What is RFID?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a method of portable information storage. An RFID tag consists of a small memory chip to store information and some sort of radio transmitter/receiver. The tag is read using an electromagnetic field. RFID can be either passive, active or semi-active.

People started exploring the idea of using this method of information tagging in the 1940’s but the first RFID device was patented in 1973. Since this time the adoption of RFID technology has been slow as it was expensive compared to competing systems like barcodes.

Recently there has been more uptake in the use of RFID due to expansions in digital technologies such as smart devices and the internet of things, along with cheaper manufacturing techniques.

How Does Passive RFID Work?

Passive RFID tags are activated via inductive coupling. Inside the tag is a memory chip containing a small amount of information. This memory chip is attached to a radio chip and an antenna for receiving and transmitting signals. The tag is read in the following way.

• An RFID reading device (or recorder) is held near the tag.
• The recorder generates an electromagnetic field which then generates a current within the RFID tag antenna via magnetic induction.
• The current powers the memory chip inside the tag, and a short signal with information such as an ID number is sent back to the recorder.

The RFID tag does not need a battery because it is powered by the recorder, which means that it can be fully enclosed in a durable plastic casing. Some tags are also made from paper, silicon or glass, with a printed metal or carbon circuit.

Are There Difference Types of RFID?

From a technological perspective, RFID is a general concept, and so RFID tags and recorders are manufactured to a very broad range of specifications. For example, UniGuard passive RFID tags operate at a frequency of 125 kHz, which means there is less chance of interference or disruption from Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which operate at a different frequency.

Passive RFID tags are manufactured with three different storage types, read-write, read-only and WORM (write once, read many). The checkpoints used in staff attendance verifications systems require small read-only tags, which are simpler and therefore cheaper. These tags have a pre-assigned unique ID number stored in the memory.

What Are Active RFID Checkpoints?

Active RFID checkpoints are similar to passive tags in that they have an internal microchip for storing and transmitting information, along with an antenna. However, instead of being powered by the recorder, active RFID checkpoints have an internal battery that allows the checkpoint to send out signals up to 100 m away. This mean that active checkpoints cost a little more than passive tags due to more internal hardware.

Within a staff attendance tracking system, active checkpoints are designed to periodically transmit a unique ID number. This is registered by the recorder when in range. The range of the active checkpoint can be varied depending on requirements.

Although RFID checkpoints can be designed to operate at a range of frequencies, they are generally set to work in the range of 2.4000 to 2.4835 GHz because these frequencies are free to operate in, unlike other frequencies that are reserved for special use, or require expensive licences to use.

What Are Some of the Uses For RFID?

Initially the uses for RFID tags were limited to niche markets like monitoring livestock due to the high cost. As the technology has improve the tags have become smaller, more durable, and cheaper. The tags can be used in a similar way to barcodes in tracking items but are more secure. Because of this, RFID is used in a range of applications such as credit/debit cards, toll passes, access keys, identity cards, rail tickets, passports, and pet microchips.

The Good and the Bad of RFID Checkpoints

RFID checkpoints operate in a similar way to NFC tags and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons, with one crucial difference. NFC and BLE have been developed to be specifically used with mobile phones, whereas RFID is a more generalised technology.

Although there is nothing stopping manufactures from making phones compatible with a broader range of RFID tags, what makes RFID based staff tracking systems special is that the specialist hardware has been designed and built to industry specific specifications. This means that the recorders are much tougher than standard smartphones with functionality limited to the job at hand. No distractions like social media.

Another big advantage of using a specially designed RFID system is that it is much harder for staff to copy or “spoof” checkpoints. This is something some staff try to do to get out of doing the job by keeping a copy of the checkpoints in a convenient location, and is often done with QR code-based systems.

Best Uses for RFID Checkpoints

Making a choice between using passive or active RFID checkpoints will depend on what is the intended use. With passive checkpoints being smaller, cheaper, and more durable without the need for batteries, and active checkpoints able to be used at a much longer range.

Active checkpoints are best suited to indoor and sheltered areas where staff need to have their hands free for duties such as cleaning, as recorders register the positions of the checkpoints without needing to be swiped. Care does need to be taken when positioning checkpoints as recorders can detect more than one checkpoint at a time.

