Businesses depend on equipment to keep operations running smoothly. Losing assets leads to delays, extra costs, and inefficiency. Traditional tracking methods are slow, error-prone, and unreliable. 

The RFID technology changes the way businesses manage assets. It reinforces real-time visibility, prevents loss, and improves efficiency. RFID tags for equipment help companies easily track heavy machinery, tools, and sensitive devices.

This blog explains how industrial RFID tracking keeps a trace of your equipment, prevents theft, and boosts operational efficiency. It also explores the best RFID solutions for different industries.

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The Importance of Equipment Tracking in Industrial Settings

Irrespective of the industry, effective equipment tracking lets a business have full control over its assets. It safeguards them from being lost, unauthorized usage, and unexpected downtimes. 

The RFID tags for equipment make tracking accurate, automated, and seamless.

Challenges of manual asset tracking

Manual or traditional asset tracking methods involve spreadsheets, paper logs, and barcode scanning. These methods are slow and prone to human errors.

• Inaccurate records: Manually updating records leads to misplaced data and asset losses.
• Theft and misuse: Without real-time tracking, unauthorized usage and theft are harder to detect.
• Time-consuming processes: Employees spend hours searching for missing tools and updating records.
• Limited visibility: Manual tracking does not provide real-time asset location updates.

Why RFID is a game changer for equipment management

RFID technology automates asset tracking and ensures accurate, real-time data. Businesses benefit in many ways:

• Instant asset location: RFID readers scan multiple items simultaneously, reducing search time.
• Better security: RFID tags help detect unauthorized equipment movement, reducing theft risks.
• Improved accuracy: Automated tracking eliminates human errors, ensuring up-to-date records.
• Reduced downtime: Quick asset tracking prevents delays and enhances operational efficiency.

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Best RFID Tags for Different Types of Equipment

Choosing the right RFID tags for equipment guarantees smooth asset tracking. Different equipment types need specific tag characteristics. 

The choice of RFID tags depends on factors like the equipment's size, material, and operating environment, ensuring optimal performance.

RFID tags for heavy machinery

Heavy machinery operates in harsh environments, so RFID tags must be durable. The best tags for industrial machines include:

• Metal-mount RFID tags: Ideal for metallic surfaces, providing strong signal strength.
• High-temperature RFID tags: Designed for machines operating under extreme heat conditions.
• Long-range RFID tags: Allow tracking from greater distances, useful for large work sites.

RFID solutions for small tools and electronics

Small tools and electronic devices require compact, lightweight, and non-intrusive RFID solutions. The best options include:

• Flexible RFID labels: Suitable for handheld tools and portable devices.
• Tamper-proof RFID tags: Prevent unauthorized removal, ensuring security.
• Mini RFID tags: Perfect for tracking small, high-value assets like laptops and handheld scanners.

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How RFID Prevents Equipment Loss and Theft

RFID helps businesses reduce asset loss and unauthorized use. It offers continuous monitoring and sends automated alerts when equipment moves unexpectedly.

Real-time asset monitoring with RFID

Industrial RFID tracking provides real-time location tracking. Businesses can:

• Track equipment movement: RFID systems send alerts when assets leave designated areas. It provides live location updates and reduces the time spent searching for assets.

• Factory floor visualization and digital twin: The creation of a digital twin of the factory floor allows for accurate visualization of equipment.

• Geofencing and location-based alerting: When equipment moves beyond these zones, the system triggers immediate alerts, enhancing security.

• Monitor usage patterns: The RFID solution effectively monitors usage patterns consistently so you can optimize asset allocation across business operations.

• Reduce search time: Real-time alerts promptly notify management when equipment moves unexpectedly outside designated areas. This way, employees can quickly locate tools, reducing downtime.

Reducing unauthorized equipment usage

Unauthorized equipment use increases wear and tear, theft risks, and safety concerns. RFID tags for equipment enforce better security with:

• Tool crib tracking: Only authorized personnel can check out specific equipment.
• Automated alerts: Instant notifications for unauthorized asset movement.
• Audit trails: Businesses can track who used equipment and when.
• Calibrated tool management and locating: RFID assists in maintaining calibration records and precise locations of tools.

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Case Studies: Businesses Successfully Using RFID for Equipment Tracking

Companies across industries use industrial RFID tracking to keep their assets under their radar. Below are two real-world examples.

Construction industry: Tracking tools and machinery

​A leading construction firm in New York City met difficulties in managing tools and equipment on large projects. Workers struggled to locate necessary items, causing delays and increased costs. 

To address this, the company implemented an RFID system. Each tool and piece of equipment received an RFID tag, and readers were installed throughout the job site. This integration provided real-time visibility into the location and status of assets. 

As a result, workers quickly found the tools they needed, reducing search time and costs. Previously, manual inventory management was error-prone. The RFID tags for equipment also improved safety by providing access to appropriate supplies for each task.

Hospitals: Managing medical equipment efficiently

​During the pandemic, a UK hospital implemented an RFID system to track medical devices. Currently, 25,000 devices are tracked, with plans to expand to 50,000. The system includes 120 fixed readers across 12 floors. 

Eventually, this industrial RFID tracking helped staff quickly locate equipment and reduced patient care delays. Before this, the nurses and healthcare assistants weekly spent approximately 3,850 hours searching for devices. Implementation of RFID tags for equipment lowered the search time for them. Moreover, it improved maintenance scheduling and decreased equipment failures. 

The hospital also saved about £50,000 by conducting internal audits instead of hiring external companies. Further, annual equipment loan costs dropped by 30%, from £46,000 to approximately £32,200.

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Conclusion

​The RFID technology is a blessing in the field of equipment tracking. With it, you can easily save your budget and assets from being lost. Finding the most suitable RFID tags for equipment can lessen your work burden and gain your long-term success. 

If you need a platform that can give you a tailored solution on RFID, look no further than FactorySense. Over the years, we have served industries like aerospace, defense, logistics, and electronics. ​Our services include asset tracking, inventory management, and location intelligence. 

Request a free demo and find your chosen RFID tags for equipment today!

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FAQs

1. What are the best RFID tags for tracking industrial equipment?

For industrial equipment, durable RFID tags are essential. Metal-mount RFID tags are ideal for metal surfaces, ensuring stable and accurate tracking. Cable tie RFID tags are suitable for securing tags to irregularly shaped equipment.

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2. How does RFID help prevent equipment theft?

RFID provides real-time tracking of assets. If an item moves outside a designated area or isn’t scanned properly, the system can trigger an alert, preventing potential theft or misplacement.

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3. Can RFID tracking improve asset maintenance schedules?

Yes, RFID tracking monitors equipment usage and condition. This data helps schedule timely maintenance, preventing unexpected breakdowns and extending equipment lifespan.

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