Trimble Adds RFID to its AllTrak Asset and Tool Management System

Trimble introduced a new version of its Trimble AllTrak Asset and Tool Management System that includes an RFID scanner for its Trimble Nomad outdoor rugged handheld computer running the Microsoft Windows Mobile operating system. With RFID capabilities, the AllTrak System allows building construction contractors to more easily track and manage their jobsite assets and tools. In addition, the system increases return on investment by improving asset utilization and monitoring equipment to avoid losses.

According to the announcement, using the Trimble Nomad with the new RFID scanner, contractors can perform a variety of functions such as asset check-in, check-out, transfers and inventory validation much faster than traditional bar code scanning by interfacing with small passive RFID tags fixed to the assets. With an effective range of 3 to 4 feet, RFID technology does not require line of sight for the tag to be read, making it an ideal technology for reading the tags of multiple assets that are in a pickup, service truck or tool crib. Users can also attach the ThingMagic USB RFID Reader to a desktop or laptop when a portable solution is not required.

Trimble reports that by utilizing the popular RFID tag protocols “UHF EPC Gen2” or “ISO18000-6C”, the new Trimble AllTrak System is specifically designed for general contractors, as well as concrete, steel, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and site prep subcontractors who use tools with embedded or attached RFID tags that support these protocols. Trimble AllTrak distributors can also provide RFID tags that can be attached to assets.

“With the acquisition of ThingMagic, we were able to bring their experience in RFID technology to existing platforms within the Trimble Building Construction portfolio of hardware and software solutions,” said Pat Bohle, general manager of Trimble’s Building Construction Division. “We chose the Trimble AllTrak System as the first product in the portfolio due to the logical affinity of delivering increased productivity to the process of tracking the physical whereabouts of tools and jobsite assets.”

Trimble AllTrak with RFID support is available now through Trimble’s Authorized Distributors of layout solutions for MEP and Structures contractors.