July 23, 2007—BT Redcare recently launched BT Auto-ID Lite, a self powered, autonomous, asset-tracking and monitoring solution that the company says will enable businesses to benefit from Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology without having to commit to costly, large-scale adoption of larger projects.
Suited to industries that require visibility of moveable assets across the supply chain, such as construction, retail, logistics, and transport, BT’s Auto-ID platform uses active RFID technology, combined with GPRS technologies, to offer a wireless solution that can be rapidly deployed, says BT. The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) provides a mobile data link back to the Auto-ID platform where reporting is accessed.
BT Auto-ID has supported blue chip companies, such as Marks & Spencer, on some of the largest RFID and supply chain projects worldwide, as well as smaller enterprises. Addressing what BT sees as a significant demand for an RFID tracking system of a smaller scale, it says the product is ideal for installation in remote or mobile environments that do not have power or data infrastructures, or where it is too costly to build those.
The Auto-ID Lite package comprises a mobile reader, which needs no external power or communications links, plus a set of active RFID tags for mounting on assets to enable the monitoring and tracking. BT says it will also provide consultancy services to support businesses through the initial stages of deployment to ensure the solution works first time.
Auto-ID Lite is available at two different pricing options per site: a three-year contract, starting from 119 per month for one reader and 30 tags, or a six-month contract, starting from £449 per month for one reader and 30 tags. The six-month option is an ideal entry for proof-of-concepts and technology trials. This Auto-ID Lite solution is available immediately, but will be followed up by an off-the-shelf option later in 2007.
BT Redcare, a secure intelligent monitoring and tracking company, services the areas of alarm monitoring, CCTV, machine monitoring, RFID & supply chain management, secure mobile data solutions and vehicle tracking. For more information visit the BT Redcare Group Web site.
