Asset tracking systems are generally characterized in three categories; active, semi-active, and passive. This blog focuses on passive asset tracking systems. We will address active and semi-active asset tracking systems in future posts.
Passive asset tracking systems are the least expensive of the asset tracking system options. They are also the most basic and have fewer features than the active and semi-active asset tracking systems. The typical passive asset tracking systems incorporate some form of unique ID tag such as a bar code or dot matrix identifier that is read by a scanner. A database is created to correlate the ID with the associated asset and then date, time, and location data are populated in the database as items are scanned. Normally, this is accomplished by providing a similar ID marker for the location so that the location and the asset are scanned together which tells that database to enter that location for the device.
Like most systems, passive asset tracking systems have benefits and limitations. The benefits include having an accurate account of the location of various assets. This process eliminates most of the manual entry aspects of older inventory systems to reduce human error. The user is also able to generate reports efficiently. Some of the limitations of passive asset tracking systems include the reliability on the tag itself. If someone marks over the top of it, covers it up, scratches it badly, or if it simply falls off, then the user typically will have trouble getting the scanner to read the tag. In the event it fell off, the user typically won’t know it is gone until they try to scan the item at a future time.
Orion Security Solutions incorporates asset tracking systems into our security solutions. We feature a unique passive asset tracking system that uses a military grade microdot technology that has proven to be the most robust option of its kind in the industry. The dots themselves come in various sizes (including ones you can barely see) and you can actually tear off or damage up to 70% of the tag and still achieve a unique read with the scanners. It is one of a kind and available to you.
This powerful addition to the overall security solution plays a critical role when determining the historical movement of assets. In addition to saving money and labor, companies are able to eliminate shrinkage, overstocking, and other logistical problems by using these asset tracking tools.
Please join us next Wednesday here at The O for another exciting security technology insight.
