RFID Tags for Education

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Schools, especially college campuses, often have many assets spread across multiple facilities, with high-value technology frequently going back and forth between them. Tracking equipment and supplies is a challenge in any school, and record keeping can easily become a nightmare due to misplaced assets, forcing busy faculty and staff to waste precious time tracking down audio visual devices, laboratory equipment or other supplies. If the equipment can’t be found, many schools stretch their already tight budgets to unnecessarily purchase or rent replacements.

Tracking educational resources can be done with barcode or RFID technology, helping to maximize their use and keeping school budgets in line and on target, exemplifying ID Made Better®.

Explore Education – RFID Products

Universal MC RFID Tag
The Universal MC RFID Tag is a versatile, cost-effective, USA-made solution for on-metal and standard applications, available preprinted or for onsite printing to suit any asset tagging needs. View Product
Universal Micro RFID Tag
The Universal Micro RFID Tag, a compact and flexible solution with impressive read ranges up to 9 ft, fits where other tags cannot and offers durable, customizable asset tracking across various surfaces. View Product
Universal Mini RFID Tag
The Universal Mini RFID Tag offers compact, high-performance tracking with impressive read ranges on any surface, perfect for limited spaces and versatile asset management View Product
Universal RFID Asset Tag
The Universal RFID Asset Tag is a versatile, surface-independent solution with a low-profile, durable design that provides excellent read ranges on any material, customizable with crisp, detailed logos for effective asset tracking. View Product
RFID Labels – Polymer
Metalcraft's Standard RFID Label is ideal for tracking returnable containers, offering durable, weather-resistant construction with customizable, subsurface-printed data and logos for reliable use in rugged environments. View Product
Long Range Universal RFID Tag
Our new Long Range Universal RFID Tag boasts a 55 ft. read range on metal, making it a great choice for long-distance applications. View Product
RFID Windshield Tags
The RFID Windshield Tag provides economical, passive UHF technology with a 20+ ft. read range for vehicle access, featuring an optional tamper-evident design. View Product
EU Universal Mini RFID Tag
The European Universal Mini RFID Tag is a low-profile, durable, surface-independent RFID solution with excellent read range and customizable, high-quality printing. View Product
EU Universal RFID Asset Tag
The European Universal RFID Asset Tag offers low-profile, versatile tracking on any material, with durable construction and customizable printing. View Product
NEW! Universal Eco-Mini Plus RFID Tag
The Universal Eco-Mini Plus RFID Tag delivers a 25 ft. read range on metal, cost-efficiency, eco-friendliness with 40% less material, and is compatible with standard RFID printers, ideal for durable asset tracking. View Product

From The Asset Tracking Blog

March 2, 2023
Introduction Of RFID In Schools

Learn how to effectively manage the logistical challenges of implementing RFID in schools by addressing costs, system integration, data privacy, and staff training for optimized asset tracking.

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March 2, 2023
Successful RFID Tracking In Schools

Learn how schools are leveraging RFID technology to enhance asset tracking, boost efficiency, and overcome implementation challenges through real-world case studies and best practices.

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March 2, 2023
Implementing RFID Tracking For Schools

Discover how schools can implement RFID tracking systems cost-effectively by evaluating needs, leveraging open-source software, exploring funding options, and ensuring data privacy.

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The Ultimate Guide to RFID

RFID technology automates and streamlines asset tracking by wirelessly transmitting data from tags to readers, improving efficiency, accuracy, and security while reducing costs across industries like retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and warehousing.

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The Ultimate Guide to RFID

Education – RFID Case Studies

Tracking Chromebooks With RFID: A Class Act

Rochester Public Schools and Metalcraft partner for a Chromebook inventory solution

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Scan The Campus With RFID – Yakima Valley College

Yakima Valley College uses Grey Trunk RFID software and Metalcraft RFID tags to reduce fixed asset inventory time by over 80%.

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Scanning Campus With Western Illinois University

Colleges have staggering amounts of property, both indoors and outdoors that is spread across campus, sometimes miles apart. Discover how Metalcraft's RFID tags helped one college trim inventory time by more than 50%.

