Dec 17 2007 2:12PM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
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We’ve heard a lot about Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) in the past few years, with Wal-Mart being one notable retailer now grappling with trying to employ the technology in their workflow (read the story here).

An RFID tag is an object that can be applied to or incorporated into a product, animal (think microchips your vet sticks in your dog’s neck), or person for the purpose of identification using radio waves. Most tags can be read via an optical scanner several feet away. Older-generation RFID tags generally contain at least two parts: one is an integrated circuit for storing/processing information and for modulating/demodulating (a.k.a. producing/receiving) the signal. The second part is a handheld unit with an antenna for receiving and transmitting the signal for further use.

New on the scene are Chipless RFID tags that allow for discrete identification of tags without an integrated circuit, thereby allowing tags to be printed directly onto assets (such as bar codes) at lower cost than traditional tags.

But is it Big Brother in a Small Package? I’m not so sure. In my opinion, the technology has far more beneficial properties than the scary, paranoid theories some web nuts are ranting about.

Taking this technology and applying it to the jobsite is Capital Safety’s DBI-SALA i-SafeTM Intelligent Safety System, which makes it easier to equip existing gear with RFID tracking capabilities by expanding its line of retrofit tags.  The company’s i-Safe Cable Retrofit Tag and the i-Safe Rigid Retrofit Tags allow a variety of items and surfaces to be tagged for paperless inspection and inventory tracking with the i-Safe complete suite.  

The Rigid Retrofit Tag in particular is features a low profile and can be attached to almost anything, including tool boxes, tools, electrical panels and portable ladders. The Rigid Retrofit Tag can be affixed with the supplied tie-wrap, key ring or adhesive pad, or it can be screwed or riveted in place.

The system uses RFID to provide quick access to inspection and inventory information and the inspection feature allows the user to access predetermined questions to inspect and record the data without accessing files or notes. The system also allows the user to assign the equipment to a location and a user—so your head honcho in the field knows where the equipment is and who is using it at all times. Nice.