RFID in Revolutionizing Asset Tracking Across Industries
A recent article highlighting the 25 Technologies that have changed the world lists the usual blockbuster inventions, such as the Apple iPhone, Wi-Fi, AI, facial recognition, drones, DNA testing, social platforms, quantum computing and bitcoin. However, not all of these world-changing technologies are so famous. Who knew that Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a world-changing technology?
Evolution of RFID graphic from abr.com
A recent article highlighting the 25 Technologies that have changed the world lists the usual blockbuster inventions, such as the Apple iPhone, Wi-Fi, AI, facial recognition, drones, DNA testing, social platforms, quantum computing and bitcoin. However, not all of these world-changing technologies are so famous.
Who knew that Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a world-changing technology?
RFID is now a key technology across a growing number of industries. RFID uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track objects. This simple technology has just two components: RFID tags (transponders) and RFID readers. The tags contain data, which are accessed by the reader via radio waves. Unlike barcodes, RFID tags do not require line-of-sight to be scanned, making them more versatile and efficient for asset tracking.
The read range of an RFID tag refers to the distance from which the tag can be detected by the RFID reader. There are two basic types of RFID tags – Passive and active. Passive tags do not require batteries and get their power from the electromagnetic waves of the RFID reader.
Read how Amazon is using RFID for its new Just Walk Out technology where customers can grab clothes, hats, shoes, and more—and simply walk out of the store through an exit gate (even while wearing their purchases) by tapping their credit or debit card, or hovering their palm over an Amazon One palm recognition device. No more checkout lines for clothes!
RFID systems are simple, adaptable, and easily connect with a range of hardware and software. That’s why RFID is a world-changing technology.
Read the article from the National Institutes of Health entitled “Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in health care: where are we? A scoping review”
Read an article by Atlas RFID store about the many ways that RFID is used to identify and manage wine, beer, and spirits.
RFID is being used to identify, verify and connect to utilities - from buried gas lines to fiber to hydrants. Learn more.
Retail
Now that self-checkout is everywhere, we all understand the frustration of scanning bar codes. Fortunately, many retailers are moving to RFID-enabled shopping carts and baskets to improve the customer experience. Instead of struggling to find a code and scan it, the customer just drops the item in the cart/basket, and it’s scanned. Additionally, RFID-enabled shelves can provide in-depth information on any product via the NFC capability on most cell phones.[1]Logistics
Cargo tracking is essential in the logistics industry. Because RFID tags are available in many forms, they can be affixed to nearly everything, from individual packages to shipping containers, vehicles, train cars and so on. Shipments can be tracked in real-time from origin to destination from a distance. Any interruptions can be quickly detected and resolved, saving time and money.Healthcare
If you’ve been in a hospital, it’s hard to miss the medical equipment wheeled into every available space. Hospitals are continually challenged to efficiently use this equipment, not only because of cost, but also because of regulatory requirements. RFID is making a huge difference in keeping track of every device, as well as it’s maintenance history and what specific device has been used on each patient. In many facilities today, patient wrist bands are also RFID-enabled to ensure the patient is accurately tracked as they move through the treatment process.Manufacturing
Tracking inventory parts and manufactured assemblies has always been a challenge in manufacturing. Bar codes were initially used to address the issue, but the requirement for a line of sight reduces efficiency. RFID delivers efficient inventory tracking without visible markers, enabling product monitoring throughout the manufacturing process.Hospitality
Years ago, hotels replaced locks and keys with RFID-enabled cards. Today, the use of RFID is not limited to access control – now, RFID is used for inventory control as well. RFID tags on hotel and restaurant supplies provide inventory control, while tags on amenities such as hair dryers, robes, and so on, help prevent loss.Agriculture
RFID tags are used for tracking and monitoring livestock as well as for monitoring wildlife.
RFID tags on livestock have become commonplace. Tags are placed on animals soon after birth, tracking their passage from farm to stockyard to supermarket. Besides providing food traceability that is so important for health, RFID helps to manage disease within herds. RFID helps to collect data on individual animals’ behavior and health. That means that outbreaks can be quickly detected and treated as they occur.
In wildlife research, RFID tags are placed on managed endangered species populations, migratory birds, or large mammals. These tags enable researchers to identify individual animals, track their movements, and collect a broad range of data.In both livestock farming and wildlife conservation, asset tracking helps prevent theft and poaching. RFID tags can trigger alarms if an animal leaves a designated area or if an unauthorized person attempts to move an animal.[2]
Museums
Recent headlines highlighting the loss of irreplaceable items at prominent museums highlight the challenge curators face as they must receive, catalogue, store, and display millions of artifacts. A new study showed how RFID can help paleontologists keep track of dinosaur bones from dig to display.RFID can help the visitor experience. When issued an RFID-enabled badge, an audio presentation will be triggered by the proximity to the displayed artwork, providing a wealth of information about the work, it’s creator and history. The data generated from each visitor’s visit can be analyzed to gain insight into visitor traffic patterns, exhibit popularity and even the impact of different lighting and environmental conditions over time. This helps the curator better manage the museum.In art museums, priceless works can be tagged with a discreet RFID label that will trigger alarms if the piece is moved without authorization.
Wine
RFID technology helps vineyards maintain accurate inventory information for real-time tracking of product movements, minimizing the risk of over- or under-stock. RFID tags can monitor temperature and humidity throughout the supply chain to maintain product quality and safety. At the retail location, Point of Sale Inventory Replenishment can automatically update the inventory, ensuring that customers can always get their favorite vintage.Infrastructure
RFID is particularly suited to the management of any type of infrastructure asset, from utility poles to buried valves. A simple RFID tag delivers the location, identity and owner of any asset anywhere. If used widely, RFID would enable cities, airports and utilities to better manage excavation and construction by providing on-site verification of any type of buried asset. The cost of unintentional utility strikes costs the U.S. more than $30 billion annually, according to the Common Ground Alliance. This expense is an unnecessary burden on economic development with no upside.
The RFID market is growing rapidly
The global RFID market is expected to grow from USD 15.8 billion in 2023 to USD 40.9 billion in 2032 at a CAGR of 11.1% during this time. As more and more industries leverage the power of RFID, the applications of RFID will expand. The convergence of RFID, IoT, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will deliver transformative technologies to all sectors, making sense of data and providing a new depth and breadth of understanding.
