
As a part of our ongoing effort to improve U-M’s inventory processes, we’ve partnered with HCA Asset Management, LLC to conduct a retagging of capital equipment with new RFID technology. The retagging effort will be completed in conjunction with the biennial inventory for FY 2023. The inventory and retagging, which will begin on July 11, 2022, will include the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses.
RFID Retagging Schedule by Building
RFID Interchanges Slides
The new RFID technology will enable U-M to improve its processes and reduce the administrative burden on departments that results from the biennial inventory. Once the inventory and retagging are complete, the data in the M-Pathways Asset Management Module will be updated, a process that’s expected to be completed by December 2022.
Note: All units on the Ann Arbor campus will be included with the exception of Michigan Medicine. At Michigan Medicine, only the Medical School will be included in the inventory and retagging effort.
The new tags will be passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). This is a wireless system comprised of two components: tags and readers. The tags use radio waves to communicate their identity and other information to nearby readers. These will be passive RFID tags, which must be read by the reader and do not have a battery. The reader is a device that emits radio waves at a short range and receives signals back from the tag.
Universal Micro
With a small footprint and low profile, the Universal Micro RFID Tag easily fits where other tags are too big and obtrusive. The tags are 1 7/8” x 5/8” in size.
Server Rack
Also called flag tags, these will adhere to the top or side of the server. Tag numbers and barcode will be visible even when the servers are in their racks. The tags are 3" x 2" in size, with approximately .035” total tag thickness.
Up to 9 ft read range on metal and 4-5 ft on plastic, wood, and glass.
Non-rigid, durable, foam core with a polyester construction overlay for the barcode, tag sequence, and logo.
The new tags will use passive signals. They do not contain their own power source and will only send out a signal when triggered by an RFID reader.
The barcodes are produced using the latest high-resolution digital technology available, providing excellent clarity for reading and easy scanning.
No. Studies have shown that even the longest exposure to RFID tags does not have any negative consequences of health. This has been reviewed by the FDA.
No. The tags used a custom-designed UHF inlay which uses an Alien Higgs-EC chip customized for use at 915 MHZ. If your lab uses this frequency, please notify Property.Control@umich.edu.