A typical RFID system is made up of three components: tags, readers and the host computer system.
A typical RFID system is made up of three components: tags, readers and the host computer system.
Tags
The MtrackTag is a small radio device encapsulated in high density foam, epoxy or a plastic casing dependent upon its intended usage. The MtrackTag can be read remotely.
This can be achieved without direct line of sight and in environments where traditional data collection methods could not operate. A major advantage is that information can be written to the tag multiple times, so storing a history that travels with the article.
MtrackTag can detect proximity, movement and temperature.
Readers
With MtrackTag, our transceiver sends and receives RF data to and from the tag. In other words there is a bidirectional communication between the transceiver and the MtrackTag. This allows the tag to be configurable over the air.
Different too is the fact that the active tag reader and communication gateway is in fact an MtrackFleet tracking unit itself. The end-user is alerted via the MtrackTag web-based application or SMS message once the tagged asset violates its conditions (proximity or temperature moving outside the predefined range, moving at all etc).
MtrackTag has 2 receiver options:
- Mobile Receiver – This would be used where the receiver needs to be in a vehicle. By using our top end product, the full suite of telematics data can also be accessed by the client.
- Fixed Receiver – The data acquired by the readers is then passed to the standard MtrackFleet web based system, accessible from anywhere in the world.
Host Computer
The data acquired by the readers is then passed to the standard MtrackFleet web based system, accessible from anywhere in the world.
Features
- MtrackTag does not need line-of-sight to operate, and in environments where traditional data collection technology could not operate, meaning that the tag can be hidden inside the item or box that is to be identified and still be read.
- This eliminates the need for a person to have to present the tag to the reader as it can now be fixed to a wall for example. As items pass by the reader they will be read automatically.
- Many tags can be read together at once. It is not necessary to present each tag to the reader separately (as is required for barcodes).
- Information can be written to the tag multiple times so storing a history that travels with the article.
- The transceiver is an MtrackFleet GPS tracking device. This enables geofencing of the tags reporting to the transceiver and also allows the tag to be configurable over the air.
- The MtrackTag has built-in intelligence that offers over-the-air user configurable range setting, motion sensing and temperature alerts.
- The range of the MtrackTag can be customised, allowing monitoring of assets in close or far proximity to each other. MtrackTag is configurable from 10 metres to about 800 metres away from the transceiver.
- MtrackTag is able to detect movement – normally stationary assets can now alert users when unauthorised movement takes place.
- MtrackTag is able to report temperature and has the ability to warn users when a pre-set temperature parameter has been violated such as in refrigerated storage conditions.
- The general proximity of the tags and the exact location of the transceiver is viewable on the web based system maps and can be viewed by the user from anywhere in the world.
- Tags can be rewritten and re-used, significantly reducing their cost per use.
- Typical battery life of each MtrackTag is 18 to 24 months.
- MtrackTags report remaining battery life as part of their daily health check.
Applications
Applications fall into two principal categories: short range applications where the transceiver and tag must be in close proximity (such as in access control, monitoring production processes, warehouses, stock control etc) and medium to long application, where the distance may be greater (such as monitoring assets along a stretch of road or in a parking lot or mine). Examples include:
Logistics and Manufacturing
- Automating warehouse operations, including shipping / receiving.
- Monitoring of pallets and cases shipped into and out of distribution centres, client’s warehouses, entering and leaving trucks etc.
- Monitoring of individual assets on route
- Electronic “stocktaking” of items in an area
- Anti-theft/stock access control
- Staff Authentication
- Shop floor inventory tracking
- Item visibility and status – locate an item quickly and accurately
Retail
- Temperature monitoring of fridges and freezers
- Identification of stolen goods in a store
Asset Tracking
- Asset/Equipment movement tracking
- Inventory/fixed assets management
- Security for moveable, high value assets
- Simple location of items in warehouses or lots
Healthcare
- Traceability of beds and equipment
- Accurate billing based on time spent in an area
