13.56 MHz Smart Labels Used for Access Control, Attendance, Asset Management and Cashless Purchases
NEW ORLEANS, LA (September 15, 2003) – The Enterprise Charter School in Buffalo, New York, founded in 2002 with an innovative interdisciplinary approach to learning, is applying that same philosophy to managing their human resources and physical assets. The public school’s more than 450 staff and students in grades K-8 are using a new identification card for access control and time and attendance that incorporates 13.56 MHz contactless radio frequency identification (RFID) technology from Texas Instruments Radio Frequency Identification (TI-RFid™) Systems. The school will use TI-RFid 13.56 MHz smart labels to identify and secure assets such as library books, laptop computers and other items. Students will also be able to make selected purchases in the cafeteria using their identification cards.
Buffalo, N.Y.-based Intuitek, the systems integrator on the project, implemented the RFID cards and readers, and integrated the technology with the school’s existing security system to create a seamless solution. As students approach stand-up kiosks at the school entrance, they present an RFID identification card, printed with their name and photo, to the reader with attached antenna embedded in the kiosk. The individual’s photo then appears on a touch-screen display and the student touches his or her own photo to verify entrance into the building. This information is then forwarded to the school’s database for attendance records, and a copy is provided in real-time to the staff in their classroom.
The staff’s TI-RFid access control cards also grant easy access to the building. When an authorized staff member’s card is presented to the TI-RFid S6420 vicinity wall plate reader at the door, it disables the lock and allows the person access to the building.
“We were able to create an effective new security solution because of the ease of integration of the TI readers and cards. We retro-fitted TI-RFid access control readers into the building’s existing security system, and are now able to provide one card for access control, security and universal identification, while at the same time enabling advanced features the school was seeking, such as automated attendance and library book checkout,” said David Straitiff, president and CEO, Intuitek.
Cards are programmed to automatically access a database, which stores information such as the student’s homeroom number, grade-level and class schedule. Within the next few months, cards will be used for asset management and cafeteria transactions. Students on the free or reduced lunch program will move through checkout at the cafeteria by presenting their card to an RFID reader verifying the student’s status in the lunch program. Library books, laptop computers and other assets will be tracked as well.
“End-users are demanding an access control solution that can also be used for multiple applications, and this implementation is an excellent example of answering that need,” said Kelly Stark, business manager, access control, Texas Instruments RFid Systems.
TI-RFid access control solutions are compliant with the ISO 15693 vicinity card standard and provide a unique, factory-programmed ID, which cannot be duplicated, ensuring that no two people are misidentified. TI-RFid access control solutions incorporate the advanced capabilities of 13.56 MHz technology, including two-way read/write communication and user programmability, at a price comparable to traditional proximity cards.
About Texas Instruments RFid Systems
Texas Instruments Radio Frequency Identification (TI-RFid™) Systems is an industry leader in radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and the world’s largest integrated manufacturer of RFID tags, smart labels and reader systems. With more than 200 million tags manufactured, TI-RFid technology is used in a broad range of applications worldwide including access control, automotive, document tracking, livestock, product authentication, retail, sports timing, supply chain, ticketing and wireless payment. For more information, contact TI-RFid at 1-888-937-6536 (North America) or +1 214-567-4364 (International), or visit the company’s Web site at www.ti-rfid.com.
Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers’ real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company’s businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries. Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at www.ti.com.
About Intuitek
Intuitek is a systems integration and product development company dedicated to real-world radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions. Intuitek unites the complementary talents of hardware and software development professionals to help our clients realize their business goals. Intuitek can offer businesses unique RFID based software and hardware solutions in many areas including: Asset Tracking; Records and Document Management; Security and Access Control;
Human Resources; and Supply Chain and Inventory Management.
Founded in February 2003, Intuitek is headquartered in Buffalo, NY. For additional information, please call (716) 566-2726, or visit www.intuitek.net. ![[end]](/resources/bullet/enterpriseidnews-4.gif)
