RTLS and RFID are two technologies that can be used in FAM

RFID technology is a form of wireless communication technology used to identify and track items. RFID tags emit a signal containing a unique identification code. An RFID reader can then pick up this signal to identify the item and its location. A real-time location system (RTLS) uses the same wireless communication technology to identify the location of an asset or person in real-time.

An RTLS implementation using RFID typically includes the following components: RFID tags, RFID readers, RTLS tags, and RTLS software.

RFID tags are affixed to the asset or person being tracked. Each tag emits a signal that can be picked up by an RFID reader.

Below, we highlight some of the main differences between the two asset tracking methods, RFID and RTLS.

RFID:

• RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification and is a type of tracking technology that uses a radio frequency to identify and track objects.
• RFID uses tags, which are small electronic devices that contain a chip and an antenna.
• These tags rely on radio waves to send their unique ID number to a receiver, which translates the tag ID into meaningful data.
• RFID is used for tracking items such as inventory, assets, people, and items.

RTLS:

• RTLS (Real-Time Location System) uses a combination of technologies to pinpoint the exact location of an asset or person in real-time.
• RTLS requires an infrastructure setup, such as either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth beacons, to send location coordinates of an asset or person to a central monitoring system.
• RTLS is more precise and accurate than RFID, and is better suited for providing real-time tracking in complex environments.
• RTLS is more expensive than RFID, as it requires a more complex infrastructure to be set up.

RFID tracking offers a number of benefits, including:

1. Improved Inventory Management: RFID tracking makes it easier to track items, as it eliminates the hassle of manual tracking and data entry. By automatically collecting data, RFID tracking allows businesses to manage inventory more easily and efficiently.
2. Improved Reliability: RFID tracking ensures that data is always accurate and up-to-date. It eliminates the potential for human error, as it relies on automated systems instead of manual data entry.
3. Streamlined Logistics: The improved accuracy of RFID tracking enables businesses to more precisely track items throughout the entire logistics process. This helps reduce costs and improve efficiency by reducing the amount of resources needed for tracking.
4. Improved Security: RFID tags can be programmed to carry security codes so that only the user of that tag can access that particular item. So, it becomes difficult for someone to use or access something that does not belong to them.

Benefits of RTLS asset tracking, including:

1. Improved Asset Visibility: An RTLS asset tracking system allows you to monitor the location and usage of your assets in real-time. This means that you can more easily locate and manage your assets.
2. Efficient Workflows: By monitoring asset usage and location, RTLS can help to identify inefficiencies and improve workflows. For example, it can help you to identify which assets are not being used properly or which assets are located in the wrong places.
3. Enhanced Security: By being able to track the exact location of assets in real-time, RTLS can help to reduce the risk of theft and unauthorized use.
4. Reduced Asset Management Costs: Real-time tracking of assets can help reduce asset management costs.

Conclusion

RFID and RTLS are two technologies that can be used for asset tracking. RFID is cheaper and relies on radio waves to transmit data, while RTLS requires more complex infrastructure and is more accurate. Both technologies have benefits; RFID allows for improved inventory management, reliability, logistics, and security, while RTLS offers improved visibility, workflows, security and decreased asset management costs.

Tejoury solutions enable clients to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively, resulting in better outcomes for businesses and the assets for which they have.

Contact our team to learn how fixed asset management solutions can transform your business.