PO Box 1146
Santa Clarita, CA 91386-1146
877.926.9835 / 661.299.1671 / (fax) 661.299.1672
Products:
SmartWare™ Handheld Interrogator
SmartWare™ wireless data tags utilize miniature silicon chips and proprietary algorithms not merely to provide item identifiers but to encapsulate complete individual data records. Records created using SmartWare™ technologies can be created automatically or entered by individuals in the field. In like fashion, records can be accessed on site as needed or can be retrieved and transferred directly to central data repositories without direct contact or human intervention.
Thus, in contrast to historical alternatives, IDComm’s SmartWare™ offers a new approach to maintaining transportable and individual data records.
SmartWare™ Technology uses a highly condensed encoding algorithm to store essential data in a silicon chip which is, itself, encapsulated in a mylar strip together with a printed loop antenna. In turn, the antenna provides the means to read data from the chip and to write data to the silicon device – all without requiring actual contact with the chip.
The result of this innovative approach is that information which, previously, would be recorded on notes, invoices or other forms, is now encapsulated in a miniature computer chip and, as such, can be read and written – without contact and, optionally, without human intervention – in a form which can be transferred to and from central computers through stationary antennas or through handheld devices.
The advantages offered by IDComm’s SmartWare™ Technology are several:
Like paper records, SmartWare™ tags contain individual data, not mere an identifier as supplied by barcode technologies.
Also, SmartWare™ tags can be written (recorded) by hand entry or can be generated by automatic processes – a feature not provided by barcodes at all.
Unlike paper records – where information can only be collected through human intervention and reentry of data – SmartWare™ tags allow data to be retrieved automatically in a form which can be collected, collated, and processed as desired. Of course, while barcodes do offer a somewhat similar capability, barcode data is not individual information but only a reference to information which – presumably – is already in your database.
Unlike paper forms or barcodes, SmartWare™ data is (optionally) rewritable. There are, however, also provisions to temporarily or permanently lock data after writing to create legally immutable records.
In addition, just a paper records can be expanded by adding additional papers, SmartWare™ data tags can also be expanded when and as required by adding additional tags. Unlike paper forms, however, SmartWare™ tags do not require a preprinted form but can assume any form required.
Unless a SmartWare™ tag has been permanently locked (to create an immutable record), the tags are reusable virtually indefinitely. In general, this is rarely true of paper records or barcode tags.
The single advantage of a paper form over a SmartWare™ data tag is that paper allows data to be recorded without the need for any special equipment (except, of course) for a pen, pencil or marker. This convenience, however, is not a feature of barcode tags.
Last but perhaps not least, IDComm’s SmartWare™ data tags are both weatherproof and waterproof. While paper records can be enclosed to protect them from inclement conditions, this encapsulation also makes access to the recorded data inconvenient. In sharp contrast, access to the data stored in a SmartWare™ data tag is not affected by weather or other climatic conditions.
The table following summarizes the advantages (and disadvantages) of the principal contemporary means of recording data.
Table 1: Data Recording Methods
|
Media Type |
Paper invoices |
Barcode tags, |
RFID tags |
SmartWare™ |
|
Properties |
/ forms |
etc |
Data Tags |
|
| Unique item identifier(s) |
optional |
optional |
Yes | Yes |
|
Record individual data |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Data can be written by automatic processes |
Yes |
n/a |
n/a |
Yes |
|
Data can be read / collected by automatic processes |
No |
Yes |
n/a |
Yes |
|
Content is rewritable |
No |
No |
n/a |
Yes |
|
Content is expandable |
Yes |
No |
n/a |
Yes |
|
Media is reusable |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Data is read / written without equipment |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
|
Waterproof / weatherproof |
No |
varies |
Yes |
Yes |
While the comparative advantages offered by SmartWare™ Technology are easily summarized and compared with traditional methods, simply extolling the virtues of SmartWare™ doesn’t really tell you the full story. To learn how SmartWare™ Technologies can improve your business, please contact our staff for more information.
SmartWare™ HealthWatch Devices
Designed specifically for the cattle industry, SmartWare™ HealthWatch devices allow ranchers and feedlot operators to monitor the health of livestock without the need for labor intensive actions nor even minimally invasive procedures. Using HealthWatch devices, livestock can be scanned to identify illnesses or infections quickly, permitting early treatment, minimizing medical and labor costs and preventing losses due to sickness.
Used in conjunction with SmartWare™ Tags, livestock can be tracked from calving to the slaughter house, permitting ready evaluation of breeding lines, feed versus weight gain and other factors affecting the final grade and yield.
SmartWare™ Handheld Interrogator
The
Handheld
Interrogator is a transceiver containing a PDA
(personal digital assistant), equipped with the menu driven
“SmartWare” software, transceiver circuitry, an RS232
direct connection, or additionally, an optional RF LAN for
remote wireless communication to an external computer. A
barcode reader is also installed to aid in any situation
which may require it and is provided to augment the current
process and eliminate any need for multiple systems to
support older technologies.