Existing Solutions

There are multiple solutions in use that solve some of the problems we have described. However, we have not found a complete, off-the-shelf system that completely meets our needs. Some combination of the following solutions, integrated together, may be able to meet all our needs:

1. Active RFID

   At Saint Luke's East-Lee's Summit Hospital they implemented active RFID, using the zigbee protocol, to track patients. This article, in the RFID Journal, shows that an active RFID system could definitely meet all of our tracking and reporting needs. The system could also be upgraded easily to include asset tracking.

    

2. Bluetooth

   EC Key has access control that could be used for tracking movement through portals. The system works similarly to an RFID system, however it uses the bluetooth system built into a user's cell phone rather than a badge. This allows for a simplified badge system for all users that have bluetooth-enabled phones or PDAs. More information can be found at EC Key. This system does not, however, provide the location accuracy or up-to-the-minute location information that is desired.

    

3. Passive RFID and Magnetic Stripe Cards

   Sonitrol, Best Access, and other vendors offer a wide variety of RFID-based access control that can be hooked into a database to gain locational information on students and staff. These systems often require close contact with readers to work and would require each student to swipe his or her card at the reader to gain accurate location data. However, the data provided would not give the accuracy or up-to-the-minute location information that is desired.

    

4. Web-based Time and Activity Sheets

   This system would require that staff manually enter student information into a web document at the beginning of each class or activity. This would be the cheapest and easiest solution to set up, but this would not give the level of automation, detail or timeliness that is desired.