Passive checkpoints are inexpensive and versatile, being able to be used in all other situations, both indoor and outside. Tag can be placed on walls, doors or other objects such as bin and require contactless interaction by swiping over the tag.

Summing Up

RFID-Based staff tracking systems are a good alternative when a durable real-time system is required. Being purpose-built, along with the software, the hardware is design specifically to industry standards in terms of durability and functionality.

If you are looking for a staff attendance tracking system that has been customised for use within your industry, contact our sales team today.

The post How Do RFID Checkpoints Work? appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

What is BLE?

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a set of technological standards for allowing different hardware devices to communicated wirelessly and is one of several systems that do this. BLE works by sending a series of packets of information over the microwave frequency range of 2.4000 to 2.4835 GHz. This is the same frequency range for similar systems such as Wi-Fi, classic Bluetooth, some active RFID devices, and microwave ovens.

Bluetooth Low Energy has been around since 2009 and was named by the Nordic engineers that created the standard after the Danish King Harard Bluetooth who united Denmark with parts of Norway in the 10^th century. King Harard also had a problem with tooth decay.

Why Use the Same Frequency as Wi-Fi?

Developers have intentionally created systems that operate specifically in this range because these frequencies have been set aside by international agreement for the use of industrial, scientific and medical devices (ISM). This makes these frequencies free to operate within, unlike other frequencies that are reserved for special use, or require expensive licences to use.

How Does Bluetooth Work?

Bluetooth works by two devices pairing, in a process where the devices make contact and verify trust though the use of security keys. Usually, one device sends out signals “advertising” its intent to pair for a particular reason, with the other device scanning for the advertised signal.

When an advertised signal is found the user is asked if they want to pair the devices. Once paired, a stream of information packets (that can be encrypted for extra security), are sent between the devices.

Data is sent using adaptive frequency hopping that reduces, although not eliminates interference from other devices operating in the same frequencies. This process also reduces battery usage.

What Are Some of the Uses For BLE?

The uses for Bluetooth Low Energy have started to explode in recent years particularly as a way of connecting smart devices with each other, or with smartphones. Uses include medical and fitness devices, along with portable speakers and wireless headphones. Staff attendance verification and tracking is another area of increasing use.

The Good and the Bad of Bluetooth Checkpoints

From the perspective of a user, Bluetooth beacons behaves in a similar way to active RFID beacons with some slight differences. The most noticeable is that Bluetooth is natively supported by newer smartphone devices such as iOS, Android, Windows Phone and Blackberry, unlike RFID which is not. The benefit of this is that BLE can be used with downloadable apps, which can be cheaper to set up. The downside of this is more with the phone which are not as durable as purpose-built hardware.

NFC checkpoints can also be used with smartphones, are much cheaper, more durable, and don’t require batteries, while Bluetooth beacons are battery operated. Staff location is also more accurately pin-pointed with NFC checkpoints over Bluetooth beacons because the staff need to actively swipe the checkpoint with their phone.

BLE therefore mostly used in indoor situations where you need to record staff movement without them interacting with the checkpoints, or when the checkpoints need to be placed out of the reach of vandalism.

Summing Up

Bluetooth beacons are the idea checkpoint for use with smartphone app-based tracking systems where it is more convenient for staff to not swipe the checkpoint such as cleaners, who need to keep their hands free for other duties. Often beacons are used in conjunction with NFC checkpoints to maximise the advantages of each type of checkpoint.

If you are using a smartphone-based staff attendance tracking system, there a plenty of good reasons to use Bluetooth beacons. Want to find out more contact our sales team today.

The post How Do Bluetooth Beacons Work? appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

Working in isolated and remote locations present certain unique challenges. A lone worker could be anyone who works out of sight of another person, this can include the receptionist of an office building, or even, someone working from home.

Although working in isolation can present difficulties for teams and is particularly hard for the more sociable amongst us, risks are increased when working in locations that are considered remote from towns, cities and other community centres. These risks can be further exacerbated if the work undertaken is also inherently dangerous regardless of the location. The combination of all these risks can present real challenges to both workers and their managers.

Lessons From the Past

Historically, some remote work included working in places such as mines, farms, oil rigs and lighthouses. As difficult as these occupations are, they are all in their own way essential to the rest of society, and therefore necessary. Stories abound about the dangers and hardships face by the people who chose to work in these environments.

