How Can We Track IT Assets Into and Out of Our IT Store?

Our requirement is to control the in-and-out inventory details from our store. The system should be able to capture data to our asset database by using RFID or some other technology. Would it be possible to implement this at our facility? If so, how should we proceed?

—Mithun

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Mithun,

To track IT assets into and out of your IT store, you would need to purchase passive UHF RFID transponders. Since some of these assets would be composed of metal, you would likely need to purchase special on-metal RFID tags. These are available from companies such as Omni-ID, Xerafy, MetalCraft, William Frick & Co., The Tag Factory and others.

You would need to set up a passive UHF RFID reader portal at each entrance and exit, so that tags could be read whenever a tagged item entered or left. You would need to set up a tagging station within the store to tag the assets and associate each RFID tag's serial number with the asset to which it is attached. You would also require a server connected to the reader at the tagging station to host the database of assets with their associated tag IDs.

My suggestion would be to engage a competent systems integrator, which could help you to design and install the solution. Here are some articles we have published about companies tracking IT assets. They include the names of the hardware, software and service providers involved in each project.

• Cisco Tracks IT Assets Via RFID

• U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Tracks IT Assets

• County College District to Track 90,000 Assets With RFID

• How Cognizant Cut Costs by Deploying RFID to Track IT Assets

• Data-Center Firm Deploys RFID to Manage IT Assets

• Bank of America Deploys RFID in Data Centers

• Comcast Puts RFID in Data Centers to Track Assets

• Microsoft Uses Wireless Sensors to Track Data Center Temperatures

• Data-Center Firm Deploys RFID to Manage IT Assets

If you need additional assistance, please let us know.

—Mark Roberti, Founder and Editor, RFID Journal