Case Study
Onsite |RFID |Barcode
OnSite Central Ltd is a specialist contracting company providing services to the water, wastewater, and infrastructure sectors across the UK. Established in 1977, the company offers expertise in drainage, sewer rehabilitation, pipeline maintenance, trenchless technologies, and environmental solutions. They work with water companies, local authorities, and industrial clients to deliver innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for maintaining and improving essential infrastructure.
Enhancing Asset and Inventory Management at OnSite Central
OnSite Central faced challenges with tracking water monitoring equipment, particularly high-value items that were not being returned and were often getting lost. To address these issues, we implemented two cloud-based tracking solutions:
The initial system is a Cloud-Based RFID Tracking for Water Monitoring Equipment – We implemented a cloud-based RFID system to manage high-value equipment. Each item is fitted with rugged RFID tags, designed to withstand harsh environments like sewers and outdoor conditions. Unlike barcodes, RFID tags don’t require direct line-of-sight and can be scanned from a distance, allowing for faster and more accurate tracking. The system also allows multiple items to be scanned simultaneously, improving efficiency. The cloud-based infrastructure provides real-time visibility of all equipment across OnSite Central’s operations, enabling better management and oversight. With cloud access, stock takes that previously took days can now be completed in just 30 minutes. This solution has also helped ensure that equipment is returned on time, reducing the risk of loss.
Following the success of the RFID system, a cloud-based barcode system was implemented to streamline the management of consumables and PPE, further enhancing inventory control and accountability across the organisation. Each employee is assigned to a specific department, and the system tracks their allocated equipment, ensuring responsibility and accountability. Employees must sign digitally for any items taken, and a supervisor PIN system restricts excessive withdrawals, reducing waste and preventing unnecessary stock accumulation. The system also provides a summary of transactions by department, allowing each team to be accountable for its expenditure, promoting cost-effective resource management.
These systems were built on our standard AR-Track architecture, with bespoke features tailored to OnSite Central’s specific business requirements. This flexible foundation enabled us to adapt and integrate the RFID and barcode systems seamlessly, solving unique operational challenges.
These solutions have not only minimised losses but also helped reduce excessive waste, saving OnSite Central valuable resources and money. With the added benefit of real-time, cloud-based access, OnSite Central has gained better control, improved efficiency, and enhanced accountability across its operations.
RFID TAgs
Water monitoring equipment is fitted with a rugged RFID tag, designed to withstand harsh environments like sewers.
Mobile RFID readers
Handheld RFID scanners enables employees to quickly scan items, reducing the time spent on stock takes and improving equipment tracking in real-time. This system allows for automatic tracking of multiple items simultaneously, enhancing efficiency.
Barcode Readers
Bluetooth barcode readers are used to identify PPE and consumables.
Bespoke Client Software
The cloud-based software enables OnSite Central to efficiently manage water monitoring equipment, consumables, and PPE. The system allows easy tracking of equipment usage, departmental expenditure, and equipment transactions. The software also supports detailed reports on asset allocation, inventory levels, and usage history, helping OnSite Central optimise stock control and prevent waste.
database
A cloud based SQL Server database was chosen to ensure fast, reliable data access while maintaining full control over security, performance, and system integration.
solution summary
Water monitoring equipment was not being returned and was often going missing.
The Solution
RFID Tracking for Equipment – Implemented a cloud-based RFID system with rugged tags to track equipment in and out of the workshop, vans, and back, reducing loss and improving visibility.
Stock takes for equipment and inventory were time-consuming, taking days to complete.
The Solution
The cloud-based RFID system enabled ad-hoc stock takes to be completed in 30 minutes, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency.
There was an overstock of consumables and PPE, leading to waste and unnecessary costs.
The Solution
Introduced a cloud-based barcode system to manage consumables and PPE, ensuring better control and reducing overstock and waste.
There was no clear way to track and allocate costs to specific departments for consumables and PPE usage.
The Solution
The system allows real-time transaction summaries by department, ensuring each team is responsible for its expenditure and promoting cost-effective resource management.