BR102016003266A2 - SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REAL-TIME ASSET MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL - Google Patents

Description

Field of Application [001] The present invention applies to the field of Hardware and Software Engineering, more particularly it relates to a system and method of information and control of assets in real time. real.

For a better understanding of the descriptive report, here are some terms, expressions, and acronyms used in it: Active - in the context of the invention is every physical object of a company that can be controlled, such as machinery, tools. , materials, merchandise, buildings, rooms, among others; for example, IT equipment: servers, storage, switches, computers, monitors, keyboards, telephones, etc .; Equipment used in the production process: various tools and machines; furniture: tables, chairs etc .;

[004] Asset Management - Practices used by companies in their asset control process, ie managing the entire life cycle of an asset from acquisition to disposal. This type of management considers all controls necessary to ensure the recording of details and values of an asset, which must be consistent with the data recorded in the system / software used, and ensure the control of input and output, replacements and reconciliation of the asset. stock balance as well as management and safety during its period of use, storage or transportation.

[005] Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) refers to methods of automatically identifying objects, collecting data about them, and adding that data directly to computer systems (ie without human involvement). ). Technologies typically considered as part of AIDC include bar code, radio frequency identification (RFID), biometrics, magnetic card, optical character recognition, smart card and speech recognition.

[006] RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) - Radio frequency identification.

State of the Art [007] Enterprise asset management has been handled through intensive manual processes with spreadsheets and outdated systems, generating inaccurate information, outdated data, lack of visibility, excessive time to perform operational tasks and failures. of security.

In fact, according to Aderdeen Group (Aberdeen Group, Inc. 2004, RFID-Enabled Logistics Asset Management. Improving Capital Utilization, Increasing Availability, and Lowering Total Operational Costs, June 2004, Boston, Massachusetts) more than 50% of businesses use intensive, error-prone manual processes to conduct inventory of IT assets. According to Verizonbusiness (Data Breach Investigation Report, 2008), 39% of information leaks over four years of observation were due to the loss or theft of IT equipment and, according to Gartner (Gartner Research, Don't overlook opportunities to save costs on ITAM, 2008), 20% of software license costs and hardware maintenance contracts are due to equipment that is no longer in use.

Concerning the security provided by known IT systems, even those using the latest technologies are equally inappropriate and unable to monitor and protect valuables. Inaccurate and late information does not help in making timely decisions to avoid theft and misplacement.

[010] In fact, manual or visual human inspection is dependent on error-prone actions, with concern for people's privacy, making it impractical in everyday life. Wire ropes with fixed locks, in turn, are subject to tampering, being merely a physical alternative, devoid of intelligence, which makes this option ineffective. Software-based virtual agents work only with smart devices, requiring equipment connectivity and taking about three months for asset recovery, which makes this option inefficient and restricted. Finally, wired sensors require complex configurations, completely customized designs and installation times, are inflexible and have limited coverage, which also makes this option inefficient and restricted.

[011] A recent state-of-the-art survey has uncovered a number of patent documents which present some relevant methods discussed below.

[012] US88420213 - METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRACKING OBJECTS AND PEOPLE describes an identification, tracking and supervision system for object management in police stations and courts, which utilizes software-complemented RFID technology, database-related applications, networking technologies and hardware elements. The system (known by the acronym ALTSS) locates and tracks objects, goods, document folders or sheets and people in near real time. It can be integrated into a LAN or WAN, use the Internet and employ components such as RFID transponders, scanners, strategically located antennas and computers. Registered users can access ALTSS directly or remotely via the Internet to verify the location and movement of items of interest. This method has some shortcomings, one of which is that it does not allow the use of active RFID transponders, which limits the readability and accuracy. In addition, system connectivity is limited by not communicating directly with the cloud via, for example, the cellular network.

[013] US6662068 Patent Document - Real time total asset visibility System describes a system and method for real-time inventory management comprising active and passive tags as well as readers distributed in the monitored area which communicate with a central controller that processes information to determine the existence, location, and / or movement of items associated with RFID tags. This method has some shortcomings such as relying on the wake up signal sent by the host readers to wake up the tags and only then will the tags begin to communicate. If this signal is not detected by the tag, it is no longer identified by the system.

