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Radio frequency identification (RFID) has wide spread application in today's modern technology, including asset management systems. There are significant differences in RFID technology which can be confusing. This month's feature article will give you an overview of those differences, and explain what you need to know when evaluating asset management systems utilizing RFID.
While asset and evidence management systems for the law enforcement and military markets has always been our primary business. There is another market segment we serve gaining great momentum, our library market! Using LEID's technology, libraries are able to offer remote self-service pickup and drop-off locations for library materials. Our second article is a 'LEIDing Edge Library Update,' featuring three recent projects.
Thank you for your interest in LEID Products!
Best regards,
Georgia H. Whalen
Director of Marketing
LEID Products, LLC
Direct: (978)697-2664
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RFID Technology and Asset Management
What You Need to Know
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It is an event we look forward to each year. The International Association of Chiefs of Police host Radio Frequency Identification, more commonly known as RFID, is defined as the wireless non-contact use of radio frequency electromagnetic fields to transfer data. LEID Products uses RFID technology to automatically identify and track tags attached to assets in its BACS System.  RFID tags contain electronically stored information (i.e. a unique identifying number) that can be read by a corresponding RFID Reader. Gone are the days of manually tracking assets, whether it is library books, shared tools at a manufacturer's warehouse or especially weapons and other sensitive police department assets. The use of RFID technology makes tracking these assets easy, and eliminates manual processes that can be time consuming, costly and frustrating. One of the most obvious benefits of RFID technology within the BACS System is the fool proof process. It provides more in depth benefits including constant tracking which diminishes the potential for error. Considering how important RFID technology is to our product and business, we would like to share a little bit about the two major types of RFID tags: active RFID and passive RFID. Both use radio frequency energy to communicate between a tag and a reader, but the power source behind each tag is very different:
- Active Tags can be read from longer distances than passive; however, they use an internal battery as its power source, limiting its life expectancy. The average life span is between one and three years. The most common use for an active RFID tag is in commercial products - retail suppliers use them to track products through the supply chain. Asset management systems using active RFID tags track asset movement in and out of large open areas with an RFID reader at the entry or 'choke point.' However, this asset management system does not typically lock the assets individually or tie the movement of the asset to a specific individual, limiting overall accountability.
- Passive Tags do not use batteries and therefore, have a virtually unlimited life span. These tags rely on radio frequency energy transferred from RFID readers to power the tag. Passive RFID tags require a closer range than active tags in order to be read. Passive tags, coupled with electronic storage units and an access control system, creates a closed loop, fully accountable asset management system. In the BACS System, assets are individually locked until the system can positively identify an authorized user. This method ensures the highest level of accountability.
  The BACS Asset Management System consists of tamper proof electronic lockers and gun racks interfaced to a biometrically accessed ID Station Kiosk serving as the control point for access to assets stored in the system. Police departments can ensure accountability, tracking and inventory needs for shared equipment with little time and effort. Utilizing RFID and biometric technology, the BACS system eliminates time-consuming and error prone manual asset transfer record keeping. This allows officers to single handedly pick up and drop off department assets. The system tracks all maintenance requirements and timing, as well as keeps detailed records of previous usage for every asset stored in the system. Through remote access, department leaders and administrators can administer and monitor the system at all times. For more information on achieving true accountability for your organization's most valuable assets, visit: www.leidproducts.com.
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LEIDing Edge Library Update
A Look at a Few of Our Latest Projects
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The concept of a self-service mini library branch has been growing in popularity across the nation. From California to Florida, LEID's iLibrary System and Access.it Electronic Lockers are offering compelling self-service solutions to provide public libraries with an innovative and affordable option to provide library access where demand is insufficient to support a traditional 'brick and mortar' library. The system breaks through traditional 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. business hours, enabling self-service accessibility regardless of the time of day. Here is a peak at three of our recent projects! Missouri - Christian County's 'Magic Library Xpress'
 This weekend, on November 2nd, Christian County Library in Missouri will hold its grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony for, what they have coined, the new Magic Library Xpress. The automated library pick-up site is located at the Shell gas station Xpress Mart in Highlandville, MO. The Christian County Library is located as far as 10 miles away from some of the communities it serves. Recently, its Board of Trustees determined Highlandville a deserving location for a remote library drop-off/pick-up location. "The community is very excited about this new service. Until now, Highlandville and Spokane residents have had to drive 10 miles or more to access library materials," said Taneesa Hall, executive secretary of Christian County Library. Minnesota - Anoka County's 'Library on the Go'
 Another library in Minnesota chooses LEID Products to enhance service and bring convenience to patrons. Located at the Andover YMCA/Community Center and the Ramsey Municipal Center, Anoka County's 'Library on the Go' makes access to library materials more easy and convenient. With just a library card and a valid e-mail address, patrons can request library materials from the catalog and pick them up at their convenience. Check out the great video the library put together to explain the new service! North Carolina - Grandville County's 'Express Libraries'
 Granville County Public Library introduced two Express Library locations to patrons through the introduction of the iLibrary System in Wilton and Oak Hill, NC. As part of the Library Bond passed in 2008, the Express Libraries will provide convenient access to library materials for those who live in the more isolated areas of Granville County. Both Express Library sites are conveniently located next to the EMS stations in those communities. |
Click here for the LEIDing Edge Library Update in PDF |
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About LEID Products
Law Enforcement Intelligent Devices (LEID), LLC is the leader in electronic locker and cabinet storage with biometric asset protection and control. Originally founded to assist police departments in securing guns, weapons, radios, etc. through an electronic tracking and fingerprinting system, LEID products are also utilized to track books within a library system, medical supplies, laptops and even business documents to selected personnel. Their Biometric Access Control Systems (BACS™) streamlines operations and provides full accountability for critical business assets. For more information and demonstrations of our products, visit www.leidproducts.com.
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