Tracking Savings: Active RFID in Oil and Gas Dr. Ben Zoghi, PhD, PE

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2 Tracking Savings: Active RFID in Oil and Gas Dr. Ben Zoghi, PhD, PE Professor and Director RFID Oil & Gas Consortium

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4 RFID System Middleware and application host Stand alone application Easy integration with other systems Distributed RFID Readers which cover large areas Secure Access Multiple users Real time data Control and Tracking

5 Product Solutions available Assets Strengths Limitations Technology Bar code Items Cases Printable/cheap Mature technology Mature Standards Human dependent One at a time Line of sight Dirty environments Short Range Passive RFID Items Cases Totes Simultaneous reads Fast Non-line-of-sight No human intervention Orientation insensitive Medium range Can be combined with barcode From 2 ft. to 20 ft. New technology Evolving standards Active RFID Pallets High Value Assets Trailers Cars Long range Non-line-of-sight Simultaneous reads Pricey tags & readers Battery life issues New technology GPS Tracking Systems Automobiles Tractor/trailers Very long range Continuous tracking Outdoors only Coverage issues Need power source Long Range

6 System Overview

7 Project Planning Phase I Analysis of the information needs of first responders Development of a real-time RFID inventory management system Demonstration of system in Disaster City Phase II Demonstration of developed system from the main warehouse on highway 6 to a simulated site that represents a realistic scenario Phase III Demonstration of developed system in realistic disaster scenarios

8 Personnel / Vehicle Tracking Vehicles Active tags Windshield placement Implement loop markers and RFID readers Personnel Associate personnel with vehicle Verify access Detect guests

9 Challenges Vehicles Speed Tag placement Non-RFID vehicles Personnel Individuals difficult to read without external RFID tags Possibility of using alternative entrances/exits

10 System Design - Headquarters Monitor back entrance Employ loop markers Infrared detectors Communication to server

11 System Design Disaster City Entrance Warehouse Path Infrared Emitter Administration Buildings Disaster City

12 GPS Tracking Route from Texas Task Force One HQ to Disaster City

13 Tracking in disaster scenarios Potential Environments Rubble Piles Collapsed Buildings Train Wreckage Overgrowth (Grasses) Water Hazards Up to 1000 trainees at a time Challenges with tags Secure mounting surface Possible impact at tag location Obstructions could cause Interference Orientation /height of tags Polarization of Reader (circular)

14 Real time location tracking User interface on PC Simple display Easy to calibrate Assets displayed on map Able to place zones in a map Identify locations of objects Handheld simplifies tracking and control of assets

15 Real time location tracking

16 Inventory All items in boxes will have passive tags All boxes and pallets will have both passive and active tags Passive and active tag combination will allow for reading by both systems Box with Active tag containing items with barcodes/passive tags

17 Stockroom Layout Radio equipment Wire cage Uniforms Shirts Current State Shelves in the center, back and wall Gated storage area for high value items Check-out counter Safe Access Three entrances/exits Two check out/in counter for One entry is open without a method for tracking inventory Goals Place RFID readers on all entrances/exits Create digital inventory Eliminate manual management Easily identify missing items

18 RFID Portals Radio equipment RFID portal = Uniforms Shirts Wire cage The use of RFID portals will guarantee the reading of passive tags RFID portals will communicate with database application to update all inventory 2-4 readers per entrance expected RFID portal RFID readers

19 Benefits Inventory is up-to-date and maintained Expensive assets can remain still within caged area Items cannot be removed without a log identifying the recipient Tested portals will guarantee a read Using Access database and RFID management software the check in/out process can be greatly automated Lower productivity due from locating missing items will be reduced

20 Conclusions Vehicle and personnel tracking for security and identification Stockroom electronic checkout Item location using lay-down yard management Full accountability of all TEEX assets

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