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ACME Energy

California Data Centers

RFID Site Survey Report

Created by Curt Squires

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Table of Contents

Purpose of this Document................................................................................................................................. 4

Terms and Definitions ...................................................................................................................................... 4

RFID Site Survey Results ................................................................................................................................... 5

RFID Tag Recommendations ......................................................................................................................... 5

On-Metal Tags ...................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Standard Tags ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Tag Placement Recommendations ................................................................................................................ 7

Metal Sever/Networking Assets ........................................................................................................................................... 7

Location Recommendations ....................................................................................................................... 14

Handheld Device Recommendation ............................................................................................................ 15

Fixed Reader Portal Recommendations....................................................................................................... 18

LA Datacenter ..................................................................................................................................................................... 22

San Diego Datacenter ......................................................................................................................................................... 24

Software Details ............................................................................................................................................ 27

System Requirements ............................................................................................................................. ... 27

Workstations ...................................................................................................................................................................... 27

Server.................................................................................................................................................................................. 27

Typical system installation architecture ............................................................................................................................. 28

Process Recommendations ......................................................................................................................... 29

Process................................................................................................................................................................................ 29

Preparation ......................................................................................................................................................................... 29

Install Location Tags............................................................................................................................................................ 30

Tag Commissioning ............................................................................................................................................................. 30

Asset Management ............................................................................................................................................................. 30

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Data Formatting Recommendations ........................................................................................................... 30

Asset Tag Format ................................................................................................................................................................ 30

Location Tag Format ........................................................................................................................................................... 31

Desktop Software Interface Overview......................................................................................................... 31

Handheld Software Interface Overview ...................................................................................................... 35

Software Integrations & Interfaces ............................................................................................................. 40

Responsibilities and Statement of Work .......................................................................................................... 40

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Purpose of this Document

ACME is implementing a data center RFID asset tracking solution. The purpose of the system is to aid in keeping

track of the various assets that are installed in the data centers and reduce the time and cost of completing asset

inventories. In addition to the mobile asset inventory solution, ACME also would like to install fixed reader portals

at the entry/exit points of the datacenters to capture tagged assets as they come and go. This document will

capture the requirements of this system and document the hardware, software and processes necessary for a

successful implementation

Terms and Definitions

In order to help keep this document precise please note the following definitions of terms and abbreviations.

AB&R – American Barcode and RFID

RFID – Radio Frequency Identification, a method of automatic identification that remotely stores and

retrieves data using special tags that contain an IC transponder and an antenna.

Passive Tags – a type of RFID technology that communicates using the RF backscatter method which is

similar to how radar works. These tags do not have their own power source and must absorb energy from

the reader before being able to communicate.

C1G2 – Class 1, Gen 2 is the current de facto standard of UHF passive RFID chip technology.

EPC – Electronic Product Code, a pre-encoded unique ID number on every passive RFID tag

Fixed Reader – A wall-mounted RFID reader that will read a tag as it is moved past.

Asset Density – the number of assets that will have an RFID tag placed on them within a given location

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RFID Site Survey Results Any successful RFID asset tracking project requires a careful match of tags and assets to ensure that optimal read

range and read reliability as well as tag survivability are achieved. Thorough testing with the intended RFID reader

of tag types and tag placements in the actual environment they are to be used is a critical step to help ensure the

success of the installed system. An RFID site survey is designed to help identify any environmental, systematic, or

procedural factors that may cause interference with the system, and provides recommendations based on field

testing for the optimal system configuration and installation. As these recommendations are based not only on

the experience of the Engineer, but also on real-world test results, deviations from them are very likely to impact

the performance of the system.

RFID Tag Recommendations Most asset populations will contain a mix of assets that will require various RFID tags be used based on the

materials they are made of. In particular, assets made of metal or containing liquids generally pose the greatest

challenge to an asset tracking system based on RFID. Fortunately, there are many tag choices available to deal

with these issues and these tag recommendations are one of the key pieces of information that result from an

RFID site survey. Listed below are some tags that worked well during testing at ACME.

On-Metal Tags

Based on our on-site visit and testing AB&R recommends that for all assets requiring tags be adhered directly to a

metal surface, ACME utilize the Xerafy Nano X II tags when there is room on the asset to place the tag. An

example of this tag is shown below:

A picture of the Nano tag next to the Confidex tag is show as well for reference as the Confidex tag appears in the

asset pictures that were taken while on-site.

