making deliveries. Then there is equipment that is sent out to job sites for up to many months. RFID technology can also be used to keep track of people, especially in remote locations, to ensure their safety.

RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, uses small tags affixed to assets of types and sizes. RFID readers, placed at strategic locations in and around business facilities including offices, depots, warehouses and gates, pick up the movement (even the direction) of assets in and around the business.

The final piece of the puzzle is tracking systems or software that collect the information from RFID readers and provide it in real-time via easy-to-read dashboards for complete visibility of business assets.

Making asset tracking faster and easier

RFID technology is different to traditional methods that use serial numbers and barcodes. In particular, these methods require very close proximity to record assets.
Some of the major benefits of RFID technology in asset tracking include:

  • Many tags can be read at once without requiring close proximity or direct line of sight.
  • An entire room of inventory can be scanned within minutes.
  • RFID can provide pinpoint location information.
  • RFID tags can do more than just provide location data – they can also provide data about temperature and humidity to ensure assets are kept in good condition.
  • Inventory and stock-take time can be reduced considerably.

Benefits of RFID Asset Tracking

Locate assets in real-time

Use RFID technology to find out the exact location of all assets in real-time, all the time. Think of an RFID solution as an ‘always on’ system that remains vigilant as assets move around a business or supply chain or network. Every time an item crosses a strategically placed reader point, its location is updated automatically.

Automate processes

With live location data, items don’t need to be manually logged in and out as part of a workflow. This automation of asset location and status makes workflows more efficient.

Monitor stock levels

Fast and accurate stock-takes provide detailed information about stock levels and location to assist with production planning and distribution. Real-time data about the movement of stock in an omni-channel retail business can also avert out-of-stock situations by enabling movement of stock between retail and online stores.

Automate dispatch and receiving

By integrating the supply chain, and tagging products at the point of production, receiving goods can be automated. Goods will be logged into the warehouse as soon as they cross the nominated reader threshold to be received accurately and in a timely manner. Similarly, as they are sold or moved out of the warehouse, stock levels are automatically updated to reflect this.

Improve accountability

RFID tags are small, and readers can be placed in a variety of locations throughout a business or supply chain. When people are tagged, along with different types of assets, not only can the assets be identified and located at any time, but they can be matched with the people performing tasks at any given time.

Improve security

RFID asset tracking systems are extremely effective for improving the security of valuable assets. Perimeters can be set to flag movements outside allowed locations with alerts or alarms to notify system users of unauthorised activity.

Customised RFID tracking solutions for every business

While every business has valuable assets that can be accurately tracked using RFID tags and technology, they also have very specific needs based on their particular circumstances. Using the proven technology of RFID tags, RFID readers and software, RFID solutions can be customised to suit the particular needs of every business.