University of Illinois Eyes Its Assets at Engineering, Computer Labs

The tags are embedded inside laptops and affixed to the exterior of desktop computers and projectors. Because exterior-mounted tags are vulnerable to vandalism, they are rendered tamper-resistant by means of a magnet, also attached to an asset. If an asset's tag is separated from its magnet, the tag sends an alert to the Chicago Police Department, indicating someone is attempting to remove the tag.

Reltronics Technologies is currently installing the system at the SEO building, a 15-story structure that will include just two RFID interrogators—one in the doorway, and another inside one large 40- by 60-foot room containing multiple assets. Assets within the room are not intended to be mobile, and are generally all kept in that specific location, so readers are deployed to catch any movement of an asset away from the room.

Reltronics Technologies may install RFID readers in three additional buildings on campus as well. The goal, Ahuja says, is to deploy the devices throughout the school so that if an asset is taken out of one building, it can be tracked at other locations throughout the campus.

"Initially, it is expensive to set up," says Lindstrom. "But the benefit is there is no wiring, and no tripping of wires." With the fiber-optic system, she adds, "there were quite a few false alarms. But with this system, I suspect that no one will be [accidentally] tripping it. If an antenna doesn't see an asset anymore, it's because it's not there."

Because Grant Hall is undergoing renovation and, therefore, closed to students, Lindstrom says, the asset-tracking system has not yet been fully put to the test. "We know it is working," she states. "We tried taking an asset out of the building, and it tripped the alarm."