Engineering laboratory inventory management system using cloud and RFID technology: Conceptual approach in KDU University College

Abstract

As quality standards are an integral part of the higher educational system; this project’s focus is on computerizing inventory management quality processes by using cloud architecture and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology dominantly to ensure accountability on University’s valuable assets as well as ensuring engineering laboratory consistency of performance on teaching and learning process. Radio Frequency Identification, which is a “contactless technology” has gain popularity due to its ability to scan multiple devices at a rapid pace, user friendly to end-user and has add-on security values. Due to these characteristics, RFID is considered to be the potential successor of barcode and may complement or replace barcode. This study presents a two prong approach: first optimizing advancement of internet of technology in creating an efficiency database that renders a secure and efficient inventory asset management system; secondly innovatively notify the laboratory staff of calibration and maintenance work schedule of each test and measurement equipment; In this project, system software and prototype are used which crucially involve RFID tag and reader. The RFID tag contains each individual devices’ information which will be transmitted via a long distance radio frequency to a cloud storage. This prototype will enable the assigned technical staff to have ready access to all technical specification information of the equipment more specifically its maintenance schedule and next calibration date. A real time notification will be propagated via a SMS mechanism to the technical support staff in the event it detects movement of equipment out of the engineering laboratory. Hence, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of the system in adhering to compliance of quality process requirements.As quality standards are an integral part of the higher educational system; this project’s focus is on computerizing inventory management quality processes by using cloud architecture and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology dominantly to ensure accountability on University’s valuable assets as well as ensuring engineering laboratory consistency of performance on teaching and learning process. Radio Frequency Identification, which is a “contactless technology” has gain popularity due to its ability to scan multiple devices at a rapid pace, user friendly to end-user and has add-on security values. Due to these characteristics, RFID is considered to be the potential successor of barcode and may complement or replace barcode. This study presents a two prong approach: first optimizing advancement of internet of technology in creating an efficiency database that renders a secure and efficient inventory asset management system; secondly innovatively notify the laboratory staff of calibration and mai...