[014] Patent Document US7397376 - Object tracking method and system using tags describes a method and system applicable primarily to document control. Initially, a processing flow is established for each document using a state diagram. This flow specifies a subset of allowed destinations for the document, as well as the sequence of steps of the path. An RFID tag is attached to the document allowing you to track it by detecting its passage by readers placed on the route and at destination points, allowing you to determine its location in real time. A comparison between said location and the state diagram makes it possible to check whether the document is in or out of the processing flow and, if so, an alarm is triggered. Among the drawbacks presented by this method can be cited the fact that the timeout timeout for the detection of reading in each step is not delimited, leaves the system "stopped" waiting for the flow to be obeyed, even if It may never be due to a pause in document routing and / or RFID reading failure, since the transponders used are exclusively passive.

[015] Publication W02006084373 entitled USE OF L0CATI0N AWARENESS TO DETECT POTENTIALLY SUSPICIOUS MOTION OR PRESENCE OF EQUIPMENT IN A HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT deals with the detection of potentially uneven movement of equipment in hospitals or the like. However, the method and system are usable in other areas where it is necessary to control any theft or misplacement of items or documents. The system comprises several databases comprising information about the professionals and their duties, the patients, the equipment, and so on. The use of RFID tags associated with each item or person as well as reading equipment distributed by the establishment allows to determine if an equipment is being moved by an authorized person and in an area suitable for its use in order to thwart theft attempts. Among the drawbacks presented by this method is the possibility, in the event of theft, of removing the transponder from the equipment without alerting the system about this violation, causing it to be undetected.

[016] 0 US2011276440 - System for Generating and Delivering Both Real-Time and Historical Analytical Reports for Data Captured Through Sensor Related Technology describes a method and business intelligence system that captures real-time data to generate analytical and historical reports. It is based on RFID technology that captures the x, y, and z coordinates of an item such as an object or person. Such data is transmitted to computational means which, through the use of applications, algorithms, business rules and SQL are capable of producing reports in real time. The system, however, does not allow predictive analysis of the data obtained, being restricted to being a BI tool, but not of planning.

Objectives of the Invention The primary object of the present invention is to provide a real time asset tracking, monitoring and management system using RFID, smartphones, tablets and cloud systems that is agile, reliable, high availability, pervasive. and timely.

[018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that enables large and midsize businesses to track, locate and manage their assets in real time.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an efficient method and system, capable of assisting companies and individuals to control and monitor their assets.

[020] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for managing a plurality of IT assets, and other fixed assets, inventories, commodities, with precision, high reliability, efficiency, visibility and security.

[021] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a fast and effective method for inventorying an asset park.

The above described objectives are achieved by the invention through a system and method of process automation with real-time information via RFID technology that provides reliable information, real-time data updates, visibility. total environment and customer-configurable monitoring alarms.

[023] RFID technology, developed in the 1980s, has in recent years undergone technological innovations with significant cost savings due to scale gains, and is currently the main AIDC (Automatic Identification and Data Capture) technology.

[024] This technology has been very useful in the market because it has the ability to remotely track significant volumes of moving object information and has superior accuracy, speed, volume of information and mobility.

[025] Systems using RFID technology are software and hardware. Hardware is responsible for capturing information and software for processing it. Hardware components are handheld readers, fixed readers, antennas, and electronic tags.

[026] Fixed readers are attached to antennas and can be mounted on a portal. They capture the information contained in tags affixed to objects and transmit it to the software for processing.

[027] The reading is made by the reader, which transmits, via antennas, a signal at a certain UHF (Ultra High Frequency) frequency, usually in the 800 MHz to 950 MHz range, which is absorbed by the tag, causing it energizes and activates the microprocessor contained therein, which transmits information back to the reader at the same frequency.

[028] The transmission procedure described above consists of passive tags, ie those that are energized by the incident radiation itself. There are also semi-passive tags and active tags, which are battery powered and emit their own radiation, regardless of external excitation.

[029] Generally, the system proposed by the invention comprises a plurality of passive RFID technology tags and badges, a TAGS asset identification, tracking and monitoring system, a plurality of portable RFID readers, RFID portals. for data capture, a local or cloud server containing the computer system platform of the invention for processing and providing the processed information, and a set of applications, algorithms, business rules and databases for providing web services .

[030] The method of the invention generally comprises a set of procedures which are performed by the system modules for the creation of the database, the association of RFID Tags with the registered assets, installation and registration of the active sensors, asset selection and tag reading, configuration of monitoring and alarm generation rules, management reporting and the provision of various services via the web.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred embodiment, given by way of example rather than limitation, and from the accompanying figures, wherein: [1] Figure 1 is a diagram of the system platform architecture of the invention.

