Data Center Inventory Management Using Passive RFID
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I stumbled across Asset Vue within the IAITAM Conference exhibitor hall back in October.
Asset Vue, a US based startup, offer a RFID based asset management system for datacenters.
Specifically, they use passive RFID to speed up the manual inventory process.
This will be particularly useful for anyone who has experienced the time and expense of a manual walk-around data center audit.
From the brochure:
“The Asset VUE software comes pre-installed on a Windows laptop and tracks details on the asset including name, age, power consumption, rack space needed, current location, serial number and many other user-defined fields. The ‘Element ID Mobile Audit System’ is a battery-powered cart that quickly and automatically captures asset tag data. The solution includes both fixed and handheld data capture with read ranges from inches to feet to make locating assets fast and accurate.
Simply attach the provided asset tags to the assets you want to track and enter or import the initial data in the system. The audit process is as simple as wheeling the cart in front of a cabinet, opening the door and clicking the mouse. The software presents a visual image of the cabinet and items scanned with color-coded indication of all detected assets. A glance at the screen identifies expected, new and missing assets. “
Two key drivers here; time and accuracy. The company claims the inventory process is 10x faster and results in 99.99% accuracy rate. Asset Vue also claim their system can be integrated with ‘virtually any’ Data Center infrastructure management tool.
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About Martin Thompson
Martin is also the founder of ITAM Forum, a not-for-profit trade body for the ITAM industry created to raise the profile of the profession and bring an organisational certification to market. On a voluntary basis Martin is a contributor to ISO WG21 which develops the ITAM International Standard ISO/IEC 19770.
He is also the author of the book "Practical ITAM - The essential guide for IT Asset Managers", a book that describes how to get started and make a difference in the field of IT Asset Management. In addition, Martin developed the PITAM training course and certification.
Prior to founding the ITAM Review in 2008 Martin worked for Centennial Software (Ivanti), Silicon Graphics, CA Technologies and Computer 2000 (Tech Data).
When not working, Martin likes to Ski, Hike, Motorbike and spend time with his young family.
Connect with Martin on LinkedIn.