Meter loan tracking system using RFID

The customer approached us with a proposal to develop a solution for meter management. The task was to simplify, speed up and refine the registration of gauges in the production plant, including the control of where the gauges are located within the production plant. The use of RFID UHF tags was offered first. We have developed a solution, which we are currently implementing.

The advantage of lending out gauges that have RFID tags on them is that it is easy to create a list of gauges that are being returned or loaned out. The second advantage is the automatic identification of the user. The visual interface confirms the user's identification at the loaner area, lists the loaned devicesand, once the device has been returned to the storage area, removes it from the list of borrowed devices. Conversely, once the device is no longer visible in the storage area, it shall be added to the loan list. After checking the system, the user agrees to both lists and leaves.

The movement of meters within the plant is recorded by gates on the entry/exit corridors. Here, Alien's ALR-F800 fixed readers with external antennas have been designed. It is always possible to tell whether the equipment is in one of the production halls or has left the plant premises. This could be made even more accurate by using multiple pieces of Impinj locating equipment, which can locate UHF tags within a 12 metre diameter circle with an accuracy of +/-150cm.

The only problem presented by tagging the gauges is the tagging of those gauges where the attached tag would alter the desired property (weight) or be larger than the device itself, or where it would be impossible to attach. We have solved this with a tag or box on the device.

After the test run, consideration will be given to whether the solution will be extended by refining using Impinj readers, and to further extend it to other Group sites in other cities.