Description

What It Does

Store asset management is done simply and efficiently.  All it requires is an employee using a handheld PC such as a tablet or a gun-type handheld computer to walk through the store, dramatically improving accuracy and efficiency over conventional methods. The handheld PC and built-in RFID reader will automatically scan and read all your assets within a 15 foot range (5 m), eliminating the need to hand track or scan individual barcodes.

Challenges/Issues

The traditional asset management system is prone to inaccuracy from the use of barcodes.  Depending on the size of your antique store you may have a large number of assets and many of them may move around the store such as dollies, trays and smaller display stands which can make it harder to track.  Fixed assets still also need to be tracked which can include anything from large display cases, office equipment, desk and furniture to your computers and point of sale equipment.  Each asset would need to have a barcode adhered to it where it can be easily scanned, which isn’t always attractive to your customers but also puts it in a place where it could be damaged for removed easily making your inventory tracking inaccurate or more labor-intensive.   In addition to that, the assets come in a large variety of surface types and not always barcode friendly.  RFID can overcome all these obstacles.  There are a great number of tags designed for any surface and because the scanning is automatic, the tag does not need to be placed in a visible and easily damageable location.

How It Works

To address these issues, GAO has developed the GAO Antique Store Asset Management System based on the latest UHF Gen 2 RFID technology. It consists of:

(1) One or multiple handheld PCs such as tablet PCs, PDAs (personal digital assistants), EDAs (enterprise digital assistants), pistol grip intelligent terminals

(2) an RFID tag for each asset

(3) an RFID tag for each shelf or area where the item is located

The handheld PC is preinstalled with both an RFID reader and the GAO Antique Store Asset Management Software. The handheld PC normally has built-in Wi-Fi capability to communicate with a server via a local Wi-Fi network for data transferring. It also optionally has a barcode scanner and a high definition camera.

An RFID tag is attached to each asset for its identification. A suitable tag can be chosen from GAO’s wide selection of tags to fit the specific properties of the assets such as tags specifically made for metal and plastic.

An RFID tag (usually called as “Location Tag”) can also be attached to a shelf or an area on which an asset is placed. Again, a suitable tag can be chosen to fit the specific properties of a shelf or that area.

Then staff can then walk through the aisles of assets, with a handheld PC in his or her hand, automatically performing an asset counting within range of the RFID reader. The RFID Reader has a range of 15 feet (roughly 5 meters), which is much further than a conventional barcode scanner. This dramatically improves accuracy and efficiency over conventional methods.

Features

• No system installation is required. Tags are simply placed on each asset and a marker for each possible location. Each handheld PC has been preinstalled with an RFID reader and GAO Antique Store Asset Management Software.
• RFID readers can detect tags up to approximately 12 meters away and therefore does not require a direct line of sight with the tag.
• Suitable for antique storefronts of all types and sizes.
• Multiple RFID tags can be read at once, making it much more efficient.
• RFID can store more data than a barcode. The data can then be edited, encrypted, password protected, or erased permanently with a “kill” feature.
• RFID tags are reusable and able to withstand impact, heat and moisture.
• Able to integrate with GAO RFID Cloud Service.

Technical Specifications

• One or multiple handheld PCs from GAO, which is preinstalled with a UHF Gen 2 RFID reader and GAO Antique Store Asset Management Software
• A UHF RFID tag for each asset
• UHF RFID tags indicating where an asset is located.

Applications

GAO Antique Store Asset Management System can be effectively used to manage assets of an antique store, any other similar stores or operations.