In the past, it was a lot harder to remain totally safe working in dangerous occupations in remote locations. Risks varied according to the job and location. For example, it was common for lighthouse keepers to drown or be badly injured trying to reach the lighthouse located on an isolated island, or retrieving supplies brought to the island by boat. There are even stories of lighthouse keepers mysteriously disappearing during stormy weather.

Likewise, outback workers on remote farms in central Australia have occasionally succumbed to the conditions and later been found dead, if at all. However, it is more common for farms workers to be badly injured or even killed by accidents involving the heavy machinery needed to work a farm. Often the injuries are life changing, making it difficult to return to the work force. In the same way, mining and oil rig accidents involving heavy machinery, explosions or the collapse of the mine are also devastating, not just for those involved, but for entire communities.

The Dangers Summarised

Potential dangers that can be faced by people working in remote locations include:

• Accidents, including those involving machinery
• Becoming lost and running out of food or water
• Weather events, including extreme heat and cold
• Drowning
• Physical illness
• Assaults from strangers
• Attack from animals
• Anxiety and depression

As dangerous as these situations can be, they all have the added risk of being far from help when it is needed. This can exacerbate injuries and potentially result in people dying. The truth is, if something goes wrong in a remote area, help will take much longer to reach you, even today.

Solving the Problem Today

In 2021, a lot of the risks can now be reduced or even avoided completely through the use of modern technology. For example. lighthouses are now mostly operated remotely, with only a small number still crewed. However, there is still a need for people to service and repair unmanned lighthouses from time to time, but this is generally during fine weather.

In many other industries there is still a need for people to be working in remote locations. However, telecommunications and tracking devices can be used to reduce the risks when incidents do occur. UniGuard offers a range of GPS trackers and staff attendance verification systems, that help the manager know where their vulnerable staff are, allowing them to response quickly when problems occur.

To learn more about how the UniGuard staff tracking system can help to keep your workers safe, contact us today.

The post Working in Remote Locations appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

As the holiday season approaches, shopping centres and supermarkets are already gearing up in preparation for the influx of customers fulfilling their seasonal shopping spree. Christmas would not be complete without endless shopping carts, full to the brim, with hearty food and gifts for precious loved ones. Keeping customers’ holiday wishes in mind, these establishments are taking extraordinary measures to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy their holiday season routine, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Technology based staff management solutions have been adopted by many shopping centres and supermarket chains globally to ensure customer safety. These staff management solutions have proven to be a key factor for establishments to be able to efficiently and effectively manage their increased workforce, especially in times like this, when operations have to be monitored and adjusted quickly and without hesitation.

Cleaning and security operations has never been easier to manage remotely with the implementation of staff monitoring and management systems within establishments.

Taking into consideration the increased frequency of cleaning and security rotations lately, as well as general sanitary precautions, management must be able to easily analyse and adjust staff movement on the fly if necessary.

Situations which require quick action include:

• General area sanitisation
• In-store basket and trolley cleaning
• Replenishing hand sanitisation stations
• Slip, trip & fall hazards (ex: food & beverage spills)
• Quick action in case of a breach in social distancing regulations (ex: crowing & queues)
• Contact tracing

“Implementing a customised staff monitoring and management system will not only allow you to execute and assign tasks more efficiently. It enables an establishment to analyse and adjust rotations accordingly, monitor staff compliance, take advantage of an intricate reporting system and make operations as cost effective as possible without compromising staff and customer safety.”

UniGuardX:

• Location Tracking
• Activity Log
• Custom Forms
• Tasks
• Real-Time Alerts
• GPS Bluetooth & NFC
• Request Call-Back

Contact one of our UniGuard specialists on (02) 9671 7777 or email us for a tailored walkthrough of the UniGuard solution based around your challenges and business needs.

The post Shopping Centre Cleaning Rotation Tracking appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

So how do you prevent accidents when you can’t rely on the public to do the right thing?

In Australia, the standard for cleaning rotations of publicly used spaces such as shopping centres is 15-20 minutes. This standard was set by the High Court of Australia during the Strong v Woolworths Limited case of 2012. The case is summarised below.

At around 12.30 pm on Friday the 24th of September 2004 Mrs Strong, along with her daughter and a friend, were walking into the Big W store within the Centro Taree Shopping Centre. Outside Big W, Woolworths had exclusive rights to conduct “sidewalk sales” in a roughly square area that extended 11 metres out into the food court area located between the Big W and Woolworths stores.

