The Design and Development of an RFID-enabled asset tracking system for challenging environments

This paper presents an overview of the Phalanx software systemfrom Spartan Solutions. This RFID-based asset-tracking solutionexploits robust handheld PDA-based scanners withintermittent-wireless connectivity to integrate operationalactivities and ERP/logistical information systems for theplant-rental and oil/gas sectors. Unusual challenges in theoperating environment and user community have been overcome usingnovel techniques and unique combinations of technology andmethodology. The Phalanx system is an exemplar of an innovativeRFID application overcoming significant data management problems.Wireless security issues have been addressed and the systemincludes internal web-services interfaces that are now beingextended for exploitation in operational and corporate oversightapplications. The middleware platform enables integration ofpreviously separate applications, extending business processes intothe operational domain. The experiences reported in these two casestudies have been gained in development, deployment and use inseveral countries and offer an insight into the effectiveness of anRFID-enabled infrastructure for improved business performance innew and challenging commercial sectors.