Laptop RFID Tracking

Introduction

RFID systems are used in IT asset tracking for data centers and enterprises to automate the quality of service, security, and compliance that are crucial to their operations.

RFID technology enables automation in IT asset management, meaning less overhead and more margins for enterprises and cloud companies alike. On the other hand, IT vendors employ RFID source-tagging to move toward a Hardware-As-A-Service model, where they manage their own gear on behalf of their customers.

And with data captured throughout, actionable insight into the IT asset management lifecycle is created that can be leveraged to manage vendor contracts, optimize purchase orders, and forecast demand for new assets and for maintenance services.

Tracking IT assets such as laptops poses interesting problems, especially when you have security requirements. Some specific challenges seen with laptop tracking includes:

Metal
Ensuring good read rates
Tag placement

Laptops generally have a significant amount of metal on them, so using passive RFID tags can be a challenge. Sometimes laptops have a plastic outer layer, however the metal inside the screen and component parts will cause interference.

The best way to solve this problem is to select a ‘metal mount’ tag. Metal Mount tags will increase the read range significantly, as they use the metal as a conductor to project the RFID signal farther.

RFID Tag Selection for Laptops

Almost all RFID tag vendors have released metal mount tag options in recent years. They offer different sizes that provide different read ranges. Our testing has found variances of 10 feet or more between different tags.

When deciding which metal mount tag to choose, it is recommended that you test multiple tags on your actual laptops to see how well each one works in your environment.

Choosing a metal mount tag, thicker than a regular RFID tag, can be challenging. Often employees do not like tags that are larger for purely aesthetic reasons, and because of the possibility of the tag getting caught on a laptop bag as it goes in and out of the bag. Metal mount tags can sometimes be 1/8-¼” or thicker. Metal mount tags won’t mount completely flush up against the laptop. Ideally, a tag tapered on the edge would be the best to prevent catching on things, but most metal mount tags do not taper.

An important consideration is whether to purchase a hefty tag with a more extended read range or go with a more aesthetically pleasing tag that might have a shorter read range.

Where to Place the tag

The placement of the tags may also be a factor in which type of tag to purchase. The lid is often the only option, although sometimes a metal mount tag can be placed along the side without issue. This depends on how many ports and flat surface areas are available across the side of the laptop. Using a tag that is .05” or less thick would be the best option for a lid placement to prevent catching on a laptop bag, but performance varies so it is important to test multiple options before settling on one.

Testing RFID tags are essential for all assets, because of the variation in read ranges that are documented by the vendor. If your assets are exposed to liquid or metal, even if an employee's hand is blocking the tag, it can lead to an inaccurate result. Test different tags on all the different makes and models of laptops to ensure the tag or tags you choose will work in your environment. Placing the laptop in various locations and orientations is also important, as performance can vary from one spot to another.

Security Requirements

When security is required, a passive RFID tag will not be a viable option. They cannot read through metal or liquid, so it can be blocked when moving past a fixed reader. Using active RFID tags will provide you with better read rates because they have less interference from metal and liquid. Active tags can also provide motion and tamper detection, which is a much better option for security purposes. The downside is that the size of the tag will be much larger, as an active RFID tag has its own internal battery. Larger tags, however, can act as a deterrent to criminals.

Benefits of an Automated Asset Tracking System

An asset tracking system allows you to document, track and manage all the assets the company holds and uses regularly.

Automating that asset tracking system using barcode and/or radio frequency identification technology takes the system to a whole new level. Companies that have successfully implemented an automated asset tracking program recognize the following benefits.

- Increased efficiency: Eliminating manual labor and busy work makes a big difference when in reducing costs and wasted time.

- Increased accuracy: On average, a person makes a mistake in one out of every 300 characters they write; barcode and/or RFID technology significantly (if not completely) eliminates this possibility.

- Increased productivity: Collecting accurate data in real-time allows for better, more timely decision-making.

All the benefits here either directly or indirectly impact potential cost reductions. In other words, an effective automated asset tracking system will save the company money!

RFID for rapid inventorying of assets

RFID unlike barcode does not need line of sight while scanning. Additionally, multiple RFID tags can be scanned at the same time, which results in huge productivity gains. These features make RFID advantageous for use in rapid inventorying, especially when the task needs to be performed more often and where automation of the process is desired.

An RFID solution can help provide a much more up-to-date view of asset locations than is possible with manual inventory or with barcode.

SmartX HUB RFID inventory management solution can help speed up the process of inventorying all your physical assets and help keep information about the assets updated in a comprehensive system such that reports can be generated and accessed from any web browser.

Benefits of an Automated Asset Tracking System

How does it work?

In its most basic configuration, SmartX HUB inventory management solution comes with various passive RFID tags, a portable handheld RFID reader, and SmartX HUB Server software.

RFID inventory tags affixed on the assets are associated with an asset record in the SmartX HUB application server system where additional information about the asset can be stored. The system is now ready for rapid inventorying.

At inventory time, a portable handheld RFID reader with SmartX HUB Mobile software can scan assets. All the data is collected and wirelessly transmitted to the SmartX HUB Server. SmartX HUB RFID asset tracking software can then be used to generate numerous reports. For example, basic reports can be generated to show moved or missing assets.

Conclusion

SmartX HUB Solution helps you obtain a more efficient workflow by improving your control over your project, enhancing safety on your Jobsite, reducing equipment downtime, minimizing safety hazards, increasing equipment life expectancy, and reducing repair costs. It provides you with the necessary means to stay on schedule, stay on budget and work consistently to keep your overall project on the right track.

The solutions, like SmartX HUB’s RFID, are fully automated, enabling workers to quickly get and return the assets they require without an asset attendant while still keeping the employee accountable for them.

By automating your processes with SmartX HUB RFID-IoT technology you can cut daily operational costs by significantly reducing labor and error costs through process automation. SmartX HUB offers a scalable, customizable and simple platform, easily fitting into your unique business process. To make it even easier, SmartX HUB runs on any web browser as well as any Windows, iOS or Android device.

SmartX HUB’s global presence, coupled with its deep industry and business transformation expertise, has proven that the methodologies and experience gained from thousands of worldwide engagements help clients achieve real business results and innovation quickly and cost-effectively.

Contact us to get more information on how we can help you overcome the challenges to your construction business or to check out a free demo.

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Benefits

Accurate Inventory

Maintenance work efficiently

Reducing auditing time

Automatically locate assets

Extend the life of your assets

Enforcing accountability

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