Overview:
In effort to predict and catch Automatic Identification Network (AIN) changes and outage outages quickly, AARFID™ offers the Reader Health Monitor (RHM). RHM provides continuous monitoring of devices within the AIN. System managers gain 24/7 access to the AIN from any secure internet connection. When coupled with AARFID™ ’s messaging system, AIN alerts are sent to designated personnel via text message or e-mail.

RFID IS NOT Bar Coding!
RFID is NOT like other automatic identification technologies. The following items impact quality of an AIN utilizing RFID:

• RFID Antenna Shape (Transceiving and Transponding)
• RFID Antenna Size (Transceiving and Transponding)
• Technique (The means by which the equipment is mounted / installed and the installation relation to environmental factors)
• RFID Radio Frequency
• RFID Reader Power
• External Environment
• RFID Reader Command Configuration

If any of these items change for any reason, a read point may fail to perform as expected. As long as RHM is connected and AARFID™ ’s messaging module is installed, RHM warns of changes made, usually in advance of actual read errors.

Functionality:

Monitor
The RHM Monitor allows system managers the ability to view AIN activity in real time from any authorized, secure computer via a web interface.

Alert
When error or activity occurs outside norms defined in RPMS™, RHM will send e-mail and / or text messages to system managers provided that AARFID™ ’s Messaging module is installed. Further, a warning displays in the Monitor.

Some possible alerts include:

• Read point not communicating
• Low battery / power
• Reads are above norm
• Reads are below norm
• Reader error messages
• Report changes made by technicians
• “Environmental Noise” levels exceed allowable tolerances

Diagnose
Some errors and problems can be resolved without actually being at a read point. Other errors can be diagnosed and corrected by a technician working in conjunction with an on site operator. The diagnostic tool in RHM helps to resolve issues as quickly as possible.

Within this tools set, we can:

• View reader configuration
• View PC configuration
• View pictures of read point as it was when put into operation (set up in RPMS™)
• View history of prior changes
• View notes created when read point was established
• View reads per antenna
• Strip out application layers to work with low-level applications

Analyze

• Use RHM’s statistical analyzer in conjunction with AARFID™ ware’s Member (People) Management, Read Point Management, Asset Management modules to determine utilization loads by member, read point or asset type or population.

• Review data processing errors per operator or location and take pre-emptive action.

• Determine times of day, days of weeks, etc when reader environments change.

Action
Within RHM, we can take these actions:

• Reboot readers (in most cases)
• Change reader configuration settings
• Change PC settings
• Change third party device settings provided access is granted

• Date
• Time In
• Time Out
• Operator ID

Further RHM provides the system manager the opportunity to record actions or pictures taken.