Tool Tracking
Challenges in Tool and Equipment Management
Companies with a large number of tools and equipment, particularly those with employees who take tools to off-site projects, often struggle with chaotic management systems, leading to lost or misplaced assets, interrupted workflows and increased costs due to the need for replacements. Traditional tracking methods, required manual scanning of QR codes for each tool, a process often overlooked by workers focused on completing their jobs rather than on administrative tasks.
This led to a chaotic management system, with tools getting lost, no accountability for damaged items, and a general lack of organization. The main issue was the impracticality of existing solutions that relied heavily on manual input, which was often neglected, resulting in inefficiency and increased operational costs.
The RFID scan terminal, developed by Wattro, is positioned at the warehouse exit. This terminal identifies the RFID tags on devices and machinery.
Automated Tool Management with RFID
The RFID asset management solution provides complete transparency over the entire inventory, accessible from anywhere, at any time. The cornerstone of this innovation is the RFID scan terminal developed by Wattro. This is powered by the UHF RFID TSL 3417 four port reader module, which automatically recognizes and detects tools as they are taken out of the warehouse or returned.
A loud warning tone is emitted if the check-out is forgotten. Tools are recognized via radio frequency as they leave the warehouse, enabled by marking the inventory with RFID tags. This integration simplifies the check-in and check-out process to a simple tap, eliminating the need for manual scanning, and the reliance on smartphones. Asset management is thus streamlined.
Benefits of the RFID Solution
The RFID solution has many benefits for the craft industry. The time spent searching for tools can be drastically reduced from an average of 5-10 minutes per worker, per day, to about two minutes. The solution also prevents the loss of tools and the associated costs. Businesses can save annual costs on unnecessary tool or equipment replacements.
By automating the tracking process and ensuring the efficient management of tools and equipment, operational efficiency is improved. The comprehensive visibility over inventory, combined with real-time updates and streamlined device requests, minimizes delays and optimizes the management of inspections and certifications.
“With our RFID solution, we can automate tool management and create added value that cannot be achieved with manual solutions. This provides transparency and saves a lot of time and costs, allowing our customers to complete their projects more efficiently and reliably.”
Hardware & Software
Tags, Reader and Software
The RFID solution simplifies the check-in and check-out process to a simple tap, eliminating the need for manual scanning, and the reliance on smartphones.
UHF RFID Tags
To track a variety of tools, a set of five standard tags designed for both metal and non-metal items are used. Part of these standard tags are the Cargo Outdoor and the Flex UHF RFID hard tags from Xerafy. Both size and application were taken into consideration. Each tool is equipped with two strategically placed tags for reliable detection.
RFID Scan Terminal & UHF RFID Reader Module
The RFID scan terminal, developed by Wattro, is positioned at the warehouse exit. This terminal identifies the RFID tags on devices and machinery. The terminal is powered by the TSL 3417 Four Port RAIN RFID reader module. This setup ensures full control over everything that enters or leaves the warehouse, streamlining the asset management process.
Cloud-Based Platform
The RFID system consists of a cloud-based platform that is accessible through smartphones and desktop apps. Here, all tool-related information is meticulously stored and readily accessible. A patented algorithm enhances the system's precision, utilizing the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and phase values from the TSL 3417 module for precise tool identification.
UHF RFID Tags
To track a variety of tools, a set of five standard tags designed for both metal and non-metal items are used. Part of these standard tags are the Cargo Outdoor and the Flex UHF RFID hard tags from Xerafy. Both size and application were taken into consideration. Each tool is equipped with two strategically placed tags for reliable detection.
RFID Scan Terminal & UHF RFID Reader Module
The RFID scan terminal, developed by Wattro, is positioned at the warehouse exit. This terminal identifies the RFID tags on devices and machinery. The terminal is powered by the TSL 3417 Four Port RAIN RFID reader module. This setup ensures full control over everything that enters or leaves the warehouse, streamlining the asset management process.
Cloud-Based Platform
The RFID system consists of a cloud-based platform that is accessible through smartphones and desktop apps. Here, all tool-related information is meticulously stored and readily accessible. A patented algorithm enhances the system's precision, utilizing the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and phase values from the TSL 3417 module for precise tool identification.
The RFID solution simplifies the check-in and check-out process to a simple tap, eliminating the need for manual scanning, and the reliance on smartphones.