For those assets that do not have a space large enough to fit the Nano tag we are recommending the Xerafy Pico-

On Plus tag. The read range for this tag is less than the Nano tag which follows the general rule with RFID tags that

the smaller the tag, the shorter the read range. Pictures of the Pico tag are below:

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The Xerafy Pico-On Plus is shown above as well as next to the Confidex tag and Nano for comparison.

This image illustrates the relative thickness of the tags.

Finally, for those assets that require the Pico tag due to space restrictions we also recommend that due to the

shorter read-range of the Pico that a secondary tag with an identical ID be installed elsewhere on the asset. This

tag is a low profile tag that can be installed on the top of an asset. This mounting position will not be useful during

inventories as is will typically be blocked while the asset is in the rack system, however if the asset is removed

from the rack this extra, longer-range tag will increase our chances of picking the asset up as it moves through the

fixed portals at the doorways. The tag we recommend for this purpose is the Omni-ID Flex AI and is shown in the

images below:

Standard Tags

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Based on our on-site visit and testing AB&R recommends that for all assets not being adhered directly to a metal

surface, ACME utilize the Repacorp 1x4 C1G2 96 bit UHF RFID paper label. An example of this tag is shown below:

Tag Placement Recommendations Based on our on-site visit and testing, AB&R is recommending the following placement of tags for the various

asset types in consideration for this project. Not every type of asset was photographed but these images should

provide a basis for similar assets.

Metal Sever/Networking Assets

Various tag placements were tested during our site visit and pictures were taken of the placements that were

deemed to provide an optimal balance of read range and reliability, convenience, aesthetics, and durability. The

most challenging assets will be network switches as usable real estate to place tags on the actual assets is

minimal. That being said, these are still only recommendations, and ACME may find there are other placements

that may work better for a given asset, but these should provide a good starting point and reference. One last

thing to note is that the RFID reader in most cases will not pick up tags that are behind a closed server rack door.

Anywhere on the front of this type of asset works well.

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Tags can also be installed vertically if necessary as seen above.

If blade enclosures are tracked as individual assets

tags can be installed vertically on the outer edge as

seen here.

The blades themselves can be tagged as seen here

depending on the space available on each particular

asset.



Some network gear will be easy to tag as seen below when there is open space on the front panel.

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Other switches leave no space on the front to fit a tag and it may be necessary to install tags on the back as seen

below.

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Generally speaking all the gear that is 1U will be the most challenging to tag. 2U gear and larger should not be a

problem finding places on the front panels for tags as seen above. In our survey we found that most of the 1U

gear will have a place for tags on the front.

One notable exception to this are the Juniper switches seen above. For situations where they are rack mounted

with space in between, tags could be installed on the top of the devices as seen below.

Alternatively, if installed in the MDF style racks, tags could be installed on the sides as seen below.

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Location Recommendations For any given asset location, the recommended

asset density is 25-30. When densities begin to

exceed this level, it begins to become cumbersome

to manage using the handheld reader. As a rule of

thumb, it is always easier (and time efficient) to

manage more locations with fewer assets per

location than to try and maximize the assets per

location.

In the datacenters, we recommend placement of

the location tags inside of the rack doors as seen

here.

In the MDF locations where no rack doors are

installed and asset density is lower, we would

recommend installing tags on the end of each row

as seen here.

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Handheld Device Recommendation

We recommend that ACME utilize the Motorola

MC3190Z handheld device to collect and manage

asset data in the field. This device currently offers

the industry standard for performance and price in

a mobile, handheld RFID reader. Details about this

device are below.



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Fixed Reader Portal Recommendations For the fixed reader portals AB&R recommends the Impinj Speedway R420 reader and accessories. Details for this

reader are below.

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LA Datacenter

Below is the first door that provides access to the secured area of the Monterey Park Datacenter.

The images above show approximate mounting locations for the antennas on the inside of the door. Antenna

cables could be run inside the walls or outside (using conduit) at ACME’s discretion.

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The images above show approximate mounting locations for the antennas on the outside of the door. Antenna


For comparison, the images below illustrate the distance away from the antenna that an asset could pass while

still being read for the different tags we tested. From left to right the tags are the Pico, the Nano, and the Flex AI.

Below is the second door that provides access to the secured area of the Monterey Park Datacenter.

To RFID enable this door we would

recommend a single four-port reader be

used with four antennas. The reader

could be wall mounted or mounted above

the ceiling tiles at ACME’s discretion. In

any case, ACME would need to provide a

network connection within 6 feet of the

chosen installation location.