As Mr Strong was walking into through this area into Big W, she moved to the right to examine some pot plants on a display stand. The tip of her crutch landed on a chip, or the grease from the chip and slipped from under Mr Strong causing her to fall and badly injured her back.

A cleaning company had been contracted to clean the common area so that the “floors are to be free of any rubbish and or spillages”, at intervals of 15 minutes or less. This common area didn’t include the sidewalk sales area. Despite the contract stipulating a 15 minute cleaning rotation, the cleaners serviced this area every 20 minutes. Centro employed security guards to patrol the area and report spills to the cleaners, while Woolworths employed a “people greeter” who kept an eye out for incidents in the sidewalk sales area. On the day of the incident, the common area had not been cleaned for longer than 20 minutes and the sidewalk sales area hadn’t been cleaned at all.

Mr Strong went to court and after numerous appeals a decision was made by the High Court of Australia to award Mr Strong $580,299.12 as Woolworths had failed “to implement and/or maintain a proper cleaning system”. The cleaning contract didn’t require the floors inside the sidewalk sales area to be cleaned. As an outcome of the case it was also agreed that,

1. the avoidance of negligence did not require “the continuous presence of someone always on the lookout for potential slippery substances”,
2. and a system of inspection and cleaning at 15 to 20 minute intervals, would have sufficed to avoid negligence.

Many cleaning contracts now require cleaning rotations of less than 15 minutes, particularly in high use areas where spills are more common such as food courts. Although this case helped to define exactly what is, and is not acceptable, it doesn’t solve the problem of staff not following instructions such as the cleaners at Centro Taree who hadn’t cleaned the floor for more than the contracted time.

For this reason, it is now common for contracts to require indisputable proof that areas have been cleaned according to the cleaning rotation. In fact, law courts, and many insurance companies also expect this proof of service. The only way to provide indisputable proof of service is through an electronic staff tracking software system, and the most reliable on the market and most frequently chosen for this task is the UniGuard system. UniGuard specifically addresses this area with its rotation features, specifically designed for cleaning at monitored intervals.

If you want to learn more about how UniGuard can improve contract compliance, minimise Public Liability Insurance and the risk of accidents and Personal Injury Claims, then access our white paper “The Solution to Cheaper Public Liability Insurance for Cleaning and Building Services” here.

The post Story Behind the 20 Minute Cleaning Rotation? appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.

In Australia in 2020 many businesses are finding themselves in an increasingly difficult environment in which to operate. The list of challenges is long, with some hurdles seemingly impossible to move beyond. In such a situation, the correct advice can make a big difference to whether a business stays viable or not.

For businesses that manage the cleanliness and maintenance of buildings such as shopping centres, hospitals, offices, airports, and any other publicly accessible location, a significant burden is Public Liability Insurance and associate Personal Injury Claims. Insurance costs for such business are rising dramatically every year, with some insurance companies now refusing to insure many businesses. Going without insurance is not an option due to the costs of many Personal Injury Claims, besides insurance is needed to secure contracts.

So, in an increasingly challenging business environment how do such companies protect themselves from these unwanted liabilities?

The best way is to avoid claims and keep insurance cost down is by ensuring that the buildings are cleaned and maintained in way that creates the safest environment that is reasonably possible. This can be achieved through having a comprehensive maintenance and cleaning program which includes training staff on the correct procedures to minimise risks. Unfortunately, this is not always enough, as managers also need to prove that premises have been cleaned and maintained to an appropriate standard. This is where rotation compliance comes in.

Australian courts have mandated that companies show proof that building spaces that are used by the public have been cleaned on an interval of 20 minutes. Some cleaning contracts now require a cleaning interval less than this. Rotation compliance or contract compliance is simply the act of keeping staff to these cleaning schedules and can be achieved using a staff tracking system to monitor and organise when and where cleaning takes place.

More information about how rotation compliance can improve your business outcomes can be found in our white paper “The Solution to Cheaper Public Liability Insurance for Cleaning and Building Services”, which can be accessed here.

The post What is Cleaning Rotation Compliance? appeared first on Staff & Asset Tracking with Workforce Management Software by UniGuard.