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Coming Soon: ToolWatch RFID
Scheduled for launch in Q2 2007, ToolWatch RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology will provide you with another option for capturing and tracking tool and equipment information.
How it Works
The main component of an RFID system is the RFID tag, which houses a chip and antenna. These chips, much like bar code labels, store a unique identifier that links into your ToolWatch database. Some chips can even store much more than a unique identifier, making it possible to unlock information with just a swipe of a reader device.
A handheld scanner is used to access information stored within the chip. But rather than a laser reading a bar code, RFID scanners send a radio frequency to the chip. Information is then broadcast back to the scanner, and the scanner communicates with the ToolWatch database to unlock stored data about the item - everything from the item's location to the last person to use it to the item's service history.
No Need to Purchase New Scanners
Think RFID may be right for some of your tools but worried about the cost of purchasing new scanners? With the release of ToolWatch RFID, you'll be able to upgrade your TW5600 bar code scanner to a dual bar code/RFID scanning device. Not only will this represent a substantial saving over buying new scanning equipment, but it will also prevent you from having to use two different scanning devices in every stocking location.
Bar Codes Are Still King
Make no mistake about it - the ToolWatch bar code system is still an extremely effective and reliable way to manage tools and equipment. In fact, because of their durability (even in the harshest construction environments) ToolWatch bar code labels are guaranteed for the life of the tool.
And for some materials, RFID may never make sense. For instance, grinding discs and quarts of motor oil come with a manufacturer's UPC code, which your ToolWatch scanners can already read. Plus, the low-value and small size of these items makes it impractical to use with RFID tags.
But for companies that would prefer to use RFID to track a portion of their tools and equipment, RFID is an extremely reliable and durable option. RFID tags cannot be removed without dismantling the tool. This provides an even greater theft deterrent in some cases. Plus, RFID tags can be embedded with more sophisticated information, enabling more effectively management of some of your key construction resources.
Key Benefits
- Scan items without removing them from their bags or carrying cases
- Where it makes sense, have another tracking option beyond a bar code
- Check-in and check-out some types of tools and equipment faster
- Avoid having to purchase new scanning devices
- Make it even more difficult to remove tool and equipment identifying information
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