The Cadillac of RFID solutions is the ability to track an asset, inventory or employee in real time. This solution is called a “Real Time Location System” or “RTLS” solution. The solution consists of assets which are tagged with Active RFID tags which transmit a signal at a given interval. That data is translated into relative coordinates in a work or storage area and displayed on a map. American Barcode and RFID researched many solutions and has partnered with the best, most cost effective companies that provide this solution.
Select a Solution
Select a solution from the list here. We offer serveral solutions at a wide range of price points.
How RTLS Works
Active RFID tags send their data up to an Active RFID radio network at set intervals. The tags can be set to send their data to the system several times a second or only once a day. The more frequent the interval the less the battery life of the tag. Active RFID can have a range up to 1200 feet depending on the tags, readers and antennas. A network of RFID readers is installed in the area to be monitored. This networked infrastructure can be enabled through RS-485, Wi-Fi, ZigBee or Ethernet. The network sends the tag data along with other data such as signal strength or time of arrival to a server which is able to calculate relative position in the area.
The Result A map of the area to be monitored is imported into our software tools. The readers are also placed in the software and zones established. The result is a live map displaying the position of your assets accurate to within 1 foot depending on the hardware solution that is selected.
The ROI of RTLS RTLS has obvious advantages for many businesses. There are signifcant efficiency gains in "Inventory Control", "Asset Managment", "Employee Safety and Tracking" as well as "Work in Progress!" A quote from Tim Harrington a Zebra ZES executive "The ROI from having RTLS tags in place comes from having the application software that enables you to reduce your inventory, or increase your throughput or reduce your parts on the assembly line for just-in-time manufacturing.
Below is an article from "Enterprise Wireless Magazine" which looks specically at the ROI of RTLS RTLS ROI Article
