MtrackTag
Most people are familiar with the concept of an RFID tag (radio frequency identification) - an electronic tag that communicates with a reader when it is in range and the reader indicates when the tag is out of range.
At Mtrack we have always believed that it is of limited value to know that an asset has gone missing if you are then unable to recover that asset!
A typical RFID system is made up of three components: tags, readers and the host computer system.
Tags
The MtrackTag is a small radio device encapsulated in epoxy or a plastic casing dependent upon its intended usage. The MtrackTag can be attached to any object, typically an item, box or pallet and read remotely to ascertain its identity, position or state.
MtrackTag can detect proximity, movement and temperature.
As an industry first, MtrackTag is also equipped with a trackable RF beacon similar to the one that Mtrack itself uses. This makes it possible to track the tagged asset with the same recovery teams and equipment used to recover our Mtrack units - albeit at shorter ranges (approx 1.5 km) and with less battery life - but it still gives us a fighting chance to make a recovery - infinitely better than no chance at all!
Readers
With MtrackTag, our transceiver sends and receives RF data to and from the tag. In other words there is a bidirectional communication between the transceiver and the MtrackTag.
Also unique is the fact that with MtrackTag, the transceiver is in fact a tracking device itself. This means that the transceiver itself can be hidden in high value assets as well, which can then be recovered in the event of a loss.
The end-user will be alerted via the Mtrack web-based application or SMS message once the tagged asset violates its conditions (proximity or temperature moving outside the predefined range, moving at all etc.)
Host Computer
The data acquired by the readers is then passed to a host computer. In the case of MtrackTag, this front end is the standard Mtrack web based system, accessible from anywhere in the world.
Features
- The transceiver is an MtrackPro GSM/GPS tracking device
- Can read multiple tags with one transceiver (up to 50)
- The MtrackTag has built-in intelligence that offers over-the-air user configurable range setting, motion sensing and temperature alerts.
- The range of the MtrackTag can be customised, allowing monitoring of assets in close or far proximity to each other. MtrackTag is configurable from 10 metres to 1,000 metres away from the transceiver.
- MtrackTag is able to detect movement. Clients can be alerted when unauthorised movement takes place.
- MtrackTag is able to report temperature and has the ability to warn users when a preset temperature parameter has been violated such as in refrigerated storage conditions.
- Through the RF beacon MtrackTag is trackable by our recovery agents (Approximately 1.5km).
- MtrackTag can poll the transceiver at predetermined intervals. All settings are user defined and can be changed remotely.
- The general proximity of the tags is viewable on the system maps.
- The system is web based and can be viewed by the user from anywhere in the world.
- MtrackTag does not need line-of-sight to operate. This means that the MtrackTag no longer has to be visible on the object to which it is attached; the tag can be hidden inside the item or asset that is to be identified and still be read. This minimises or eliminates the need for a person to have to present the tag to the transceiver.
- Another feature of MtrackTag is the ability to read many tags together at once. It is not necessary to present each tag to the reader separately (as is required for barcodes for example).
- Typical battery life of each MtrackTag is 1 year.
- MtrackTags report remaining battery life as part of their daily health check.
- MtrackTag is available in a disposable and battery replaceable models
Typical Applications
Applications fall into two principal categories: short-range applications where the transceiver and tag must be in close proximity (such as in access control) and medium to long application, where the distance may be greater (such as monitoring assets along a stretch of road). Examples include:
Logistics and Manufacturing
- Monitoring of pallets and cases shipped into and out of distribution centres, clients warehouses, entering and leaving trucks etc.
- Electronic "stocktaking" of items in an area
- Anti theft/stock access control
- Staff Authentication
- Shop floor inventory tracking
- Automating warehouse operations, including shipping / receiving.
Asset Tracking
- Asset/Equipment movement tracking
- Security for moveable assets
Personnel Identification
- Access control
- Animal tagging