When selecting a tracking technology to track assets there are several factors to consider. First, what is your objective? If the objective is to collect and manage data you should select the technology that is best suited to help you achieve that objective - not let the technology dictate how you go about collecting your information. Second, what type of asset are you going to be tracking - fixed or mobile? Examples of fixed assets may include furniture, machinery, computers, etc. Mobile assets, on the other hand, may include pallets, returnable containers, racks, etc. Will one technology work better for fixed versus mobile assets?
OK, once you have your objective identified and your assets defined it is time to take a closer look at factors that may have an impact of the type of technology you plan to use. For example, consider the material composition of the item being tracking, i.e. metal, plastic, wood, etc. If we are looking specifically at bar code and radio frequency identification technologies we need to consider that RFID, more specifically passive ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID, has limitations when attached to metal assets and assets containing liquids. QR Code google sheets
Metal surfaces reflect RF, detuning the antenna, thus affecting readability. Likewise, liquids absorb RF also affecting readability. On the other hand, surface composition for standard label products is not a factor. In addition, the radius or contour of a surface also affects readability when using RFID technology; whereas standard tags and labels can be designed for radius or curved surface so as not to affect readability. Other environmental factors that can have an impact on the type of tracking technology you use may include heat, UV exposure, abrasion, chemicals and solvents. Many of these factors may cause RFID not to work while bar code tags and labels can be designed to resist exposure to harsh environments. QR Codes for inventory tracking
After reading the above information you might think RFID may not be the answer. However, there are numerous benefits to using RFID as your tracking technology. First, RFID allows users the ability to read multiple items in a short period of time (i.e. case lot unit containers, pallets, etc.) unlike bar code where you can only scan one at a time. Second, line-of-site isn't needed when reading an RFID tag unlike bar code where you have to physically scan each bar code image. Third, depending on the type of inlay and readers used, RFID has a much longer read range. QR Inventory Tracking System
So, bar code has its advantages and RFID has its advantages too. Why not use both? Really there is a minimum additional investment for bar code and utilizing both technologies will allow locations that are not able to support RFID infrastructure to utilize the data simply by integrating the bar code information into the RFID inlay.
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RFID tracking system are a major benefit to healthcare facilities.
RFID patient tracking together with asset tracking help hospitals manage workflows better.
RFID patient tracking systems ensure that patients are monitored around the clock throughout the facility, assuring a sense of comfort and security.
RFID hospital patient tracking makes it easy for healthcare administrators to keep tabs on patients who need their attention, thereby improving patient care and satisfaction too.
This is made possible with RFID enabled patient armbands which can be tracked with the help of sensors placed throughout the facility.
Your high-value inventory must be tracked as part of a good inventory management system if your business depends on its availability to generate revenue.
Stock, tools, IT devices, vehicles, or employees can be considered.The RFID tracking technology offers efficient tracking in a cost-effective manner, even though there are various options to monitor and track assets.As a way of organizing and tracking physical assets, RFID asset tracking can be categorized in two ways.
This process involves loading RFID tags with data and attaching them to assets.
There are several kinds of data you can find in this category, including name, quantity, and location.The stored data is captured by RFID readers by capturing the radio waves that repeatedly pulse on RFID tags.
Eventually, the data can be tracked and acted on in a sophisticated Asset tracking system.In order to eliminate the highly error-prone methods of pen-and-paper and Excel spreadsheets, it is possible to automate your tracking and monitoring processes.Main benefits of RFID Asset Tracking System Tracking multiple assets at any one time Eliminating human intervention Collecting data in real-time Improving asset visibility Locating lost or misplaced assets Maximizing accuracy of inventory How Does RFID Asset Tracking Work?
An RFID tracking system functions in very much the same way whether it is used to track livestock in agriculture or to monitor a manufacturer's supply chain in a warehouse.
