Goedert, J D; Foster, E T; Jewell, J and Bartek, J (2009) Automated tool tracking on the construction site. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 5(1), pp. 12-23. ISSN 1557-8771
Abstract
Construction companies need to find a balance between the cost of lost or stolen tools and equipment and the cost associated with tracking them. The objective of this research was to develop a tool and/or equipment management system using a construction gangbox modified with a radio frequency identification reader, antennas, and custom communication hardware and software. The system allows users to automatically check in or out tagged tools and/or equipment. It was laboratory tested for functionality using 50 tools over varying read times and found to be both accurate and reliable. The prototype costs are discussed along with potential cost reductions and improvements. The system can be extended to include materials and has the potential for use in industries other than construction.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | identification; RFID; security; theft loss prevention; tools |
| Index terms: | theft, hardware, construction site, construction company, prototype, cost reduction, functionality, laboratory, radio frequency identification, equipment management, prevention |
| Subjects: | criminal law, economics, operational management, modelling and simulation, financial risk, design features, research management, work location, computer hardware, organization, digital technology |
| Topics: | Cost Management, Legal Issues, Business Strategy, Plant and Equipment, Site Management, Engineering Principles, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 2 PC |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here