Recommended antenna positions are

shown in the images below by the white

antenna.

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The images above show approximate mounting locations for the antennas on the outside of the door. Antenna


The images above show approximate mounting locations for the antennas on the inside of the door. Antenna


San Diego Datacenter

Rancho Bernardo is in a state of change regarding the physical access to the secured area and building and so we

could not survey specifically which doors should be RFID enabled at the time of our visit. The images below are

the various doors that we found which may or may not need to be covered. For pricing the solution, the cost to

ACME will be the same per door regardless of how many doors are ultimately installed.



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Any of the six doors shown above of the one seen to the left here could easily

be outfitted with a fixed reader if desired.

It would be recommended however that if it is decided that the double doors

(next to the turnstile door) need to be covered that we install the reader at

the outer door which is down the hallway seen to the left.

It was also mentioned while we were on site that the eventual “official” door

to be used for moving assets in and out of the datacenter would be at a dock

door similar to the one seen below.

If this is the case, we would like to advise that based on the width of this door

and the fact that it leads directly outside it will be difficult to RFID enable,

especially with directionality. This door would not conform to the same pricing

guidelines as the other doors shown in this report and would require a specific

survey once construction is complete.

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Software Details This section will define the installation architecture and the configuration steps that will take place in order to get

the software operating successfully on site at ACME.

System Requirements In order for the software to function as intended the following minimum requirements will need to be met.

Workstations

1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor

Microsoft Windows XP SP3 or Windows 7 (Windows 8 is not supported at this time)

200 MB available hard disk space

512 MB RAM

Please set your “Desktop Resolution” to 1024 x 768 or higher. While the software will work at lower resolutions it will require the operator to use the scroll bars more than necessary.

Server

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Any server class machine capable of running Microsoft SQL Server 2005 will be sufficient

Hard disk requirements will vary with the amount of data that is to be loaded, but 2GB minimum should be available

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 or later Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio

Typical system installation architecture

The diagram below shows how a typical installation of the SQL Server version of the software is implemented.

Windows client

interface installed

on workstations

USB

Nearfield RFID

Mobile RFID Reader

USB

USB

LAN

RFID

Chokepoint

Reader

(Optional)

LAN

SQL Server Database

(Optional)

SQL Server stores

PC Workstation

Motorola Mobile RFID

reader, Nearfield reader,

and 2D scanner are

data that is shared

with all workstations.

Can also be optionally

machine.

connected to the

workstation.

2D Barcode Scanner

The software license being proposed for ACME includes a provision for a centralized database installation on MS

SQL Server and distributed workstation installations on up to three unique machines. The database machine and

workstations should ideally be on the same subnet on a LAN, but the workstations must at the very least be able

to resolve the database by name. The database can act as one of these workstation installations if desired, but

this is not mandatory. Also, installation of the workstation software component is only required on one machine

for the system to function correctly.

The other components of the installation necessary for a complete working system are an RFID tag encoder, RFID

tags, and a mobile RFID reader. The 2D scanner is technically optional equipment but is strongly recommended as

it makes deployment of tags much easier to accomplish.

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Process Recommendations AB&R has developed a set of best practices when it comes to the process of encoding tags, assigning tags,

performing inventories and managing the data that we recommend be considered for any RFID asset tracking

installation. We have found that following these recommendations helps ease implementations and provides a

marked boost to the ROI of the project.

Process

The following implementation outline for RFID asset tracking is recommended based on past success:

• Preparation • Extract existing asset and location data • Import location data into AssetWorx • Import asset data into AssetWorx

• Install location tags • These will be pre-printed and encoded based on a list provided by ACME

• Tag commissioning • Gather pre-encoded RFID Asset tags • Scan existing asset ID with handheld device • Associate RFID tag to existing Asset ID • Synchronize the handheld with the database to populate the RFID values

• Asset Management • Perform first inventory to get accurate locations for all assets

Preparation

Preparing the data that will populate the AssetWorx database is probably the most important step in the process

because when done right it can save countless hours of work. By extracting asset information from an existing

system and then importing it into the AssetWorx asset database, ACME staff will be saved from having to

manually enter it again via the desktop interface, or gathering it on the fly in the field.

Microsoft Excel is the tool of choice for compiling, analyzing and reformatting extracted data so that it can be

imported into AssetWorx. As such, the preferred exported file types are .xls or .csv but tab, pipe, or other types of

delimited files are also acceptable.