Berntsen is here to help customers take advantage of this technology with its InfraMarker RFID solution. InfraMarker combines the power of GIS with RFID to deliver accurate, verified asset identification any time and anywhere. See how InfraMarker can change your world.
RFID - resilient and adaptable
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has been around for a long time. The precursor technology to RFID was originally developed as a musical instrument by the Russian physicist Leon Theremin, patented in 1928. The Theremin produces music by manipulation of electromagnetic fields around two antennae to produce sound.
Leon Theremin with his radio frequency instrument, circa 1928.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has been around for a long time. The precursor technology to RFID was originally developed as a musical instrument by the Russian physicist Leon Theremin, patented in 1928. The Theremin produces music by manipulation of electromagnetic fields around two antennae to produce sound.
Key technology during WWII
During WWII, the British used radio frequency identification to detect which incoming aircraft were friend or foe. They placed a radio transmitter on each plane. When it received signals from radar stations on the ground, it began broadcasting a signal back that identified the aircraft as friendly. This is the key function of RFID. A signal is sent to a transponder, which wakes up and either reflects back a signal (passive system) or broadcasts a signal (active system).[1]
Hedy Lamarr in a media shot for the movie “The Heavenly Body”, 1944.
Manipulation of radio frequency also played a role in protecting Allied war ships during WWII. In the early 1940s, the Allies were gearing up for a war that would determine the history of the world and were using all available technologies to gain an edge. One of the new weapons was a radio-controlled torpedo that could enhance the range and accuracy of the weapon. A Hollywood actress with a genius-level IQ and an interest in technology heard about this technology. Hedy Lamarr was aware that these torpedoes could easily be jammed by the enemy, rendering them ineffective. Radio jamming is the intentional transmission of radio signals on the same frequency as another communication channel, with the goal of disrupting or interfering with that communication. She believed that if the frequency used to control the torpedo was constantly changing, it would be much more difficult for the enemy to jam the signal and prevent the torpedo from reaching its target.
Replica of the “The Thing” radio listening device.
So she set to work with a friend, Georg Antheil, a composer with an interest in machinery and developed “frequency-hopping” to ensure the radio signals couldn’t be jammed. In frequency hopping, the transmitter and receiver rapidly switch between different channels in a predetermined sequence. This sequence is known to both the transmitter and the receiver, and it is usually designed to cover a wide frequency range to increase the likelihood of finding a clear channel. Lamarr and Antheil received a patent for this technology and donated it to the US Navy, never getting any money from it.[2]
Later, radio frequency technology was used by the Soviets to produce a covert listening device. In 1945 the Soviet Union presented a hand-carved ceremonial seal of the USA to the US ambassador, Averell Harriman. Unfortunately, this wasn’t just a gift, it was a new kind of listening device. Hidden within the artwork was an antenna activated by radio waves that were directed at the US embassy by the Soviets. This served as a microphone and broadcast private conversations back to the Soviets. It wasn’t initially found by embassy staff because the device had no batteries or wires to detect. For seven years, private conversations in Harriman’s study were unknowingly broadcast to the Soviets.[3]
Computers & RFID - a powerful combination
By 1973, memory was added to the radio frequency technology. It consisted of a transponder with 16 bit memory for use as a toll device for the New York Port Authority. The basic patent covers the use of radio frequency (RF), sound and light as transmission carriers.[4] The commercial uses of the technology for passive, contactless identification were apparent, and rapid development and commercialization began in earnest.
Graph derived from a market report by MarketsandMarkets, titled RFID Market Size, Share, Statistics and Industry Growth Analysis Report by Offering (Tags, Readers, Software & Services, Tag Type (Active, Passive), Wafer Size, Frequency (Low Frequency, High Frequency, Ultra-high Frequency), Form Factor, Material, Application and Region - Global Forecast to 2032.
Today, the market for RFID is exploding. According to a comprehensive report by MarketsandMarkets, the global RFID market size is projected to reach USD 40.9 billion by 2032 from USD 15.8 billion in 2023; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.1% from 2023 to 2032. This growth is indicative of the increasing adoption of RFID technology as a powerful enabler of connectivity and data visibility.[5]
Now, RFID is used across all sectors of industry, from agriculture to manufacturing, education, health care, retail, supply chain management – anywhere the instantaneous, contactless and precise identification and tracking of any item is needed. Its simplicity and versatility means that it can be combined with other technologies to deliver location-based data immediately. For example, RFID is being used with artificial intelligence technologies to reliably predict patient falls and detect human activities. It can help provide insight into transport conditions for perishable products, and support sustainability by helping to identify and reduce waste in supply chain management.
RFID & GIS
RFID is now being tapped to help manage all types of assets in combination with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). When used together, GIS and RFID deliver accurate, verified information about any type of asset – even below-ground. This information is incredibly useful when re-locating buried assets before excavation. RFID means that field workers can know exactly what’s below simply by scanning the buried RFID asset tag through InfraMarker RFID apps that display that specific asset’s data.
Berntsen’s partnership with Esri gives users of the popular Survey123 and Field Maps data collection apps the opportunity incorporate the benefits of InfraMarker RFID into their asset tracking. Berntsen’s partnership with HID means that its RFID tags and readers come in a wide variety of configurations, from rugged underground magnetized markers to ultra-thin labels designed for accurate and reliable inventory control.
RFID Journal Live Conference
In a few days, experts will be unveiling the future by sharing the latest applications, enhancements, and new advancements RFID technology. The Conference brings together users, developers, and exhibitors from all over the world at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas from April 9-11. Mike Klonsinski, president of Berntsen will be presenting a session about a unique use of our versatile InfraMarker RFID technology:
Dinosaur Dig to Display: Transforming Asset Management in the Field
Tuesday, April 9 | 1:50 pm to 2:30 pm Room No: 357
Session Description
When 347 fossil specimens were discovered on Standing Rock Sioux lands in South Dakota, the Earth Science Foundation (ESF) turned to technology to advance their fossil recovery operation. The ESF team led the excavation, documentation and handling of paleontological specimens and needed an innovative solution. In response to that need, InfraMarker RFID, HID and Esri ArcGIS joined forces to deliver best asset management practices.
