ChemSW has launched CISProMobile, a new RFID (radio frequency identification) solution that integrates with the CISPro chemical inventory system
CISProMobile enables labs to utilise RFID technology to reduce the time and effort required to perform inventory processes.
Unlike bar coding, which uses optical systems to transfer information from the printed coded label to the bar code scanner, RFID reading can be done remotely and does not require direct contact or line of sight between the item and the reader.
"The great advantage that RFID systems offer is the non-contact, non-line of sight nature of the technology," explains David Hessler, vice president software research and development for ChemSW.
"You don't need to re-orient containers to read the tag".
"In addition, tags can be read through a variety of substances, such as paint, where bar codes just won't work".
"And, RFID tags can be read at very high speeds".
"As a result, RFID increases the rate at which the reader can read inventory tags, thereby enabling simpler, faster acquisition of container IDs." RFID systems consist of three components: an antenna, a transceiver (with decoder), and a transponder (RF tag) that is electronically programmed with unique information.
With CISProMobile, the antenna, the transceiver and the decoder are incorporated into an integrated handheld all-in-one RFID reader.
When the reader detects the RFID tag, it decodes the data encoded in the tag's integrated circuit and the data is passed to the PDA for processing".
"CISProMobile utilizes state-of-the-art Bluetooth technology to deliver a single highly flexible platform that functions equally well for both RFID and more traditional bar code handheld readers," states Hessler.
"RFID is particularly suited for inventory applications where a label-based bar code may be contaminated or concealed by environmental or testing conditions," he adds.
Another benefit that CISProMobile offers is the use of a handheld PDA for inventory activities.
The PDA screen has much more flexibility than existing bar code solutions, going from a 16 character two line display to full-fledged menus.
PDAs allow full screen viewing, greater configurability, and the option to set up data acquisition and receiving, results entry, even sample collection activities from the palm of your hand.
This increase in functionality means that users can perform activities such as container disposal, container movement, and transfer of ownership, faster and easier than ever.
CISProMobile is offered as a complete package that includes the printer, the pre-programmed handheld PDA, and a Bluetooth-enabled wireless RFID reader.
(Bar code readers are also available as an option).
CISProLive users need only purchase the package, while CISProGlobal users will also need to have Web Services installed on their web server.
In both cases, RFID can be installed in just a couple of hours.
"By offering this solution in a pre-packaged kit, we've eliminated the problems associated with testing and selecting hardware," explains Hessler.
"We've done all the legwork to ensure that you can start using RFID labels immediately, and know that they are working correctly.
"Finally, there's no need to worry about validation," he points out, "because information acquired by CISProMobile goes through the existing quality assurance system the same as any other remote data collection activity".
"This is really just another user interface on the inventory application; as such it complies with all of the GxPs."