AssetWorx has two required system fields used for tracking RFID tagged assets and additional fields that can be

user defined upon configuration of the software to track any relevant data to the assets such as manufacturer,

serial number, etc. The default fields are used to identify the existing Asset ID and the asset location, an asset

description can be optionally included as well.

Once data has been loaded into the database, the handheld device will be synchronized with it so that all location

and asset data is available and tag associations can begin.

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Install Location Tags

Location tags will be pre-encoded and labeled to match the list of locations that ACME will provide. These tags will

be the first to be installed in the field according to the recommendations detailed above. These tags will have to

be matched up one for one with the locations they belong to.

Tag Commissioning

Once location tags have been installed the next step is to tag all of the assets. Unlike the location process, the

assets will not have any tag that has been pre-assigned or labeled for it. Instead each asset will be inspected and

the tag that fits best in the physical space available will be installed. The asset will then be located on the

handheld version of AssetWorx and the installed tag will be read and associated. Once all assets have been tagged

in this manner, the handheld will once again be synchronized with the database to complete the process.

Asset Management

With all the asset information loaded into AssetWorx and the assets assigned RFID tags, the system is ready to

function in its intended role, the efficient management of asset data. It is recommended that existing location

information not be imported with the rest of the asset data, but rather that an inventory of all assets be taken

after tagging is complete in order to assign the most up to date location information to all assets. This

information may then be exported for analysis and reporting or imported back into another system.

As new assets are purchased and brought into the asset population, they will need to follow a similar RFID tag

assignment process as the one described above.

Finally, asset inventories will be periodically performed per ACME protocols using the mobile RFID reader to

update and validate the asset population’s locations and supplemental information. Prior to the inventory,

synchronization of the handheld to one of the AssetWorx workstation installations is required in order to place

the most recent asset information on the handheld.

Data Formatting Recommendations In order for the RFID reader to recognize the asset tags (and ignore any non-asset tags) they will need to be

encoded in a very specific format. The same holds true for the location tags, although the format is slightly

different. Based on previous successful implementations we recommend tag data be formatted in the following

manner:

Asset Tag Format

Asset tag ID’s must all start with the prefix “2401” and must all be a total of 24 characters long. Additionally, the

can only contain Hexadecimal data, that is the numerals 0-9 and the letters A-F. The ID number also must not

contain any special characters like dashes ‘-‘ slashes ’/’ single or double quotes, etc. In ACME’s case we are

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recommending asset tags be encoded in the following manner:

Prefix ID to barcode and encode Human Readable to print

2401C1C2C3C4C5C6C70 2401C1C2C3C4C5C6C7012345 12345

2401C1C2C3C4C5C6C70 2401C1C2C3C4C5 C6C7012346 12346

2401C1C2C3C4C5C6C70 2401C1C2C3C4C5 C6C7012347 12347

Location Tag Format

Location tag ID’s must all start with the prefix “2402” and must all be a total of 24 characters long. Additionally,

the can only contain Hexadecimal data, that is the numerals 0-9 and the letters A-F. The ID number also must not

contain any special characters like dashes ‘-‘ slashes ’/’ single or double quotes, etc. In ACME’s case we are

recommending location tags be encoded in the following manner:

Location Tag ID to barcode and encode Human Readable to print

2402C1C2C3C4C50000001001 1001

2402C1C2C3C4C50000001002 1002

Desktop Software Interface Overview The desktop software is a .NET application that runs on the Windows platform. In the typical installation a desktop

icon is created that looks like a treasure chest as seen below:

Once launched the software prompts the user for credentials before allowing access:

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The default credentials are:

Username = admin

Password = demo

After logging in, additional users can be added by clicking on the Users tab in the interface:

To create new entities in the software whether it is a user, asset, location or something else you simply click on

the big green plus sign at the top of the screen next to the word New. Users and their credentials can be

maintained from the user tab as well by double clicking on the desired user.

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Username and Password are the only

required fields on the New User

interface.

Administrators have full access to all

features of the software while operators

have read only access.

Once the appropriate users have been created in the system, the next area to focus on would be the unique user

data. This is typically contained in come external system or software and is usually imported into AssetWorx.

Start with the Location tab as seen below:

By default this table will be empty until locations are imported or entered using the New button. Imports are

completed via CSV files by clicking on the Import button at the bottom left of the screen.

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Once you have an export of your

locations saved to a CSV file, browse to

where you have saved it on your

computer and complete the Import

wizard procedure to populate the

Locations table.

