AssetIP Overview
AssetIP is a member of the RedHand suite of software products aimed at the security market. It uses active RFID tags, which when fixed to an asset emits a code if it is disturbed. AssetIP is invaluable in Art Galleries, Museums etc.
RFID Tags explained
We are used to RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags. They are everywhere in shops on merchandise. When passed through an RF field the tags become energised and send out a digital code to be picked up by the aerial by the exit door. These tags are known as passive RFID. They have no battery and rely on the RF field to provide a very small amount of energy for them to operate. The drawback to this technology is the small range – usually no more than a metre or so.
AssetIP uses active RFID tags. These have a small battery in them and emit a unique digital code when they are moved. They are sealed units and the batteries have a life of approaching 5 years. They are more expensive than passive tags and are of course bigger, but technological advances are closing the gap all the time.
AssetIP – the principles
Tags are fixed to assets that you do not want moved. These are about the size of a credit card and we can supply magnetic tape to attach them. There is a magnetic sensor inside the tag that will alarm if an attempt is made to remove the tag.
An RFID reader is placed somewhere convenient in a central location. This reader has an aerial. Depending on the local situation, this aerial may be a small omni-directional whip about 150mm long. In this instance the reader could be mounted on one of the internal walls within range of the asset. The useful range of this is about 20m, but is reduced when going through walls. Alternatively, a high gain aerial may be fitted which is a flat plate about 300mm square. This has a line of site range of around 50-60m and is cardioid in shape. Again walls will reduce this.
Any number of readers can be employed with the software to ensure maximum coverage. The readers connect to the Network via a small interface box.