[033] Figure 2 illustrates the database creation module.

[034] Figure 3 illustrates the RFID Tag association module with registered assets.

[035] Figure 4 illustrates the environment content update / inventory module.

[036] Figure 5 illustrates the legacy asset management system upgrade module.

Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention In a preferred embodiment the system of the invention is comprised of: a) a plurality of RFID technology tags and badges; b) a plurality of devices previously associated with IT assets; c) an IT asset identification system through TAGS; d) a plurality of portable RFID readers and RFID portals for data capture; e) a server containing the computer system platform of the invention (ARTIS) for processing and providing the treated information; f) a set of applications (ARTIS apps) for providing services via the web.

[038] The method of the invention, in a preferred embodiment, is composed of a set of procedures that are performed by the system modules.

In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the following modules: (a) DB creation and / or import module. (b) TAG RFID association module with registered assets. (c) Agile environment content update / inventory module (room, racks, cabinets, etc.). (d) Legacy asset management system upgrade module via DB integration and / or export. (e) Alarm configuration module parameterized according to the customer's needs and business rules [040] The Database Creation module comprises the following steps: - Integration with the legacy data management system. active; - Import of legacy system database, and - Individual characterization of each asset, location, cost center, environment etc. - Include in the Asset Database the main information, such as type, brand, model, manufacturer and other customizable attributes, etc. - Affix RFID tag to asset - Include in the Location Database the cost center information and other environments.

[041] The Registered Asset RFID Tag Association module (b) comprises the following steps: - Visually obtain any information that uniquely identifies the asset (equity number, etc.) - With univocal identification, perform asset search - Assets available for registration are presented Selecting the found asset and reading the RFID tag - Associating read RFID tag with the asset record [042] 0 Environment Content Update / Inventory module (c) comprises the following steps: - Select environment , location, cost center, room, rack or any other information whose content you want to update - Read environment assets with handheld RFID reader - Read assets and their RFID tag codes are displayed. - Update Assets in Environments [043] The Asset Management Legacy System Update (d) module comprises the following steps: - Import Asset Information Worksheet - Export Asset Information Worksheet by registering them in the system [044] The Parameterized Alarm Configuration module (e) comprises the following steps: - Create new alarm; - Name the alarm; - Select the type of asset for which the rule will be configured; - Select the action on the asset you want to monitor; - Select the RFID readers involved in the action to be monitored; - Configure the logical rule between RFID Readers, selected actions, and selected asset types. - Select the system user to be notified if the rule is met; - Select the means by which the user will be notified (SMS or Email).

Thus, according to the invention, the system locates, tracks and watches physical assets such as computers, servers, laptops, storages, switches, tablets, racks and people in Datacenters and Data Processing Centers as well as assets. Fixed Assets in General Business [046] The system uses passive RFID technology that enables tags to communicate with readers without the need for batteries, but with the energy provided by the readers themselves.

Readers can, in addition to communicating with the LAN, communicate directly with the Internet (Cloud servers), including using the cellular telephone network.

[047] The main features of the system proposed by the invention are as follows: [048] - Type Master: Types are the possible asset classes. The system is flexible enough to register any type: computer, desktop, server, switch, table, chair, phone, etc. that is, any IT item, furniture, or machinery;

[049] - Asset Master Data: Consists of the specific asset corresponding to a type. For example, within the type "server" could be registered the active "server 12345" that would be unique;

[050] - Importing the asset base from another legacy system: The type and asset database can be imported from any other system used by the client via file (.csv) or via webservices technology integration .;

[051] - Asset association to RFID transponder: It consists of, once the asset is registered in the base of the system, can associate in field, through the portable RFID reader, the RFID transponder corresponding to this asset;

[052] - Asset Inventory by Rack: Consists of a handheld RFID reader process and application that reads the rack RFID transponder and reads all equipment present in it via its RFID transponders, updating its contents in the system;

[053] - Inventory of assets by cost center and location;

[054] - Tracking application read event log: All rack inventory actions and ticket readings are logged in a tracking application, log;

[055] - Configuration of alarms parameterized according to the customer's needs and business rules: It consists of an application developed for this purpose that allows the user to configure logical rules that can be alarmed, sending e-mail or sms to the users. users of interest. For example, in Datacenters one of the interesting business rules to monitor is whether an asset (server, switch, storage, etc.) has entered an environment and not been installed in a rack (racks are specific IT equipment installation racks). . In this case it uses the app to set up a dynamic rule of type "IF" [ACTIVE] "READ ON" [READER] "AND" "UNREAD ON" [RACK] "THEN SEND ALARM TO" [EMAILS AND SMS] . The quoted actions are configurable via the system and the variables in brackets relate to the customer environment. In the end this rule becomes a regular expression that the system keeps monitoring to see if it is obeyed and can take action;

[056] - Exporting asset movement and location history: Consists of exporting all asset movements either consolidated or separated by asset or separated by fixed reader.