Learn how the solution uses the combined technology to improve field workflows, tracks, and traces bones from field to display, and aids dashboards for operations managers and remote stakeholders.
RFID continues to be a core technology for our future, and the RFID Conference highlights how this simple technology is making our lives better. We look forward to seeing you there!
Damage prevention saves lives and money
April is recognized by Congress and most Governors across the U.S. as National Safe Digging Month as shovels (and backhoes) hit the ground for a busy season. It’s well known that excavation is a dangerous business. Excavation strikes on public utility lines lead to more than 2,000 injuries and 400 deaths each year. The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) states that accidental utility strikes cost the U.S. at least $30 billion annually, based on self-reported data by stakeholders and state 811 call centers. And it looks like things are getting worse, not better.
April is recognized by Congress and most Governors across the U.S. as National Safe Digging Month as shovels (and backhoes) hit the ground for a busy season. It’s well known that excavation is a dangerous business. Excavation strikes on public utility lines lead to more than 2,000 injuries and 400 deaths each year[1]. The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) states that accidental utility strikes cost the U.S. at least $30 billion annually, based on self-reported data by stakeholders and state 811 call centers. And it looks like things are getting worse, not better.
From the CGA 2022 DIRT Report
Trends indicate more, not fewer damages
The CGA’s most recent data show that the number of incidents is increasing. A three-year trend (2020-2022) points to a 9.34 percent increase in utility strikes. With more than a half-trillion dollars allocated to new infrastructure in the U.S. over five years, it’s essential all organizations involved in excavation prioritize ways to reverse this dangerous and costly trend.
Many organizations are involved in excavation - professional excavators, landscapers, contractors, utilities, local, state and federal agencies, site owners and others. A single excavation site has dozens of contractors working in the same space at the same time. Surprisingly, there are few national guidelines for safe excavation processes, except for the one-call system established in 1994. This law directed states to have a phone number to call for underground locating. In most states, that number or link is 811.
Calling (or clicking on) 811 for locating services before excavation greatly reduces the risk of utility strikes. Unfortunately, nearly 25% of all reported utility damages result from NOT calling 811, as this chart from CGA shows.
An industry group, the Infrastructure Protection Coalition, is working to standardize the use of 811 by all parties involved in excavation. Their report states that
“A handful of states account for more than 20 percent of the national waste [related to 811], a combined $13 billion, because of 811 policies that lack teeth and, in some cases, do not require mandatory reporting of damage to utility lines. . . [The analysis shows that] these costs and the increased risk to public safety could be substantially reduced if states with the worst records adopted more effective practices and procedures already in use in other parts of the country.”
811 Emergency, National Report, 6/15/2022, Infrastructure Protection Coalition
Focus on policy
It appears that now is the time to call for a national approach to damage prevention. The CGA has just announced the formation of the Damage Prevention Action Center, an entity made up of industry leaders to advocate for data-driven legislative and regulatory policies and industry practices that protect our critical underground utility infrastructure and those who work and live near these important assets. It’s vital that legislation be based on data and best practices, and this group aims to ensure fact-based regulation.
Ambitious goals – achievable with technology
The CGA has set an ambitious goal of reducing damages by 50% over the next five years. Consistent and widespread use of 811 is key, but to reach that goal, other priority action areas must be leveraged. “For facility owners, GIS-based mapping of assets and communication are urgently needed to improve locating timelines and accuracy.”
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are already used extensively by municipalities and utilities across the country. These platforms are ideal for mapping and visualizing underground infrastructure and are already in use by many utilities and municipalities across the country.
Adding processes for mapping underground utilities as they are they are installed (or uncovered by new excavation) can provide highly accurate, shareable maps for every contractor on a construction site. These efforts are already underway. For example, Esri, a global leader in GIS, delivers capabilities designed to make the visualization, identification, mapping and management of underground utilities accessible for all stakeholders. Its ArcGIS platform is ideal for generating accurate visual depictions of location and other data in layers. This platform uses data from a wide range of sources, including field operations. Field workers use cell phones or tablets to collect data in real time as they install underground infrastructure.
To ensure location data is absolutely accurate for future excavations, Esri offers the InfraMarker RFID app that integrates with its Field Maps or Survey123 field data collection software. As utilities are buried (or uncovered during excavation), RFID tags are placed on or near critical points, such as fiber junctions, valves, places where multiple assets converge and so on. Essential data about the asset, its owner and location data are written to each tag for future on site location and verification. This data is linked to ArcGIS via the InfraMarker/data collection apps, providing verified location data of the buried utility while also linking it to critical information about the asset, including video, schematics, maintenance and other data.
What this means is that in the future, when excavation on the same site is required, the exact location, owner and nature of underground assets can be verified on the spot. Buried RFID tags can be read before ground is broken from above using RFID readers connected to the Esri/InfraMarker data collection apps. Above ground RFID tags can also be read with a cell phone held close proximity to the tag.
The data owner can choose to share selected data with other contractors, preventing damage to their critical underground facilities during excavation.
Accurately mapping of underground assets is key to preventing damage. If used consistently, GIS and RFID deliver in-field location verification and identification data that streamline buried asset locating – preventing costly utility strikes and construction delays.
See it for yourself
Berntsen International supports CGA’s mission and will be showing InfraMarker RFID at the upcoming CGA Conference and Expo April 14-18 at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado in booth 322. We look forward to seeing you there!
References:
NP Case Study Minnesota Utilities Mapping (commongroundalliance.com)
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/striking-balance-unearthing-facts-solutions-utility-line-machuca/
https://www.theutilityexpo.com/news/digging-safely-preventing-underground-utility-stri
https://www.amprobe.com/consequences-of-striking-underground-infrastructure/
Federal agencies get the job done
For more than 50 years, Berntsen has worked alongside federal agencies to provide useful and quality products. From monuments that can be set in wetlands to RFID markers that integrate with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), federal agencies rely on Berntsen to deliver quality products that help them fulfill their missions.
For more than 50 years, Berntsen has worked alongside federal agencies to provide useful and quality products. From monuments that can be set in wetlands to RFID markers that integrate with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), federal agencies rely on Berntsen to deliver quality products that help them fulfill their missions.
