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by Hallie Forcinio, Contributing Editor Posted on Friday, November 03, 2006 3:10:08 PM   | Abstract: | Radio-frequency identification can be a powerful tool in enterprise asset management --especially for mobile assets and portable equipment. |
Radio-frequency identification can be a powerful tool in enterprise asset management (EAM)--especially for mobile assets like pallets, reusable packaging, tools, and portable equipment like testers or laptop computers. The main component of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology is a coded tag, which emits item-identifying data via radio frequency. Tags can be passive or active, read-only or read/write. Active tags incorporate an onboard battery and transmitter. Passive tags must be positioned near a reader, which excites the tag and captures the data. Tags are available in a variety of form factors. A smart-label option embeds RFID chips and antennas in a pressure-sensitive label printed with human-readable information. When applied to mobile assets, RFID tags can provide track-and-trace capability and item visibility. If read/write tags are used, data can be updated to provide asset genealogy. Since assets have relatively long lifespans and typically remain in closed-loop systems, return-on-investment for tag, reader, and infrastructure costs can be compelling. [Click to continue] |