For Locations, only the “Name” field is

required and it must be unique.

The next place to work after Locations have been loaded is the Assets tab seen below:

Assets can also be imported into the system in the same manner as the locations were using CSV files and the

Import button at the bottom of the screen.

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The only required fields for assets are the Name field which must be unique, and the Location field, all other asset

information is optional.

Handheld Software Interface Overview The handheld software is also Windows based and runs on RFID enabled devices from Motorola running the

Windows Mobile OS including the MC3190z. The icon used to launch the software on the handheld device is also a

treasure chest as seen below:

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Once launched, the handheld software

defaults to the Scan Room form seen

here from which users are able to take

asset inventories.

As RFID tags are found by the device, the

software will start to check them off and

color them in green. Items that have not

yet been scanned will appear in orange.

Items that are selected in the interface

will show in dark blue, while items that

were seen in this location but expected to

be elsewhere by the software will appear

in light blue.

Items colored in pink are RFID tags seen

by the handheld device that have not

been entered in the software or assigned

to an asset.

Light blue items can be moved to the

current location if they are truly there by

tapping and holding on the asset.

Pink items can be created as new assets

on the handheld if desired using the same

method.

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Tapping on the Home button from the

Scan Room form will display the form

seen here.

Licenses are managed from the About

AssetWorx! button.

This is also the way to close the program

using the Exit AssetWorx! button.

Tapping on the Tasks 2 tab at the bottom

of the screen will give the user access to

the functions seen here.

The Associate RFID button is used to

create a link between an existing asset

and an RFID tag that is being attached to

it.

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Software Integrations & Interfaces Out of the box, AssetWorx does not interface or integrate directly with any external systems. It is typically used as

a standalone rapid asset data collection tool which can accept CSV data imports and provide CSV data exports for

use in reporting tools or external systems.

The data structure is housed in MS SQL Server tables which are open and available for connecting or querying by

external systems or reporting tools. Developers are free to create links to the data contained in the tables if

desired but there are no API’s to extend or alter the functionality of the software directly.

AB&R also offers integration professional services and can provide quotes for doing this work if desired.

A full system user guide with screenshots is included with the installed software and reviewed with users during

system training after the software is installed.

Responsibilities and Statement of Work The following will be performed by American Barcode and RFID:

Software installation of AssetWorx RFID Asset Tracking application

o Includes database installation on a central SQL Server Database and configuration of front end interface to point to the database

This particular configuration will be installed on up to 3 total workstations o Includes installation of the mobile version of the software on up to 3 total handheld devices (MC

3190Z) o An ACME technical resource will need to be available during the install to provide administrative

access to the servers and workstations where software is to be installed and configured.

Software installation and testing of RFID encoding software for The Block.

Physical installation and testing of DS6707 2D scanner.

Physical installation, configuration and tuning of fixed RFID readers (specific count not identified) and up to four antennas per reader based on per door cost identified below.

o Does not include running network cable to the reader install location o Does not include running antenna cable inside walls

Training for an ACME resource on the use of all components of the solution.

The following will be performed and/or provided by ACME:

Please ensure there is a system administrator with administrative install rights to all machines receiving software installations available to the AB&R resource at the time of installation

Please ensure there is a MS Windows based Database Server available running Win XP SP2 or later with a static IP address

o This computer will also need a version of MS SQL Server 2005 installed (default instance preferred)

Please ensure there is a user named “sa” and record the password

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o This computer will also need to have SQL Server Management Studio installed

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Please ensure there are up to 3 MS Windows based Workstations available running Win XP SP2 or later

o These computers will need to have the following prerequisites installed prior to AB&R’s arrival: .Net Framework 3.5 and all relevant Windows service packs Microsoft Active Sync 4.5 or Microsoft Mobile Device Center (for Win7 machines)

If ACME requires that antenna cables be run inside walls, they will need to arrange for this work to be completed by a qualified contractor of their choice

ACME will need to ensure there is an Ethernet connection within 6 feet of the installation location of every fixed reader.

o The other end of this connection will need to either plug into a POE capable switch or have 110v A/C power available within 6 feet of where the Ethernet cable terminates for a POE injector to be installed.

The following will be performed by both ACME and American Barcode:

Thorough testing of the entire installed system to ensure correct operation.

The following can optionally be performed by American Barcode:

These tasks are all included in the optional per tag cost listed below under encoding and tagging services

o Placement of live RFID tags on the existing asset population and locations o Completion of first inventory to update locations in the database

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