RFID in Construction Consortium Prepared to Hit the Ground Running

The construction industry is among many others whose use of RFID in the workplace has been steadily increasing. Now, a group of experts has collaborated to found a nonprofit organization called the RFID in Construction Consortium. The organization, which aims to address the growing needs and challenges of expanding RFID applications in the workplace, expects to begin work immediately.

The Consortium includes a diverse mix of educators, systems integrators, manufacturers, and construction companies, and its work will include providing education and support to industry members interested in learning more about how to implement RFID. The organization is already looking forward to offering workshops, seminars, and discussions to construction firms, and hopes to publish an RFID in Construction “cookbook” by the end of 2009. The book will be based on the results of numerous studies and pilots of RFID in construction.

So far, the construction industry has used RFID to track hazardous and non-hazardous materials, assets, equipment, explosives, and people. RFID also helps foremen and employees track the location of tools and equipment as they are used, stored, and repaired on-site; the technology also prevents unqualified workers from entering restricted areas. Because of the current economy, many companies are looking to RFID to increase efficiencies and productivity, while lowering operating costs. Jose Faria, the Consortium’s president, recently told the RFID Journal (http://www.rfidjournal.com/article/view/4973/1), “We launched the organization at a time when education is imperative.”

“Our initial plans,” Faria added, “are to collect thoughts from our members and listen to key problems that need to be addressed immediately.”

More Than Business: RFID Called Upon to Improve Lives

At the RFID Journal LIVE! 2009 conference, IBM executive Martin Wildberger looked toward the future, with an eye on how RFID can be used to improve millions of lives. Wilberger made some illuminating observations.

• RFID can reduce food-borne illnesses.

Many companies are currently utilizing RFID and sensor technologies in food and cold chains to improve product safety and enhance working environments. Continuing these strides, said Wildberger, RFID can be used to reduce food-borne illnesses throughout the world. Wildberger revealed that up to 60% of produce and 75% of seafood in the U.S. is imported, with only 1% of the food inspected at the borders. Perhaps not surprisingly, 76 million cases of food-borne illnesses are seen in the United States each year—a disproportionately high number that RFID technology can help lower.

• RFID can increase patient safety and lower health care costs.

As recently as the last several months, dozens of hospitals across the country have begun incorporating RFID to track assets such as medical equipment, surgical tissue, surgical probes, patients, and personnel. Wildberger said he expects that RFID will continue to help hospitals automate medical records systems and improve communication flows between personnel and patients.

• RFID can help make a “smarter” planet.

In his conference speech, Wildberger discussed ways in which RFID can boost the “smarts” of the planet. The smarter planet, he said, hinges on instrumentation, interconnectivity, and intelligence. Prime examples include transforming the way water systems function—eventually eliminating water shortages around the world—as well as improving energy management in buildings and streamlining traffic patterns.

With the advances in RFID technology in the last decade alone, the possibilities Wildberger discussed seem well within reach.

Asphalt Company Launches RFID System to Monitor Safety Equipment at Plant

According to RFID Journal, an American asphalt product manufacturer-which asked not to be named in the article-is implementing an RFID system throughout 16 locations to improve the inspection process of the plants’ safety equipment. The equipment includes eyewash stations and fire extinguishers, and the system will also ensure that inspections are performed on time, with results available electronically.

After being installed in December 2008, the RFID system has already yielded pleasing results:

• Inspectors save an average of 30% of their time
• Results and reports are now available and accessible electronically, rather than being handwritten and filed in folders
• Inspections are performed on schedule, and results are ready when required

With thousands of pieces of equipment that must be inspected weekly, monthly, or annually, these benefits make a significant difference in the way the manufacturing plant runs. Before the RFID system was employed, the reports were often inaccurate and frequently lost. This caused concern with both workers and management, as the safety equipment is intended to be available and functional at all times. Now the RFID system automates the inspection process by using high-frequency passive RFID tags, handheld RFID interrogators, and tablet PCs with built-in readers, along with software that tracks inspection data at multiple sites.

So far, the deployment is 90% complete, and there are discussions of expanding the RFID system to be used for other preventative maintenance tasks.