Frequently Asked Questions



About the System

What types of assets can be tracked?

Tags come in a number of shapes and sizes and can placed on most assets. The system has been used to track vehicles, manufacturing parts, manufacturing tools, forklifts, personnel and staff, carts, containers, files, file boxes, delivered goods and many other types of "assets".


Can logins be setup to see only certain sites?

Yes, users can be setup to view only subsets of tagged assets or only assets at specific locations.


Do I need a floor plan or Map?

No, the system works with or without a floor plan import.


Do my readers need to be located in the same building?

No, as long as they are connected to the internet, they can be connected anywhere in the world.


Does the system scale to larger systems?

The system can scale to 1,000's of readers depending on the flow of goods throughout the system. Contact us for more information about large systems.


How can I get my information out of the system?

Data can be exported to CSV files and imported into Excel. The system also comes with a number of easy to use XML API calls. These retrieve last location, status, ownership, events and other asset information.

There is also a reporting module that allows authorized users to subscribe to various reports in the system. This way, key members of your organization can get reports on a daily, weekly or monthly basis with the information they need from the system. This could be deliver counts, asset locations or statuses, or summaries of the events for the week.


How do I know how many readers I need?

You will need one fixed reader per zone of coverage you wish to achieve. A common method is to cover only entrances and exits to a floor (or large area), in order to achieve floor level, or area level accuracy.

Desktop readers can be placed anywhere you want to have a tag read manually. These are often placed in archive or storage rooms, to facilitate check-in, check-out procedures.

Mobile readers are often used in "hunt and peck" locating procedures. The number you need depends largely on the size of your staff, and your own mobility requirements.


How long does an installation take?

After ordering, it will take about 4 weeks before you receive the RFID readers. After receiving the hardware, they need to be mounted and powered, which you can do at whatever pace is appropriate. Installation usually take under an hour per reader.



About the Technology

What are the components of Track Express?

Track Express can be broken up into software and hardware:

Software

The Track Express application itself is a hosted, web-based application that resides on our servers. There is no server software or middleware to install at your site; it is all managed by Cetani. Desktop readers require a small, free application that must be installed on any desktop or laptop which uses the desktop reader.

To track assets automatically, each asset requires at least one RFID tag. Track Express will work with any Gen 2 compliant passive RFID tag. In order to read the RFID tags, RFID readers are required. The software supports long range fixed readers, short range desktop readers, and mid range mobile readers. These can be purchased with the software order, or later, as the need arises.


How does my software get upgraded?

Because Track Express is hosted on our servers, software upgrades are instant and free to you. We are constantly improving our software, and that will be reflected in your installation immediately.


Do I have to use a specific RFID technology?

You can use any Gen 2 passive RFID tag from any source (this includes RFID printers). The readers however, must be ordered through us, because they are preloaded with software that allows them to communicate with Track Express.


Is my data secure?

Your data is securely stored within a database on our servers. Your data is only available to users that you authorize.


What data is being transmitted over the internet?

No descriptive information is transmitted over the internet from the readers. It is simply a reader identifier, RFID tag identifiers, and time data. No one can decipher any asset information from the data.


What is the read range of the RFID readers?

The fixed readers are equipped with a directional antenna that can read about 25', and there is an optional second antenna that is connected with a 6' cable, and has the same read range. Each of these can be mounted on a swiveling bracket.

Desktop readers are short range readers, and can only read a few inches. These are mostly used for manual reads, asset creation, or check-in, check-out.

Mobile readers can read 10' - 20', depending on the RFID tag type. They are directional, and can be used to locate an asset in a particular area.


What are the browser requirements?

Track Express can be viewed on IE 6+, FF 2.0+, and other modern web browsers. It also requires that JavaScript be enabled, and that Flash 9+ be installed.



About Payment and Service

How does the ordering and payment process work?

Submitting the online order form creates a purchase order in our system. You will then be invoiced against that purchase order. After submitting the order form you will be contacted by a representative from Cetani to discuss payment options.


Can I upgrade or downgrade later?

Yes, you can contact us at any time to upgrade, downgrade, or cancel your service.


If I cancel, do I get a refund?

Yes, refunds are given on a prorated basis. For example: if you pay for a month, but cancel in 10 days, you will be refunded for the remaining 20 days of that month.


Can payments be made annually?

Yes, payments can be collected either monthly or annually, based on buyer preference.



More Information

Why Track Express?

With over 7 years of experience in RFID and RTLS projects, hundreds of customers have successfully utilized our software platform. Over time, we've noticed the barriers to entry still exist as they did before: difficult to get pricing, long and complex project plans and many unforeseen costs. With Track Express, we hope to eliminate those barriers, and provide a solution that is simple and straightforward, so you can instantly benefit from both asset tracking and RFID.


Are there environments in which passive tags have difficulty reading?

Yes, not all environments are suited for passive RFID. The technology has improved significantly since the early 2000's, but some situations are still difficult. In particular, areas which contain significant amounts of metal may require special tags. Also, environments with large RF interference may see difficulty. We will work with you to ensure the best possible read quality.


What if I need extra help, or have custom requirements?

Cetani has worked in a large number of environments, with many different technologies. If you do need that extra help, R&D, or design work, Cetani can assist you with the needs of your particular situation.


Can you offer this service with another Technology (Active RFID, Sensors, RTLS, GPS)?

Our base Activate product works with a large number of technologies. They can all be integrated into the hosted solution but may require a proxy server or some local processing machine onsite to accommodate the needs of the hardware. Contact us for more information.


Can Track Express be installed at my site?

Our base Activate product can be installed at your site on Windows or Linux servers. Contact us for more information.