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. Barcoding’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, Barcoding’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 network’s access points. The access points are fixed in
place. By creating a map of their locations and the distances measured, each
scan’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/ for
additional information.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/3/prweb222864.htm