See us at booth 830 at the Esri FedGIS Conference on February 13-14, 2024
In partnership with Esri, Berntsen is looking forward to demonstrating how InfraMarker RFID can help federal agencies better manage their diverse assets at the upcoming Esri FedGIS Conference. Stop by booth 830 to see how the InfraMarker RFID App for ArcGIS can help you identify, verify and update data for any type of asset in the field with a simple scan. Anything (even underground) that can be marked with an RFID tag can connect to ArcGIS for accurate identification and management. We look forward to seeing you there!
Federal Agencies – partnering with industry to get the job done
Federal agencies are key to maintaining a safe, stable, and thriving nation. From the Department of Defense, that protects Americans at home and abroad, to the Department of Interior that manages America’s vast public lands, to NASA, tasked with exploring the unknown for all the citizens of our planet, federal agencies provide the structure and do the work that makes our country thrive.
One thing these agencies have in common is that they manage many types of assets across vast spaces. From ensuring that gas pipelines are built and operated safely, to marking out trails in national parks, to building dams, highways and runways, these agencies rely on the private sector for products and technologies that help get more done with fewer resources.
Since the foundation of our country, federal agencies have quietly been getting the job done, ensuring stability and growth. This vital structure didn’t happen overnight, and it’s interesting to see the evolution of how these agencies developed.
Department of Defense (DOD)
The DOD is America's largest government agency, with more than 2,870,235 employees and service members. Tracing its roots back to pre-Revolutionary times, the department has evolved with our nation.
The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps were established in 1775, to support the American Revolution. In 1789, Congress created the War Department, responsible for both the Army and Navy until the founding of a separate Department of the Navy in 1798. After World War II, the War Department was reorganized and by 1949, the command structure was unified, and the Department of Defense was created.
Today, the DOD has four branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard) with the Marines organized under the Navy, and the new Space Force organized under the Air Force. The branches are made up of 34 agencies, including the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency; and divisions including the US Army Corps of Engineers. Additionally, two organizations are staffed with uniformed service members but don’t report to the Secretary of Defense. These include the Public Health Service Corps (reporting to the Surgeon General who reports to the Assistant Secretary of Health in the Health and Human Services Department) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, (NOAA), reporting to the Secretary of Commerce[1]. Interestingly, the NOAA includes the National Geodetic Survey, our oldest scientific agency. In 1807, President Thomas Jefferson founded the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (as the Survey of the Coast) to provide nautical charts to the maritime community for safe passage into American ports and along our extensive coastline[2].
Berntsen has been serving the DOD for decades. In fact, it was a request from the DOD that sparked a new way of creating survey markers.
The first logo marker in cast aluminum.
Back in the late 1970s, the DOD asked Berntsen if the company could create survey disks for a project in Saudi Arabia. The catch was that the disks needed to include Arabic text and the country’s coat of arms -- a palm tree and crossed swords. Back then, the lettering on survey disks was created using zinc letters glued to a wooden pattern. No Arabic zinc letters were available, and there was no way to include artwork on a disk without going through an expensive and time-consuming engraving process. Long story short, by adapting paste-up and letterpress printing processes to metalwork, Berntsen created the first survey markers using Arabic lettering and illustrations. Today, our survey markers are used across many federal agencies.
Read the story of the first logo marker in American Surveyor.
The Department of Interior (DOI)
Although the idea of a Department of Interior was originally considered in the very first congress in 1789, but instead created the Department of State. However, after the Louisiana Purchase (In 1803) and the lands acquired in the Mexican-American War (1848), it became clear that the vast lands required direct management, rather than being parceled out to other agencies to manage.
Appalachian Trail Marker for the National Park Service
In 1848, the Secretary of the Treasury Robert J Walker did a comprehensive review of the duties of the agencies under his control and other agencies throughout the federal government. He determined that the General Land Office, along with the Indian Affairs Office (in the War Department), The Patent Office (in the State Department), and the pension offices (in the War and Navy departments), had little in common with their (respective) departments. He suggested that they be moved into a new department and went about drafting a bill to accomplish his objective. On March 3, 1849, the legislation was approved by the Senate, thus creating a cabinet agency known as the Department of the Interior (DOI). Subsequently, Interior functions expanded to include the census, regulation of territorial governments, exploration of the western wilderness, and management of the D.C. jail and water system.
Over time, additional functions have been added to and removed from the DOI’s management. Those added include: the US Geological Survey, 1879; the Bureau of Reclamation, 1902; the Bureau of Mines, 1910; the National Park Service, 1916; the US Fish and Wildlife Service, 1940; and the Bureau of Land Management, 1946.
Responsibilities have been moved to other departments. In 1925, the Patent Office was transferred to the Department of Commerce. In 1930, the Bureau of Pensions was transferred to the Veterans Administration[3].
Nevertheless, the purview of the DOI is massive. For example, one of its entities, the Bureau of Land Management oversees 245 million acres of public lands, manages 30% of the nation’s mineral resources, and contributes $1.2 billion annually in economic contributions, such as solar and wind power and geothermal energy[4].
Navajo Nation bronze cadastral survey marker
Another service, the National Park Service, includes 428 areas covering more than 85 million acres in every state, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. These areas include national parks, monuments, battlefields, military parks, historical parks, historic sites, lakeshores, seashores, recreation areas, scenic rivers and trails, and the White House[5].
Over the years, Berntsen has supported the DOI by delivering innovative and quality products for decades. From thousands of monuments for the Bureau of Land Management, to custom bronze markers for the Navajo Nation to markers for the National Park Service, to RFID-enabled asset marking, Berntsen has been supporting federal agencies since its inception.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Brochure for the first lightweight magnetic aluminum alloy monument.
The Department of Transportation is a newer executive agency, created during the Johnson administration in 1967, reporting directly to the President. The agency coordinates funding and manages aviation, rail, highway, public transit, hazardous pipelines and other functions involved in the safe transit of people and goods[6].
A request from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WISDOT) triggered the invention that built Berntsen. Back in the early 1970s, Peter Berntsen heard about the need for a lighter, more portable survey monument to be used by WISDOT. As owner of Berntsen Cast products, Peter was in the position to solve the problem. With the help of a metallurgist at the University of Wisconsin, Berntsen developed a corrosion-resistant, aluminum-alloy magnetic monument weighing just 8.5 pounds. This innovative monument (the W-1B) proved to be so durable and popular that it established Berntsen as the leader in marking the infrastructure of the world.
Berntsen – providing the right tools at the right time
Over the years, the DOD, DOI, DOT and their bureaus and services have all relied on Berntsen to fulfill their missions - including the US Forest Service, the US Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Reclamation, US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Geological Survey, the National Park Service, NASA, and many more.
Berntsen markers delineate the borders of national parks, and our Carsonite trail markers help citizens safely enjoy scenic trails. Berntsen offers a full toolbox for right-of-way management, from utility posts and decals to metal markers to passive RFID tagging. Our InfraMarker Connected RFID links any type of physical asset to GIS, streamlining the identification, tracking and management of everything from pipelines to dinosaur fossils.
See us at the FedGIS Conference!
In partnership with Esri, Berntsen is looking forward to demonstrating how InfraMarker RFID can help federal agencies better manage their diverse assets at the upcoming Esri FedGIS Conference. Stop by booth 830 to see how the InfraMarker RFID App for ArcGIS can help you identify, verify and update data for any type of asset in the field with a simple scan. Anything (even underground) that can be marked with an RFID tag can connect to ArcGIS for accurate identification and management. We look forward to seeing you there.
Key Trends in 2024
The “Fourth Industrial Revolution” is well underway. Back in 2011, economist Klaus Schwab coined the term to refer to the rapid digitization and accessibility of technologies that spark a global shift in processes – in everything from how we communicate to how businesses and governments are managed.
The “Fourth Industrial Revolution” is well underway. Back in 2011, economist Klaus Schwab coined the term to refer to the rapid digitization and accessibility of technologies that spark a global shift in processes – in everything from how we communicate to how businesses and governments are managed[1].
Drone image by Florian Pircher from Pixabay
Building information model of a mechanical room developed from lidar data (image provided by Yelda Turkan, OSU College of Engineering).
More a decade later, this revolution is accelerating, driven by the widespread use of cloud computing, “big data”, virtual reality and artificial intelligence (AI). These “disruptive technologies[2]” are fundamentally changing our lives and how we do our jobs. All industries, including surveying and civil engineering, are leveraging these new technologies to automate tasks, increase precision and generate more useful data.
Integration of 3D Laser Scanning Technology (LiDAR)
3D laser scanning traces back to the early 1960s when researchers experimented with laser technology to measure distances and create 3D representations of objects. The first practical applications of laser scanning emerged in the 1970s, in the field of surveying and topographic mapping. However, 3D laser scanning didn’t become useful until advancements in computing power and data processing capabilities were integrated with portable scanning technology. Today, surveyors can combine 3D scanners with their total stations to measure distances and create accurate three-dimensional representations of the surveyed area. The use of 3D laser scanning enhances data collection speed, accuracy, and enables more comprehensive visualization and analysis[3]. Berntsen offers a line of laser targets designed to work with these advanced systems – enhancing accuracy and ensuring repeatability.Drones
Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and LiDAR sensors capture imagery and terrain data, allowing surveyors to obtain valuable insights for mapping, topographic surveys, and volumetric calculations. This technology makes it possible to survey inaccessible areas, reducing field time and increasing the efficiency of data collection and processing[3]. Of course, having accurate reference points is key to successful aerial surveying – see how Berntsen’s drone targets can work for you.Building Information Modeling (BIM)
BIM uses a range of technologies to create a digital representation of a structure or infrastructure project, integrating survey data with architectural, engineering, and construction information. Surveyors contribute crucial geospatial data to BIM models, facilitating clash detection, accurate quantity take-offs, and construction coordination. BIM enhances collaboration among project stakeholders, reduces errors, and enhances overall project efficiency[3]. Berntsen helps surveyors ensure BIM data precision with its line of smart targets and reflectors.
Layers in Geographic Information Systems, augmented with RFID
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Applications
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are finding their way into land surveying practices, offering immersive experiences and enhanced visualization. AR and VR applications enable surveyors to overlay survey data onto the real world or create virtual environments for project planning and simulation. These technologies aid in communication, decision-making, and public engagement, providing stakeholders with a better understanding of the surveyed area and proposed designs[3]. These visualizations are extremely precise when surveying measurements include the use of high-quality prisms that help ensure accuracy – available from Berntsen.Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Cloud-based Geographic Information Systems provide centralized storage, access, and analysis of map-based survey data. GIS is another technology that was first developed in the 1960s using existing spatial analysis and visualization methods, combined with computing power, to identify and manage land characteristics and use over large areas. Soon the usefulness of a spatially based approach to data visualization and analysis was applied to a vast range of functions. Today, GIS is becoming more and more powerful through the integration of other technologies, including Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and AI.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
As data visualization gets better and better, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that the data itself is precise. That’s where RFID comes in. RFID literally ties the physical to the digital, authenticating any marked asset at its physical location. An RFID tag, placed on anything anywhere can be instantly read on-site, activating its full data record from the GIS or BIM platform. Today, the combination of GIS and RFID is used to verify and manage a vast array of items – from infrastructure assets to dinosaur bones. Berntsen offers a full range of RFID tags and software that integrate with GIS, BIM and other platforms to provide instant authentication to any asset, anywhere.Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is set to bring another wave of change to the way we live. AI is the ability of a machine to display human-like capabilities such as reasoning, learning, planning and creativity. AI enables technical systems to perceive their environment, deal with what they perceive, solve problems and act to achieve a specific goal. The computer receives data - already prepared or gathered through its own sensors such as a camera - processes it and responds. AI systems can adapt their behavior to a certain degree by analyzing the effects of previous actions and working autonomously[4].
Combining AI with geographic information system (GIS) and RFID technology delivers real-world context and authentication to operations.
According to Esri, close observers of AI have noted that as an analytic tool, much of what it accomplishes falls into three main categories in which AI and location intelligence fit seamlessly:
Automate tasks and repeat them quickly at scale. A utility company can use AI and location intelligence, along with drone [and RFID] technology, to examine utility poles and wires, determining where telltale signs suggest repairs are necessary.
Look at past patterns to make predictions. A logistics or manufacturing company can use AI and location intelligence to optimize supply chains, considering such disparate data as weather forecasts, the likelihood of ship and rail traffic backup, and how many left-hand turns there are on driving routes.
Search for patterns hidden in large amounts of data[5].
A key point
In the midst of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it’s important to remember that there are some things that data, computing and visualization can’t do. Every person exists in the physical world, not as a consumer or data point, but as living, breathing, thinking being.
At Berntsen, we put people first, by caring for our customers, anticipating future needs, and providing personal support, from live webinars to one-on-one meetings. We all want to leave our mark, and Berntsen is here to help.
References:
[3] https://www.pointscan.co.uk/the-evolution-of-3d-laser-scanning/
[5] https://www.esri.com/content/dam/esrisites/en-us/media/ebooks/artificial-intelligence.pdf
Background:
https://www.landform-surveys.co.uk/news/thoughts/ai-surveying/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/emerging-trends-land-surveying-practices-primaverse/
GIS Day - Mapping our past with the help of RFID
It’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day! Since 1999 when it was first celebrated as the grand finale to Geography Week, GIS has been quickly put to use by many professions, industries and researchers. Today, GIS is becoming indispensable for paleontology - with the help of RFID.
Ages shown for divisions of geologic time are general representations. Ages in mega-annum mean millions of years before present. Box heights are related to how long time periods lasted; different scaling factors are used for the column on the front of the bookmark and for the column on the back, which represents a much longer time period. Map symbols are in parentheses. For more specific age information, see U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2018–3054 (https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20183054).
It’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day! Since 1999 when it was first celebrated as the grand finale to Geography Week, GIS has been quickly put to use by many professions, industries and researchers. Today, GIS is becoming indispensable for paleontology - with the help of RFID.
The Age of Dinosaurs
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the 'Age of Dinosaurs' (the Mesozoic Era) included three consecutive geologic time periods (the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous Periods). Different dinosaur species lived during each of these three periods. For example, the Jurassic dinosaur Stegosaurus had already been extinct for approximately 80 million years before the appearance of the Cretaceous dinosaur Tyrannosaurus. In fact, the time separating Stegosaurus and Tyrannosaurus is greater than the time separating Tyrannosaurus and you.
At the beginning of dinosaur history (the Triassic Period), there was one supercontinent on Earth called Pangea. Many dinosaur types were spread across it. However, as Pangea broke apart, dinosaurs became scattered across the globe on separate continents, and new types of dinosaurs evolved separately in each geographic area (1).
When were fossils recognized as ancient dinosaur remains?
Fossils have probably been found throughout human history, despite not being recognized for what they are. Discoveries of their bones were often attributed to giant versions of known animals, or even giant people. Perhaps dinosaur bones inspired the stories of griffins, giants, and dragons.
Fossils of dinosaurs, described by a Chinese historian in the 4th century BCE, were labeled as dragon bones, while "dragon bones" were prescribed for ailments from madness to diarrhea. There’s no evidence as to the effectiveness of this treatment, however.
In 1822, Mary Ann Mantell was accompanying her husband, obstetrician, and paleontologist Gideon Mantell, on a visit to a patient in Sussex, England, when she noticed something at the side of the road. Looking closer, she found large teeth embedded into the rock.
Her husband Gideon realized that the fossil belonged to a creature unknown to science. He continued to study it and later named it Iguanadon after its iguana-like teeth. Later, paleontologist Richard Owen examined a number of fossil sets and concluded that Iguanodon, Megalosaurus, and Hylaeosaurus fossils were from "a distinct tribe or sub-order of Saurian Reptiles" which he termed, "dinosauria". (2)
Earth Science
Today, an entire field of science is dedicated to the study of the earth, aptly named Earth Science. It includes four branches of study, including geology, meterology, oceanography and astronomy. Geologists specializing in the earth’s history are palentologists, and this group studies fossils to gather evidence to piece together what the ancient past might have been like.
Norman Ross of the division of Paleontology, National Museum, preparing the skeleton of a baby dinosaur some seven or eight million years old for exhibition. , 1921.
It’s getting harder and harder to access places where fossils are plentiful and the Earth Sciences Foundation, Inc. (ESF) was founded to help locate and protect fossils before they disappear. The foundation’s goal is to get people excited about and involved in earth sciences. Fields of study include everything from paleontology, to GIS to surveying.
One of the biggest issues facing scientists is keeping track of fossils, both in the ground and after they have been shipped to museums or universities for study. Recent headlines attest to the difficulty museums face in keeping track of all of their artifacts. Fortunately, there is an elegant solution to this pervasive (and costly) problem.
Each fossil was identified with a unique RFID tag that connected it to its record in ArcGIS. Data about the fossil was added throughout the process - accessible to all stakeholders in real time.
Berntsen has been working with The Earth Sciences Foundation to leverage the power of RFID to use GIS to track and manage dinosaur bones. Our InfraMarker Connected RFID has the potential to revolutionize how these precious artifacts are tracked from the time they are excavated until they are put on display in museums or sent to universities across the world for study. A simple RFID tag connected to GIS will allow scientists to see all the data about any specific artifact, including where it was found, photographs, video, notes and any other information about it, simply by accessing GIS. The RFID tag will stay with each artifact throughout its academic journey, making both the information and the location accessible at any time.
Dig to Display: Transforming Dinosaur Bone Asset Management with InfraMarker RFID and GIS
View of bone fossil locations on a map, with the selected bone displaying its data.
A recently-published study describes how dinosaur bones at Standing Rock Sioux lands in South Dakota were tracked from dig to display. ESF staffers used ArcGIS, Survey123 and InfraMarker RFID to track 347 artifacts from excavation to storage to display.
The bone tracking and management process is simple. Each discovered fossil was ‘tagged’ in the field with a tiny HID RFID marker to establish a unique digital and physical ID. That ID, and contemporaneous information, was captured by a field tech using a tablet with data collection software connected to a GIS platform. RFID scans of the bone’s tag tracked the bone as it moved through various zones from field to storage to cleaning to display, adding data to its GIS record. Simultaneously, hundreds of miles from the dig site, the contractor’s GIS platform displayed a map of original and current bone location and status as it moved from field to institute. Throughout the process, all RFID interrogation data was collected in the cloud, providing near real-time visibility of bone status by auditors hundreds of miles from the dig site.
One of the RFID tags used in the study.
Saves time; near perfect accuracy
Study results found a reduction of field data collection time by 80 percent, nearly perfect tracking of bones through the cycle from field to museum, and enabled easy data sharing and auditing of field work by related organizations.
The study demonstrated the benefits of the RFID/GIS integration that are making a huge difference in many industries - from utility management to agriculture, forestry and manufacturing. Another recent study shows how RFID can help identify and verify underground utilities, streamlining utility management and enhancing safety.
RFID and GIS - Accuracy, versatility and power
RFID and GIS expanding the benefits of location intelligence to new applications and streamlining access to valuable assets - from buried utilities to museum artifacts. Sales of RFID and GIS are exponentially growing because of the tremendous advantages these technologies offer across industries. When RFID is integrated with GIS through InfraMarker, accurate asset management is enabled by connecting the physical asset to its digital files that can be quickly accessed on-site with a simple RFID scan (or even a NFC scan from a cell phone). RFID provides asset authentication at the site of any asset, streamlining field work and improving accuracy and automatically generating tracking information. Any organization that needs to track and manage assets across space and time will benefit from incorporating InfraMarker RFID with their GIS.
Berntsen Adds NFC capability to the InfraMarker RFID App
Berntsen International, a leading manufacturer of infrastructure marking products, announces that its InfraMarker RFID App now supports Near Field Communication (NFC) and is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Berntsen International, a leading manufacturer of infrastructure marking products, announces that its InfraMarker RFID App now supports Near Field Communication (NFC) and is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Screenshot of the InfraMarker app ready to scan via NFC
The InfraMarker RFID app improves asset management by connecting UHF (Ultra-high frequency) RFID asset identification tags with the ESRI’s ArcGIS platform. Berntsen has expanded InfraMarker by integrating NFC identification tags with the ESRI platform. With InfraMarker, a simple RFID or NFC scan can trigger the power of GIS and bring data, inspection forms, or maintenance records to the field for fast, reliable asset management.
Any smart phone equipped with the ability to make contactless card payments via NFC will support the InfraMarker NFC App. The InfraMarker NFC app augments the phone’s capability to include access to passive UHF RFID chips at close range – under four inches (10 centimeters).
RFID is the fastest growing asset identification technology in the world thanks to its ruggedness, affordability, and ability to provide a unique serial number for any type of product. Berntsen is the leader in linking RFID technology to the digital management systems used by utilities, public works, and construction.
“We are proud to add NFC to the InfraMarker field app. This dramatically expands the number of assets that can be marked and managed using RFID for utilities, public works, and construction firms.” said Mike Klonsinski, president of Berntsen.
InfraMarker, a division of Berntsen International, is the leader in connected RFID-enabled infrastructure asset marking products and software. The InfraMarker line includes rugged RFID-enabled marking products, RFID readers and accessories, and RFID-connecting software to enhance GIS and asset management platforms.
About Berntsen International, Inc.
Since 1972, Berntsen International has provided high quality marking products to define the boundaries and infrastructure of the world. Berntsen marking products have been deployed throughout the world and its survey caps and monuments are recognized as the global standard.
Berntsen’s commitment to better infrastructure marking is taken to the next level with its innovative InfraMarker line of software, products, and solutions. The InfraMarker approach enables a connected infrastructure world by linking GIS platforms with RFID asset marking technology. Connected RFID infrastructure improves safety and field operations management for utilities, municipalities, and other organizations desiring better field asset management.
InfraMarker Brings RFID Power to Esri Field Operation Applications
Berntsen International, a leading manufacturer of infrastructure marking products, announces that its InfraMarker RFID app is now fully integrated with Esri’s ArcGIS Survey123 and ArcGIS Field Maps mobile applications.
MADISON, Wisc., July 3, 2023 - Berntsen International, a leading manufacturer of infrastructure marking products, announces that its InfraMarker RFID app is now fully integrated with Esri’s ArcGIS Survey123 and ArcGIS Field Maps mobile applications.
Berntsen’s InfraMarker app connects passive UHF RFID – the fastest growing asset identification technology in the world, with Esri’s ArcGIS, the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software. The InfraMarker app enhances Esri’s field data collection tools with the ability to read RFID tag information, write data to a RFID tag, associate the RFID serial number with the asset record in the GIS database, and launch inspection and management forms with a RFID interrogation.
“We are proud to bring RFID – the serial number of IoT – to Esri customers across the globe. We are confident that infrastructure managers in utilities, public works, and construction will realize speed, reliability, and cost benefits with InfraMarker RFID,” said Mike Klonsinski, president of Berntsen.
InfraMarker, a division of Berntsen International, is the leader in connected RFID-enabled infrastructure asset marking products and software. The InfraMarker line includes rugged RFID-enabled marking products, RFID readers and accessories, and RFID-connecting software to enhance GIS and asset management platforms.
About Berntsen International, Inc.
Since 1972, Berntsen International has provided high quality marking products to define the boundaries and infrastructure of the world. Berntsen marking products have been deployed throughout the world and its survey caps and monuments are recognized as the global standard.
Berntsen’s commitment to better infrastructure marking is taken to the next level with its innovative InfraMarker line of software, products, and solutions. The InfraMarker approach enables a connected infrastructure world by linking GIS platforms with RFID asset marking technology. Connected RFID infrastructure improves safety and field operations management for utilities, municipalities, and other organizations desiring better field asset management.
Berntsen is a Silver Partner in the Esri Partner Network, and InfraMarker RFID is an approved ArcGIS System Ready Specialty accessible on Esri's ArcGIS Marketplace. Visit Inframarker.com for more information and to purchase an introductory InfraMarker RFID package.
GIS + RFID = SUE Enhancement
Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) that leverages Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) deliver substantial benefits in the management and protection of underground assets.
Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) that leverages Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) deliver substantial benefits in the management and protection of underground assets.
Both GIS and RFID are rapidly-growing, powerful technologies that are used across a wide spectrum of industries, from manufacturing to agriculture to SUE.
When used together, GIS and RFID deliver accurate, verified information about any type of asset – above or below ground. This is particularly compelling for re-locating buried assets before excavation. It’s essential to know what’s below, and scanning the RFID buried asset tag provides authentication of its data in GIS.
