RFID Tracking
FileTrail RFID Tracking Solutions save time and money, and bring a new sense of calm to your office.
FileTrail incorporates the latest RFID technology – a standard called “Gen 2”. This is the same technology utilised by large Retailers and Logistics Companies to track and manage billions of pounds worth of inventory.
In addition to RFID, FileTrail software provides intuitive, time-saving tools for staff at every desk. Simple search tools provide instant access to the current location and location history for any file. Additional tools streamline requesting, labeling, and other routine processes, saving time, applying standards, and reducing error.
RFID or 'Radio Frequency Identification' to give it its full title refers to the use of radio transponders attached to individual items like file folders which can then be 'found' electronically. Transponder technology goes back a long way, to World War 2 in fact, when it was developed as a system to identify friendly aircraft (IFF). However, transponders were always bulky, electronic 'boxes' and it was not until the late nineties that the major breakthrough happened and transponders were able to be made as a label, which could be affixed to items such as file folders. Early systems used High Frequency (HF) radio technology but suffered from a short reading range (20 - 30cm maximum) and were not much use for managing records, although began to be used in Libraries where books could be fitted with a 'tag' (transponder) and passed over an RFID Reader to be booked out.
The Supply and Logistics industries also picked up on this technology and have made great strides with it, but it was not until the 'Gen 2' UHF (Ultra High Frequency) hardware became available in 2006, that Cave Tab began to apply this technology to managing records. Gen 2 RFID has a far superior reading range than the earlier systems, up to 4 metres in fact, so now, RFID Readers can be fitted behind ceiling tiles in offices, or can cover doorways and corridors, thus making tracking items a truly passive operation.
How RFID tracks Records
Firstly, a normal FileTrail database is set up with all the normal indexing information used for standard barcode systems. A Tag (transponder) is attached to each folder as a label, it may be inside the folder. The Tag has a unique identity and is registered in the FileTrail database along with the rest of the index information relating to the record. RFID Readers are installed in strategic positions around the organisation where records will move. As they come within range of a Reader, the Tag identifies itself and the location is instantly updated in the FileTrail database. There is no manual involvement whatsoever, the system is automatic.
Portable RFID
The portable RFID reader helps locate missing files like a metal detector. The on-screen alert indicates the next requestor who is waiting for the file.
Seeing RFID in action
Cave Tab consultants are happy to visit you to explain RFID and to demonstrate FileTrail itself at any time. However, Cave Tab has installed a full working system in our Northampton Offices and you are more than welcome to visit us to see a full demonstration. Please contact us if you would like to learn more.
Click here to view a sample floor plan with RFID layout
