As the world becomes increasingly digitized, schools face a responsibility to keep up. Some have incorporated RFID, IoT and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance organization and security.
RFID asset tracking can automate processes and help maintain the inventory of valuable school resources like books and equipment, saving school administrators time and money and allowing them to focus on providing the best education.
Schools can take the following steps to successfully implement RFID asset tracking technology.
Assess the School’s Needs
Technological upgrades and new equipment cost school districts money, so schools adopting the technology need to be smart about what they need and how they will use it. Administrators must determine their goals for RFID devices. There are many use cases, including tracking attendance through ID cards, tracking visitors through security badges, or managing library book and equipment loans.
Asset tracking, particularly for library books, individually loaned laptops and sports equipment, helps schools automate inventory management. Automated tracking provides real-time data and can be an invaluable loss-prevention strategy. It also supports library staff with inventory management and loan processes.
Choose the Technology and Plan Implementation
Once the administration defines its goals, it should develop strategies for implementing the new technology. RFID reader and tag types vary depending on the specific use case. For administrative asset tracking, a school would likely implement fixed readers placed in various locations throughout the school that read the tag to track the item’s movement. Cost assessment plays an important role in determining what kind of readers to get, how many the school can afford and what areas will benefit the most.
Schools must also integrate the necessary IoT systems to track RFID-tagged items and be aware of potential cybersecurity and privacy risks. Integrating these technologies and platforms with risk assessments may require additional support that schools should plan for proactively.
Tag, Register and Assess Inventory
RFID systems require physical tagging, which is a time-consuming process. Tags must be placed precisely so that scanners can read, track and log them accurately. This process helps keep the school’s current inventory logs up to date and provides an accurate baseline assessment of materials before the start of the school year.
The RFID systems will also require their own digital register for real-time inventory tracking. Integrating, updating and configuring the system to accurately reflect and track the assets is a crucial step in this process.
Train Staff
All staff, including administrators and teachers, should be familiar with the new technology and systems. Staff should have at least a basic understanding of the system, how it works, what it is used for and how to assist students should they experience challenges.
As leaders of the school, principals should play a major role in designing new procedures and helping implement new technology. However, administrators and teachers may not be experts in this tech. Schools may need to outsource to tech expertise as teachers prioritize their students and curriculum. Ultimately, the technology should aid teachers and staff, not inhibit learning.
Monitor, Audit and Optimize
Like any other school supply, RFID systems require regular maintenance and updates as needed. They should also be frequently monitored for proper use and relevant results, ensuring the technology meets the school’s goals. What’s working, and what isn’t? Are there any gaps in the data, and what are the causes? The goal of auditing is to foster program growth and provide better support to the school.
\Schools may also find AI tools, like predictive maintenance, useful for real-time monitoring and determining when technology is ready for upgrades. Optimization may require more maintenance, but it can be a valuable time-saver in the long run.
Revolutionize Schools for the Future
Integrating RFID technology can come with challenges, such as expenses, technological literacy and data security, which may pose a significant barrier for many schools. In addition, resistance to change may deter schools from making the initial cost and time investment necessary to implement RFID.
However, with proven success from case studies and ever-growing advancements in tech, schools have the opportunity to learn new strategies, adapt and keep up with the necessary equipment to provide for students. Schools don’t need to integrate mass technological changes at once — the initial step, even if it’s just tracking library books, can be an integral upgrade. Technological changes provide learning opportunities for students and staff and support educational needs.
The future is digital, and schools should be looking ahead as they prepare the next generation. RFID asset tracking technology, using AI and IoT, facilitates accurate inventory logging to ensure students have access to the best resources. By saving time and preventing loss, schools can focus their attention on student success.