Many organizations use laptops and other smart devices as their mediums to perform different operations. It is one of the most important assets for the organization because it stores and deals with valuable information related to the organization. The laptop can have business plans, and employee and customer details; such information is a confidential asset for an organization, and they do not want to lose it. Due to their value, laptops need to be properly tracked and secured from theft.
To secure our devices from theft and loss, we require a long-term investment like RFID, BLE, and other Internet of Things solutions which can help with tracking these assets at all times.
RFID tracking enables automation and improves asset control, similar to barcode and QR code asset tracking, as it uses both tags and scanners. However, RFID is an advanced technology because it uses wireless, without line-of-sight scanning through an RFID reader that can detect an RFID tag automatically, from a long distance.
Implementing RFID Laptop Tracking System
In order to implement an RFID-based laptop tracking system on premises, one needs to be familiar with RFID hardware and software essentials.
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a. RFID Tags
RFID tags are small devices that can be attached to laptops. These tags have a microchip and an antenna that allow them to emit radio waves when establishing a connection with RFID readers. These Passive RFID tags rely on RFID readers to activate them. They are more cost-efficient than others and can be used for tracking laptops in smaller areas.
Since most of the laptops have metal components and RFID faces interference issues around metals, we require RFID anti-metal RFID tags, specially designed for metal assets. These mount on-metal tags cost around INR 25-40, for labels and hard tags, and can be procured from EnCstore.com easily.
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b. RFID Readers
RFID Readers are devices that can detect and read signals emitted by an RFID tag. These readers are available in fixed and handheld types.
The RFID fixed readers along with RFID antennas can be mounted on walls and ceilings, and they can detect RFID tags within a definite coverage area. They can help track laptops in rooms or buildings. RFID-based gate systems and RFID-based tunnel systems for laptop tracking can also be designed using fixed readers. Handheld readers are portable devices that can be used to scan tags on laptops and manage inventory, find laptops on the premises.
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c. RFID Asset Tracking Software
When it comes to software systems, asset-tracking technology requires software to manage the collected data through readers. It provides reports and insights to users and helps in enhancing the user experience.
To implement an RFID laptop tracking system in an organization, you’ll need to invest in both tags and readers. In addition, you need software support to manage and store the data collected by readers. Moreover, the laptop tracking system should easily be integrated into your workflow for better results.
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Benefits of Implementing RFID Tags for Laptop Tracking
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a. Improved Accuracy with RFID Technology
RFID tags are better than barcodes or serial numbers; they can be read from a certain distance through obstacles. Even if they are not in the line of sight of a reader, tagged laptops can still be tracked with high accuracy.
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b. RFID Laptop Tracking Saves Time
RFID laptop tracking will help save time and reduce the chances of mistakes as it eliminates human intervention by automating the entire process of laptop tracking at the premises.
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c. Increased Productivity with Laptop Tracking System
RFID-based laptop tracking system increases productivity by collecting accurate data in real-time, which allows for better and timely decision-making and boosts productivity.
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d. Cost-effective Solution
RFID-based laptop tracking solution will save you money in the long run. It eliminates the need to track laptops and other assets manually and allows you to reduce the labor cost and other resources needed.
Where do I place RFID tags on a Laptop?
The placement of an RFID tag on laptops will depend on the type of tag you purchase. Generally, the laptop lid is the only option to place a tag, although sometimes these tags can be placed along the sides of the laptop depending on how many ports and surface area are available on the sides of the laptop.
Testing the RFID tags is also essential for all assets because of the read range issues and variations in the working environment. Test different tags on different models of laptops to ensure that the tag that you choose fits in your environment. For example, RFID anti-metal tags are most effective in metal environments.
Some enterprises also go for an RFID tunnel system or RFID gate system for laptop tracking as well. An RFID tunnel system utilizes a conveyor belt tunnel equipped with an RFID reader and antennas that accurately identify and track laptops put on the belt. It scans the entire bag correctly identifies the computer and matches the same with the user assigned. The users are issued an RFID card and they tap the same at the RFID reader or NFC card reader attached to the RFID tunnel. The laptop tracking system quickly reads the reader data and matches the user info with the database and in case of unauthorized entry/exit, alarms are raised and mail is sent to all stakeholders automatically.
To conclude, Laptops have become an essential tool for work at offices but they are highly portable and susceptible to theft. Without proper security arrangements, the chances of losing a laptop are high. RFID laptop tracking is a reliable and efficient way to manage and protect laptops from possible theft and misplacement at the workplace. Tracking software and RFID tags for laptop tracking reduce the risk of theft and save time, cost, and resources. Some firms also go for RFID tunnel and RFID gate systems to ensure end-to-end tracking of laptops at workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions on RFID Laptop Tracking System
Q1) How is RFID technology better than QR codes?
The major difference between RFID and QR Code and barcode technologies is that RFID doesn’t require a line of sight to scan tags while barcodes and QR Codes require a clear line of sight for the barcode scanning process. Barcode and QR Codes also offer significantly less read range.
Q2) What kind of RFID tags are useful in laptop tracking?
Since most laptops have metal components, using On-metal/anti-metal RFID tags on laptops is the right way to do it. RFID Mount-on metal tags/labels are specifically designed for use in metal environments and can effectively overcome interference issues. These RFID tags offer high conductivity and work effectively against metal interference.
Q3) How does an RFID system work?
An RFID system consists of readers and a tag, which also has a microchip and antenna attached to it. The reader sends out electromagnetic waves which are captured by the RFID tag antenna. The RF signal powers the tag and the tag transmits the encoded data in the form of RF signals which again is captured by the reader and decoded for the end user. The RFID software system stores this data and processes it for the end user.
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