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Education – RFID Videos

Supply Chain and RFID Chips

In this video, Colynn Black, RFID Business Development Director at Metalcraft, provides valuable insights into the complexities of the RFID chip supply chain. He explains the various terms used for RFID chips—such as ICs, dies, and microcomputers—and how they function as essential components of RFID systems. The global RFID chip shortage, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has heavily impacted industries like automotive manufacturing. Colynn discusses how the shortage revealed vulnerabilities in the supply chain and the efforts to enhance production, including increasing chip output per wafer and advancing manufacturing efficiency.

Technological advancements have improved chip sensitivity and reduced costs, making RFID technology more accessible across industries. Colynn also highlights the ongoing need to strengthen the supply chain through increased manufacturer capacity and innovation. This video offers practical guidance for those navigating RFID chip supply chain challenges and looking to understand future trends in the industry.

Supply Chain and RFID Chips
Grey Trunk RFID | Asset Tracking Software
Universal Mini RFID Tag
What RFID tag is right for me?

FAQs

Using RFID tag asset tracking systems in schools allows for better tracking and reporting information about the assets being tracked. Utilizing this information schools are able to:

  • Improve asset management – RFID technology can be used to track and manage assets such as laptops, projectors and other equipment. This helps schools keep track of their assets and ensure they are being used effectively.
  • Reduce asset loss and theft – with an RFID tag tracking system schools can reduce the risk of asset loss and theft. If an asset goes missing, the system can quickly identify where it was last located, making it easier to locate and recover lost or stolen items
  • Improve maintenance – RFID tags can also be used to track maintenance schedules for equipment and facilities. This helps schools proactively maintain their assets and avoid costly breakdowns and repairs
  • Allocate resources efficiently – with accurate data on asset usage and availability, schools can allocate resources more efficiently, i.e. they can identify underutilized assets and redistribute them where they are most needed.
  • Save time – using RFID technology to track assets is much faster and more accurate than manual tracking methods – saving school staff time while reducing the risk of human error

Planning and implementing an effective school asset management program is essential to ensuring it will meet expectations. We’ve created two tools to help – our Ultimate Guide to Asset Tracking – and its supplemental piece the Ultimate Guide to Asset Tracking Checklist. Both tools contain valuable information and will walk you through the process of putting an effective asset management system together step by step showcasing best practices. Here are some best practices in RFID tag asset management.

  • Plan and design – the first step in RFID tag asset management is to plan and design the system
  • Tag placement – proper tag placement is critical to the success of an RFID asset management system. These tags should be placed in a location that is easily accessible, visible and free from interference
  • Reader placement – the placement of RFID readers is just as important as tag placement. The readers should be placed in areas where assets are moved or stored, and they should be positioned to ensure maximum coverage
  • Data collection – RFID tags can collect a wide range of data about the assets they are attached to. It’s important to determine what data is important and how it will be used to manage the assets effectively
  • Data management – once data is collected, it needs to be managed effectively. This includes ensuring the data is accurate, up-to-date, and accessible to authorized personnel
  • Maintenance – like any technology, RFID tags and readers require maintenance to ensure they are working properly. This includes regular cleaning, battery replacement, and software updates
  • Training – finally, it’s important to train personnel on the proper use of RFID technology. This includes how to read the tags, how to troubleshoot problems, and how to use the data to manage assets effectively

A school asset tracking program using RFID tags provides the foundation for an effective automated asset management system. Here are some tips:

  • Identify the assets – start by identifying the assets that need to be tracked. This could include computers, tablets, projectors and other valuable items
  • Choose RFID tags – there are several types of RFID tags available, but you’ll want to choose tags that are durable and can withstand wear and tear. Metalcraft can help qualify the application and select the right RFID tag for your application.
  • Install RFID readers – place RFID readers in strategic locations throughout the school, such as entryways, classrooms and storage rooms
  • Program the RFID tags – program each RFID tag with a unique identifier that corresponds to the asset it’s attached to. This will enable the system to track each asset’s location and movement
  • Attach the RFID tags – attach the RFID tags to each asset using adhesive or another suitable method. It’s important to make sure the tag is securely attached so that it doesn’t fall off or get lost
  • Use RFID asset tracking software – use software that’s designed for school asset tracking to manage the data collected by the RFID system