RFID Systems and Applications for RFID in Australia

Real Time Locating Systems, or RTLS, which incorporate the use of RFID technology include asset tracking, inventory tracking, patient tracking & call, employee tracking and emergency evacuation, personnel tracking and accountability as well as countless other custom tracking applications. The common function of all systems, whether for people or items, is to keep track of the asset’s exact location in real time.

Protrac iD makes tracking and accountability easy using passive or active RFID tags which are affixed as labels to containers and assets, or worn as mobile pendants, lanyards or wristbands. They are read using hand held scanners or automatically by portal reader systems. Passive tags have limited application for automatic tracking since they are only detected when in close proximity to the reader and must also be orientated correctly to the reader. In contrast, Protrac iD’s Real Time Locating System active tags are ideal for automatic tracking, with the additional benefit of having the facility to monitor the environment and security.

RFID Asset Tracking Tags can be attached to high value objects such as museum artworks, hospital medical equipment, IT equipment and even people. For example, tags carried by staff can be monitored by an RFID system linked to a central security system to sound an alarm for monitored events such as tamper, vibration, patient wandering and safety, staff duress, etc. These same tags can even be used for access control, having the ability to effectively deny exit if activated to do so. This same RFID technology can facilitate the location of portable and shared equipment for tracking, work flow and inventory management on sites such as hospitals and universities.

This same technology that can collect centralised data on items can be used to generate a real time actual inventory of equipment at each location. RFID wristband technology worn by employees or carried as access cards can allow authorised access to sites by means of a smart door access system. The tag is used to provide automatic identification for the wearer for every visit or maintenance session. Together with product tracking tags, this allows the system to record exactly what equipment is repaired, removed, relocated, etc., with the further data of when exactly this happened and who was in attendance.

In typical transport industry applications, RFID Tags could be attached to semi-trailers and monitored by a reader connected to the prime mover’s GPS/GSM system. This would provide the identity of the trailer, or trailers, being towed. Alternatively, the RFID reader could simultaneously identify hundreds of individually tagged high value objects that are being transported by a single semi-trailer. Active RFID tags fitted with temperature sensors are able to provide the temperature of refrigerated loads in real time.

Readers attached to weighbridges can report the identity of a truck being weighed for applications such as mining, recycling, waste management and infrastructure development. These are just some of many examples of the use of RFID systems with industrial processes and heavy equipment.

In other applications, on the personal side, active RFID tags can be incorporated into staff badges and lanyards to monitor the movement of personnel around a facility, for visitor activity and as a conference RFID attendance system.

Protrac iD has developed a 5-in-1 duress alarm system that combines an ID badge, access control card and a personnel duress alarm. RFID technology is used in a portable duress pendant that can send an alarm call when in a threatening situation. The mobile panic button can be used to notify the necessary parties of personal or medical duress, allowing a prompt and appropriate response.

Designers, developers and manufacturers of duress alarms for Australia, Protrac iD provide wireless RFID monitoring systems that are safe and popular for nurse and personnel protection. This application is ideal for all types of staff in the event of duress in a hospital, aged care, care home or other healthcare institution. The RFID security system is customised to the specific premises, with the addition of zones and access capabilities, if required. A complete software interface is provided for monitoring and reporting.

Protrac iD manufacture RFID personnel tags that can be used to provide hands free entry and exit to secure premises. They are especially useful for automatic vehicle identification to allow or deny vehicle access into defined areas for the logistic and transport industries.

The active RFID tags are compatible with any access control system and can also accept standard photo ID labels where personal ID is required. A Protrac iD RFID tracking system can be expanded to have multiple additional, optional functions, including identification and location of personnel, qualified entry to sensitive areas and an integrated smart card chip for high security entry to sensitive areas.

Protrac iD provides a smart, affordable way to implement Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI) real time location tracking in any facility. Active RFID based system technology brings a new level of reliability and simplicity to Automatic Vehicle Identification access control. The real time location of each vehicle within the facility can be identified and recorded, regardless of the size or profile of the vehicle.

RFID is excellent for all kinds of entry systems applications: lockers, checkpoints, locked or secure areas, door entry, parking systems, gate entry and opening and electronic key management systems.

Protrac iD have designed an RFID base system solution for forklift, machinery and pedestrian alert systems that reduces the risk of incidents and improves safety in the workplace. This can help to prevent major tragic incidents and minor accidents in the workplace.

Most safety products available for this purpose depend on pedestrians being alerted to the machinery’s operation, for example using flashing lights and painted safe walk zones. This puts the onus and responsibility solely on pedestrians. The technicians at Protrac iD, developed a forklift safety systems that double safeguards both pedestrians and operators, providing a very practical and sensible RFID solution that shares the safety responsibility between the parties.

The Protrac Id Forklift Safety Systems safeguards forklift operators whilst allowing them to give their full attention to the task at hand. This is achieved by means of a compact, washable and weatherproof RFID tag which is incorporated or sewn into any type of personal visibility vest or site protection apparel. The tag is detected by each forklift truck within the adjustable detection field around the vehicle. A warning sounder and flashing light alerts the operator of the forklift when a pedestrian is nearby. The Protrac iD software enables management to adjust detection range settings to suit site requirements.

Implementation of this smart RFID solution shares the responsibility of accident prevention between forklift operators and pedestrians, encourages good management and responsible business practices that can prevent injury and save lives.