In an information
economy, the ability to find files and documents fast is critical. RFID technology
is the technology helping businesses reduce the time it takes to inventory client
records and locate misplaced files.
RFID
(Radio Frequency Identification) has no line-of-sight reading requirement,
so it supports applications such as taking inventory just by waving
a wand across the edge of a shelf.
Radio
Frequency technology provides records management controls and automated
workflow never before available. Radio frequency 'inlays' (antenna
labels) uniquely identify each record (or item) and when radio waves
from fixed or portable readers 'read' the tag on the folder, the
folder sends back a signal saying 'here I am'. This allows real-time
tracking of files as they move around a facility(s) and for files
to be easily inventoried or found if missing. File Tracking Records
Management software keeps track of where all files are located at
all times.
RFID
(Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology for identifying
unique file folder records and other high value assets using radio
waves. Typical RFID systems are made up of two (2) major components:
Readers and Tags. The reader, sometimes called the interrogator,
sends and receives RF data to and from the tag via antennas. A reader
may have multiple antennas that are responsible for sending and
receiving the radio waves. The tag, or transponder, is made up of
the microchip that stores the identifier (data), an antenna and
a carrier to which the chip and antenna are mounted (label). The
RFID labels draw their power from the reader. The reader transmits
a low power radio signal through its antenna to the tag, which in
turn receives it through its own antenna to power the integrated
circuit (micro-chip) that is built-into the label. The tag will
briefly converse with the reader for verification that the tag was
'read' and the exchange of data. The File Tracking Software records/item
management software keeps track of all files based on the location
of the reader (and the item being read), as well as the date and
time that 'reads' occur. All RFID 'reads' are updated to the File
Tracking Software database, either to the FTSHOST web-based Server
or a customer's internal Server. No third party Server or Workstation
licensing fees are required.
A
typical RFID workstation includes:
-
fixed bar code reader for quick inputs to software tracking
and search screens
- color printer for producing 'all-in-one' RFID, color-coded
file folder labels
- check-in/out RFID Controller with RFID reader/antenna for
passive record checkin/out
- portable RFID reader and download cradle for importing inventory
reports & updating locations
Portable
Readers & Mobile RFID carts allow real-time inventories
of diverse item inventories, including exceptions reports
at each location as the inventory is occurring. The # associated
(and labeled) on a folder or item can be typed into the portable
reader or the file cart computer, and will beep when the misplaced
folder gets into range of the reader, typically within 5'
to 15'. Helps find and elimanate 'lost files'!
By
integrating Gen 2 RFID tags and readers with record tracking
software, the Intelligent Filing System (IFS) allows users
to:
Automate
identification of circulating files
Enhance
security through document control
Save
time with automated check in and check out of multiple files simultaneously
Locate
misplaced files using a portable inventory reader
Significantly
reduce file inventory time
Increased
read accuracy
RFID
technology allows you to track files like you would using bar-coding
but it also has some advanced features that no other system can
provide. For instance, in a file room or record center; RFID technology
allows you to inventory your files without using a line of site
bar code reader. RFID also allows you to locate misfiled records
or boxes faster and easily using a portable reader. This works by
locating the file in the database and programming the portable reader
with the corresponding RFID tag that is assigned to a file or box
you are looking for. You can then walk through your file system
passing the portable reader over the edge of your files or boxes.
The reader will give off an alarm to let you know when it has located
the misfiled file or box.
RFID
has unlimited potential to enhance the way that materials are moved, wherever
item level or asset management accuracy and efficiency are important such as the
following places: