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Since the introduction of RFID for asset tracking, many IT managers ask us - which is best for IT Asset Management, RFID or bar coding? For several reasons, our answer to that question is RFID by far, not just because of our own offerings through RF Code, but because it truly gives organizations visibility into its IT Assets and makes tracking easier. The downside of using RFID for tracking is, of course, cost. Using standard bar codes or serial numbers in an Excel sheet doesn’t incur additional costs like implementing passive and active RFID tags and readers. The downside of the “old fashioned method” of tracking bar codes is the time investment and of course the chance for human error and resulting non-compliance. According to the Aberdeen Group, more than 67% of companies consume at least 5-10% of their revenue in asset management operations (both AM & ITAM), with more than 50% of these companies still relying on manual asset management processes to effectively track and maintain their assets.

In addition to real time reporting, using RFID tags offers organizations increased security, which comes with added value.  According to Gartner, there has been an 80% increase in the number of companies reporting stolen laptops containing sensitive information between 2006 and 2008. In addition to laptops, most companies have a majority of employees with cell phones and PDAs that need to be accounted for. RFID tags will alert you when an asset is being moved, used improperly or has been tampered with.

The added value of using RFID is certainly worth the extra cost. Bottom line is that the old method of tracking in an excel sheet, as we mention to our clients constantly, leaves too much room for error. Don’t take the risk - invest in RFID for tracking assets.

RFID technology continues to expand and build momentum, just as might have expected.  The competition with bar codes also continues as the new barcodes like those on postal mail handle more informaiton and with less loss of data from damage.  Scratch an ordinary bar code or lose a bar and the data is gone.  Not so these days. 

As predicted RFID is also growing and stories of successful application are a big part of what will be talked about at this week’s RFID World conference.  Walter Darrough of Animus is at RFID attending with RF Code, a provider of RFID solutions and an alliance partner with Animus Solutions. 

I had the opportunity to ask Mitch Medford, CEO of RF Code a few questions about the business and the technology.   Rather than passive RFID, he sees real growth in the acceptance and use of active RFID solutions.  Active RFID is the winner according to MItch, whose company and their partners offer solutions for many industries.  WIth a common focus on inventory, tracking and monitoring high-cost assets, there is a wealth of possible applications across industries.

I asked Mitch about using active RFID with IT and he pointed out that the ROI on active RFID instead of passive RFID is easy to show.  The start up cost is higher with active, but from that moment on, the increased ability to track and monitor over time increases the ROI in reduced loss of equipment and unnecessary purchases.  

Animus will be working with RF Code to consult with clients and partners on the application of active RFID to IT asset processes.  With the Valu-check program, Animus will analyze the opportunity for active RFID applications, build the business case and then we can be available to help adjust processes.  For some organizations, RFID will be the next step to gather additional value for their organizations.

Great blog on INformation Week about the problems the FDA has been having tracking the tainted tomatoes to the source, losing millions for the tomato industry.  RFID to the rescue!  Read a real-life example of technology at work:

http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2008/06/how_technology.html?cid=nl_IWK_daily_H