Automatic Asset Location System uses Wi-Fi Access Point Triangulation
Barcoding Inc. has created an application that automatically detects the location of an asset using standard wireless infrastructure.
Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) March 28, 2005
Facilities managers need to constantly monitor the location of their expensive equipment, inventory and assets. Barcoding Inc. makes it possible to fully automate the process by placing a special Wi-Fi chip on each asset. Barcoding, a leading provider of supply chain technology to Fortune 500 manufacturing and logistics companies throughout North America, has created software that simplifies operations by automatically detecting the location of the assets relative to the location of wireless (Wi-Fi) access points within the facility. BarcodingÂ’s solution does not require any physical modification to the wireless infrastructure hardware.
Jay Steinmetz, President of Barcoding Inc. said, “Our system will streamline warehouse, manufacturing and hospital operations and increase supply chain accuracy. People who need to track large-scale assets can use our system, which does not require power on board the asset. They can constantly know what is located where. This is a major concern in a 14 floor hospital that has mobile equipment like X-Ray machines”
Barcoding’s system is designed to be economical. “Our system utilizes the customer’s existing infrastructure of access points. For instance, if a client has Cisco Aeronet access points, all we need to do is upgrade their firmware. The client’s investment in network infrastructure is protected,” Steinmetz said.
The Wi-Fi asset location system is different from RFID, because it does not require any special RFID equipment, and it works via common, inexpensive Wi-Fi access points. RFID only operates over a very limited distance, whereas Wi-Fi asset location operates in an entire facility, so long as there is a Wi-Fi network.
Using a mathematical calculation called triangulation, BarcodingÂ’s software uses a chip attached to each asset to measure the time it takes for radio signals to travel between several access points and the terminal. By measuring time, and dividing by the speed of light, it is possible to determine the precise distance from the terminal to the wireless networkÂ’s access points. The access points are fixed in place. By creating a map of their locations and the distances measured, each scanÂ’s location can be plotted with a high degree of confidence.
About Barcoding
Barcoding Inc. helps business and government organizations deploy supply chain technology, including bar code scanners, wireless terminals, mobile computers, RFID systems, and related software. Clients include manufacturing, distribution, healthcare and warehousing companies, and many state, local and federal agencies. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Barcoding has North American offices in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida, California, Colorado, Connecticut and Illinois. European sales and customer service are handled through an office in the Netherlands. Please visit http://www. barcoding. com/ (http://www. barcoding. com/) for additional information.
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