Long range active RFID (radio frequency identification) technology used for wireless tracking and monitoring of people and assets has revolutionised the way in which business and industry manage their assets and has in fact brought about a whole new paradigm whereby assets are automatically linked to the corporate network extending the visibility of processes and resources beyond conventional limits.
Active RFID technology operates by means of a battery-powered tag/transmitter that continuously transmits a secure, encrypted signal with its own unique identity. This signal is received and translated into usable data by a strategically positioned RFID reader. The technology is typically used for asset and logistics monitoring applications and lends itself to a number of applications in the healthcare, government, mining, military, transportation and corporate environments.
Enabling assets to communicate with the business network, provides complete realtime automatic data-gathering about the location and change of state of those assets. This allows for a pro-active decision-making process leading to improved operational efficiency.
The growing number of successful active RFID deployments has established a new performance benchmark and created the demand for a technology that offers the next step in wireless identification. Wavetrend Technologies develops and manufactures patented long range Active RFID (radio frequency identification) technology used for wireless tracking and monitoring of people and assets. The Wavetrend technology is characterised by longer read-ranges and application specific form factors, including optional sensor detection and measurement, such as temperature, motion, pulse etc. Wavetrend's solution has had unilateral acceptance by original equipment manufacturers, value-added resellers, system integrators and solution providers and is achieving a fast and significant global take-up rate.
Typical examples of RFID applications in healthcare include:
* Tracking of key personnel to determine their location. With the SARS outbreak in Singapore, this application of Wavetrend's technology was used to track down all personnel and visitors who had come into contact with SARS-infected patients.
* Access control preventing unauthorised access to secure areas.
* Tracking and monitoring of patients including sensor monitoring for temperature and pulse.
* Theatre time and attendance monitoring, to accurately record the exact time that patients spend in the operating theatre. A leading healthcare group in South Africa has already achieved exceptional ROI in terms of accurate billing and shorter payment times from health insurance companies.
* Tracking and protection of vital healthcare equipment for theft prevention and enhanced efficiency during life-threatening situations.
* Mobile resource management, whereby emergency vehicles and life-saving equipment onboard these vehicles are tracked for maximising resource utilisation.
* Departure alert systems for protecting the lives of senior citizens and patients with dementia in long-term care facilities.
Benefits and ROI from active RFID applications in healthcare are summarised as:
* Realtime asset and personnel visibility.
* Accurate and auditable billing and reconciliation of accounts.
* Reduced payment times from health insurance companies.
* Optimised operational and emergency services efficiency.
* Improved safety and security of people and assets.
For more information contact Bonita Read, Wavetrend, 011 462 2633, bonita.read@wavetrend.co.za or visit www.wavetrend.net
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