RFID and XPressTools: Making tool check-in and check-out transactions at XPress speeds!

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a high tech solution for storing and transferring information, like stock numbers or other forms of product identification. Information is stored on a chip embedded into a tag, which can be attached to a tool or toolkit. When the tag is brought into range of a RFID reading device, the information on the tag is read and passed to the computer. While not as inexpensive as bar code solutions, RFID tags can be more durable, can be read from up to 30 feet, and can be attached securely to items, making the tag useful as an identifier in case of theft. Scanning items with RFID tags can be faster than scanning items with bar codes.

XPressTools is designed to automatically accept data sent from compatible RFID readers, and place that data on the XPressTools queue as a stock number from an item or an employee badge number from a user. Just like waving an employee prox card badge by a prox card reader, moving the RFID tag past the RFID reader will cause XPressTools to read and process the tag's information. XPressTools can also help encode information onto RFID tags, useful for setting up tags on items.

Here's how XPressTools really speeds up transactions when using RFID:

For weight-tracked items equipped with RFID tags, the scale with built-in RFID reader performs two tasks at once: the scale sends both the item's current weight reading and the stock number on the embedded RFID tag, saving the operator time of having to enter either the stock number or the weight manually. All the user has to do is set the item on the scale, and that item is recorded, and ready to move onto the next item.

Using RFID tags with weight-tracked items is ideal for toolbags and toolkits - combining many frequently used tools into one weight-tracked kit, under one stock number, rather than assigning stock numbers for each component in the kit. Tracking the weight ensures that the kit returns with the same items as when it left - a missing item will cause a weight discrepancy, which would alert the operator and the user to a lost component. Plus, an RFID tag on a kit or bag is more durable and less obtrusive than individual tags or bar codes on commonly handled items.

For example:
A standard toolbag might contain 8 items: a hammer, four types of wrenches, two screwdrivers, and a pair of pliers. Instead of putting bar codes on each item, a single stock number could be assigned to this type of toolbag, and an RFID tag placed in the base of the bag. When the bag is checked out, it is placed on the scale which reads the RFID tag as well as records the weight of the bag. When the bag is returned, the RFID tag is read again, and the bag’s weight is matched against the weight when it was checked out, to ensure that all the components are present. Using toolbags that are weight-tracked can greatly expedite transactions instead of having to input each tool’s stock number individually. In this case, only one item (the toolbag) has to be checked in and out as opposed to eight items (the tools), saving time for both the check-out operator and the employee borrowing tools.

Interested in XPressTools for your tool and consumable tracking needs?

Go to our online store to...
      Purchase recommended peripheral devices, including the RFID-reading scale.

Contact our Sales team at sales@telaeris.com to obtain more information on how to use RFID to best serve your inventory tracking needs or to purchase the XPressTools system.