[057] In short, the system of the invention was developed for IT assets, for Datacenters. The system of the invention not only generates read alerts, but also not read and readout timeout from point to point, not only for a fixed reader, but also for mobile readers and other system events such as "If you read it in a ticket and it wasn't inventoried in a rack within an hour, alert and email those people." Such rules are dynamically configured by an alert configurator, which allows for high flexibility.

[058] The system provides configuration of parameterized alarms according to customer needs and business rules.

[059] The method is performed by a specially developed application, which allows the user to configure logical rules, which if met, can alarm by sending email or SMS to the users of interest.

[060] For example, in Datacenters, one of the important business rules to monitor is whether an asset (server, switch, storage, etc.) has entered an environment and not been installed in a rack (racks are specific equipment for installing IT equipment).

[061] In this case it uses the app to set up a dynamic rule of type "IF" [ACTIVE] "READ ON" [READER] "AND" "UNREAD ON" [RACK] "THEN SEND ALARM TO" [E-MAILS And SMS]. As already commented, the actions in quotation marks are configurable via system and the variables in brackets refer to the customer environment.

In the end, this rule becomes a regular expression that the system monitors to see if it is obeyed and to take action in each case.

Description of a Second Preferred Embodiment of the Invention In a preferred embodiment the system of the invention is comprised of: a plurality of tags with passive RFID technology;

[064] - a plurality of fixed assets;

[065] - a fixed asset identification system by means of TAGS;

[066] - A plurality of RFID Portable Readers with Bluetooth communication for Smartphone and Tablet integration.

[067] - A plurality of Smartphone [068] - a cloud server containing the computer system platform of the invention for processing and providing the treated information;

[069] - A set of applications for the provision of services via the web.

[070] The method of the invention, in a preferred embodiment, is composed of a set of procedures that are performed by the system modules.

[071] In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the following modules: (a) New Asset Registration Module. (b) DB creation and / or import module. (c) TAG RFID association module with registered fixed assets. (d) Agile update / inventory module of the assets of a location or cost center. (e) Legacy asset management system upgrade module via DB integration and / or export.

(f) Asset Search Module from RFID Tag Readings

[072] The new asset registration module (a) comprises the following steps: - Filling in the application registration fields in the smartphone application; - Send information to server; - Asset insertion in the base;

[073] Database Creation module (b) comprises the following steps: - Integration with the legacy asset management system - ERP; - Import of legacy system database, and - Individual characterization of each asset, location, cost center, environment etc. - Include in the Asset Database the main information, namely, fixed asset category, asset description, equity number. - Affix RFID tag to asset. - Include in the Location Database the cost center information and other environments.

[074] The Registered Assets RFID Tag Association module (c) comprises the following steps: - Visually obtain some information that uniquely identifies the asset (equity number, etc.) - With univocal identification, perform asset search - Assets available for enrollment are displayed Selecting the found asset and reading the RFID tag - Associating read RFID tag with the asset master record [075] The Location / Cost Center Update / Inventory module (d) comprises the following steps: - Select environment, location, cost center to update - Read environment assets with portable RFID reader - The assets read and known at that location or cost center are displayed along with their information, their RFID tag codes; - The assets read and unknown in that location or cost center are presented, with their data, in another tab, allowing or not associating it with the inventoried location and / or cost center; - The tags read, but without registration, are presented in the tab "unknown assets", allowing to know if there are RFID tags in the location or cost center that were not associated with any registration.

[076] The Legacy Asset Management System Update module (e) comprises the following steps: - Import Asset Information Worksheet - Export Asset Information Worksheet by registering them in the system [077] f) Searching for an asset by reading its RFID Tag comprises the following steps: - On the smartphone select the asset from that location you want to search; - Press the trigger of the handheld RFID reader integrated in the smartphone and walk pointing the reader in different directions until you start to hear beeps; - Point the reader while holding the trigger in the direction in which the beeps are heard - Walk towards the most frequent beeps until the active is found [078] Thus, according to the invention, the system locates, tracks and watches assets such as computers, servers, laptops, storage, switches, tablets, racks, and people, in data centers and data processing centers.

