Active RFID Asset Tracking

Active RFID asset tracking is accomplished by deploying RFID readers/antennas throughout facilities on walls, ceilings, above ceilings or on any surface. Active RFID readers support a wide range of antennas for indoor and outdoor performance.

Active RFID antennas can be calibrated for a specific detection distance. For example, an active RFID antenna at a doorway may be calibrated for a 10’ detection distance, whereas an RFID antenna in a warehouse or open office area may be calibrated for 100’s of feet. Active RFID antennas typically have a read-range up to approximately 1,500’.

Calibration of detection distance is important based on the preciseness of asset location definition within the asset database. For example, imagine an office area that is 50’ x 100’. A single antenna can be calibrated to detect all assets within the office area; however, to find an asset within the office area would still be difficult since a specific location is not known. Conversely, deploying multiple antennas with an approximate 25’ range would provide more precise asset location identification. Even further, antennas can be placed in each work area and calibrated to detect assets only in the work area.

As such, Active RFID provides significant flexibility as to cost of deployments and preciseness of location determination based on the types, quantities and calibration of Active RFID readers/antennas.

Active RFID tags are priced at around $15.00 to $25.00 and include a battery that ensures optimal performance and virtually no ‘missed tags’. Tags provide optional movement and tamper detection to ensure that tags are not removed from assets and to determine when assets are moving.

Portable Active RFID scanners provide the ability to find specific assets from up to approximately 1,500’ and also support rapid asset inventories.