Georgia Tech’s Procurement & Business Services has been working diligently to provide an innovative and efficient way for your department to track assets and update annual inventory records. Georgia Tech has acquired new tags that include RFID technology that will assist in this process.

Questions and Answers on RFID and Implementation:

1.     What are RFID tags?

Answer: RFID tags are barcode tags that have a radio frequency identification chip in them that use radio waves to identify an object.

2.     What is the benefit of RFID?

Answer: During the traditional inventory process, a user must "see" the barcode to read it. Even with a barcode handheld scanner people usually have to have a line of sight to align the barcode towards a scanner for it to be read.  Radio frequency identification, by contrast, doesn’t require line of sight. RFID tags can be read as long as they are within range of a reader. With the use of an RFID handheld scanner, you will be able to collect your inventory data more easily and efficiently.

3.     Will the radio waves interfere with my equipment?”

 Answer: Not likely, as all of our RFID tags are passive and will only transmit waves when powered by the reader. However, where equipment is located in sensitive room/lab environments, where even passive radio frequency waves could be problem, we will make available standard non-RFID barcode tags.

4.     When will we be using the new tags?  

 Answer: The new tags have arrived and conversion will begin this year’s annual inventory cycle

 5.     What is the next step?

 Answer: Please be on the lookout for an email that will be provided around July 1, 2015 for training opportunities and information on our new RFID Asset Tracking System. The training sessions will be a great opportunity for you to bring your questions and receive hands on training. We will provide several training session dates and times that will allow all the property coordinators to attend.

Thank you for your patience and assistance with this transition. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Janice Walker, Property Control Supervisor, at janice.walker@business.gatech.edu.