Omni-ID: Smart Tagging in Harsh Environments

Today, the Internet of Things (IoT) revolution has redefined business-to-consumer (B2C) industries such as media, retail, and financial services. IoT is drastically transforming the ways we interact. However, its applications are not yet realized in utilities. “The concept of IoT is applicable to every industry, but to a large extent utilities have not utilized any of the IoT technologies,” begins Ed Nabrotzky, Chief Solutions Officer, Omni-ID.

From telephone and electric companies to oil & gas organizations, tracking assets is a challenge. New York based Omni-ID is steering the IoT revolution in utilities and helping these customers meet the challenge of connecting with their user base. The company delivers comprehensive asset tracking and material flow management solutions with their Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) and e-paper technologies. “Creating smart assets that can be easily counted, inventoried, deployed and billed adds a lot of value. This is especially true when high value assets spread around wide areas or multiple yards like utilities do. Adding to this automatic location detection, ability to track maintenance or replenishment information by asset, and enhanced anti-theft/counterfeit protection–you have a real interesting proposition,” says Nabrotzky.

Omni-ID’s RFID based solutions are specifically designed to meet the unique challenges faced by utility customers. From temperature extremes to corrosive materials and explosive atmosphere, the company uniquely offers active and passive products that are certified for use in hazardous environments. “Ruggedized product designs are a key to opening new markets. Our rugged products are specifically designed for ship containers, utility poles, pipes, casings and trucks,” remarks Nabrotzky. These products can easily read from long distances without moving gear or clearing debris from barcodes–which often cause safety issues.