[079] The system utilizes passive RFID technology that enables tags to communicate with readers without the need for batteries, but with the readers' own power. Readers can, in addition to communicating with the LAN, communicate directly with the Internet (Cloud servers), including using the cellular telephone network.

[080] The main features of the system proposed by the invention are presented as follows: - Type Register: Types are the possible asset classes. The system is dynamic enough to register any type: computer, desktop, server, switch, desk, chair, phone, etc. that is, any IT item, furniture, or machinery; - Asset Master Data: Consists of the specific asset corresponding to a type. For example, within the type "server" could be registered the active "server 12345" that would be unique; - Importing the asset base from another legacy system: The type and asset database can be imported from any other system used by the client via file (.csv) or via webservices technology integration .; - Asset association to RFID transponder: Once the asset is registered at the base of the system, it is possible to associate in the field, through the portable RFID reader, the RFID transponder corresponding to this asset;

Rack Asset Inventory: Consists of a handheld RFID reader process and application that reads the rack's RFID transponder and reads all equipment present in it via its RFID transponders, updating its contents in the system; - Tracking application read event log: All rack inventory actions and ticket readings are logged in a tracking application, log; - Search for asset not found through portable reader and beeps - Export movement history and asset locations: Consists of exporting all asset movements either consolidated or separated by asset or separated by fixed reader.

[081] In summary, the system of the invention was developed for fixed assets, for companies in general with significant fixed asset volume on their balance sheet.

[082] The method is executed by a specially developed application, which allows the user to configure logical rules, which if met, can alarm by sending email or SMS to the users of interest.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to those particular embodiments. Rather, it is intended to cover all possible alternatives and equivalents within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (17)

1. REAL-TIME ASSET MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL SYSTEM characterized by comprising a plurality of tags and badges with RFID technology, means of identification, tracking and monitoring comprising TAGS, RFID reading devices, server containing computer system platform to handle and make information available, and a set of applications, algorithms, business rules, and databases for web services. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that said tags comprise passive, semi-active and active tags. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that said reading devices are fixed. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that said reading devices are portable. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that said tags comprise individual identification codes. A system according to claim 5, characterized in that said tags comprise means for exchanging information with said RFID reading devices. System according to claim 1, characterized in that said server is a local server. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that said server is a cloud server. 9. METHOD FOR REAL-TIME ASSET MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL characterized by the fact that it comprises the following modules: - DB creation and / or import module; - RFID tag association module with registered assets; - Update module and inventory of physical environment content and cost center; - Legacy asset management system upgrade module via BD integration and export. - Alarm configuration module parameterized according to customer needs and business rules. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that said physical environment comprises rooms, racks, cabinets and the like. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises: New asset registration module; - Asset search module from reading the respective RFID tag. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that said registered assets comprise fixed assets. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that said BD creation module comprises the following steps: - Integrate with the legacy asset management system; - Import legacy system database; - Individually characterize each asset, with respect to location, cost center and environment; - Include in the Asset Database the main information, including type, brand, model, manufacturer and other customizable attributes; - affix the RFID tag to the asset; Include in the Database information regarding physical locations and cost centers. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that said TAG RFID association module with registered assets comprises the following steps: - Visually obtain information that uniquely identifies the asset, comprising the equity number. - With this unique identification, perform search for the asset; - Select, among the assets available for registration, the asset found and read the RFID tag; - Associate the RFID tag read with the asset register. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that said Environment Content Update / Inventory module comprises the following steps: - Selecting information whose content is to be updated, comprising location, cost center, room, rack; - Read environmental assets with portable RFID reader; - Present the read assets and their RFID tag codes; - Update the assets present in the environments. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that said Legacy Asset Management System Update module comprises the following steps: - Importing spreadsheet with information about the assets; Export spreadsheet with information about assets by registering them in the system. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that said alarm configuration module parameterized according to the customer's need and its business rules comprises the following steps: - Creating a new alarm; - Name the alarm; - Select the type of asset for which the rule will be configured; - Select the action on the asset you want to monitor; - Select the RFID readers involved in the action to be monitored; - Configure the logical rule between RFID Readers, selected actions, and selected asset types. - Select the system user to be notified if the rule is met; - Select the means by which the user will be notified (SMS or Email).