RFID is a simple and durable technology, ideal for pairing with GIS. RFID tags consist of a microchip and antenna. Basic information, such as the asset’s location, identity and owner are written to the tag. When scanned, this data connects to GIS, accessing the correct data and launching maintenance/inspection surveys.
Today, a growing number of agencies and municipalities use Esri’s ArcGIS for Subsurface Utility Engineering. Esri’s popular data collection apps integrate with InfraMarker RFID, making accessible to any organization that uses ArcGIS and Field Maps or Survey123. Recently, Esri announced a June Survey123 update that includes a more seamless integration with InfraMarker RFID.
According to Esri:
“With InfraMarker, a field user can scan a RFID tag and instantly launch the related inspection form in Survey123 … faster and without errors in asset misidentification. You can also use InfraMarker for Survey123 to write information to a new RFID tag and easily associate the unique identifier in your ArcGIS system of record.
The technology is increasingly used in infrastructure asset management thanks to its durability in the field, flexibility to serve as a unique ID on almost any asset, and ability to be read from distance or through mediums such as walls, ground, or concrete.”
SUE and RFID for Infrastructure
This technology is on target for use in all kinds of infrastructure projects that rely on Subsurface Utility Engineering.
The 2022 CGA Technology Report notes that applying emerging mapping/GIS technologies in project design and SUE would reduce potholing and associated expenses involved in locating buried utilities.[1] This report delivers a snapshot of how technology is used specifically to prevent damage during excavation. RFID is included for facility installation and locating, and stated that “a comprehensive national GIS map of buried infrastructure would make the locating process drastically more efficient and accurate, and identify abandoned facilities.”
A recent longitudinal study has demonstrated the long-term feasibility of combining RFID and GIS.
Staking University in Manteno, IL was the site for a perfect test case of using this technology in a residential setting. This campus encompasses more than 20 acres of live and abandoned utilities offering real-world conditions for field testing utility products.
Because RFID markers are passive, they can simply be scanned and connected to GIS for verification – even years later.
In 2015, 174 RFID markers were placed on or near utilities. Utilities marked were:
RFID markers of all utilities displayed in GIS
Gas
Electric
Telecom
Potable Water
Sewer
Periodically, the markers were located again by following a simple process – follow the GIS map to the area of a buried marker, scan it through the ground using the RFID reader (which displays and loads the RFID tag), then update that specific record via the InfraMarker mobile app.
In 2022, a thorough review of every marker was conducted and 93% of 174 buried RFID markers were located after seven years in the ground and 97.5% of those produced a successful RFID read.
This study offers a perfect basis to estimate the cost savings for locating and managing a range of utilities.
The average cost per utility strike is $4,000[2].
Assuming one utility strike per year per utility (5 utilities) x 7 (years), the result is 35 utility strikes.
Multiply that by $4,000 and the cost is $140,000.
The cost of the InfraMarker system (174 tags) $3,480 + software (7 years at $2,500/year = 17,500, making a total investment of $20,980.
$140,000 - $20,980 = 119,020
93% of utilities were located, which means $110,688 in utility strikes were prevented.
InfraMarker installation and one year cost is negligible compared to the potential savings resulting from efficient and accurate management of infrastructure assets. Safety is also enhanced due to more accurate asset locating and identification, preventing costly and dangerous utility strikes.
Additional benefits delivered:
One or more utilities can be managed and tracked within one commonly used GIS platform.
Data can be shared within and between organizations or can be controlled to prevent sharing.
InfraMarker’s cloud provides auditable tracking of an organization’s RFID facility activity.
Long-lasting solution - Passive RFID markers continue to connect to software over time, no matter how that software is modified and improved. More and more data can be added to each point, including video, sketches, photos and files – whatever information each organization requires.
Summary
The Common Ground Alliance[3] states that each year, $30 billion in costs are associated with utility strikes. Increased construction spending has consistently proven to correlate with an increase in damage. Anticipated funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is predicted to stress an already inundated damage prevention system[4].
Using RFID/GIS in conjunction with Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) amplifies savings and efficiency. The results of a range of DOT studies show that for every dollar spent on SUE, $11.39 in savings are generated[5] by avoiding expensive construction delays and costly utility strikes. Now is the time to create a lasting, accurate picture of subsurface infrastructure that can continue to deliver savings and safety now and in the future.
References:
[1] Technology Advancements & Gaps in Underground Safety Volume 5. © 2022 Common Ground Alliance
[4] DIRT Annual Report for 2021 © 2022 Common Ground Alliance
RFID - the technology that keeps on giving
We’ve all heard of RFID, a technology that’s been around since the 1930s. Did you know that it’s now one of the fastest-growing technologies in the world?
We’ve all heard of RFID, a technology that’s been around since the 1930s. Did you know that it’s now one of the fastest-growing technologies in the world?
Originally discovered during the development of radar, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has proven useful in all kinds of applications, from tracking library books to identifying lost pets to providing visibility into complex supply chains.
The technology is simple and versatile, consisting of a tiny RFID chip/antenna and a RFID reader that interrogates the chip via radio waves. No line of sight is required, and the tiny chips don’t require batteries – the power comes from the RFID reader.
Exponential RFID Market Growth
According to a presentation at the recent RFID Journal Live Conference (May 9-11, 2023), the RFID tag market is growing exponentially. This vibrant market growth will continue as RFID is integrated into more and more systems, including Geographic Information Systems, robotics and more.
The lasting impact of one person on the industry
Early on, in 2002, a reporter for Information Week realized the potential of the fledgling RFID market. About that time, manufacturing companies were trying to get a handle on how to prevent pervasive problems with inventory management and managing shipping information. RFID was one of the many technologies that was being tested to help resolve these problems. The reporter, Mark Roberti, focused his investigative skills on learning all he could about this fledgling technology. Little did he know that the result of his efforts would create a new career and an industry powerhouse.
Soon, Roberti created a website just to post his RFID articles, but it wasn’t until a reader asked about a subscription to the website that he realized he could make money by sharing his fascination with RFID. By 2003, Roberti was organizing annual conferences and online events. In 2007, his efforts received an unexpected boost by a corporate mandate by Walmart – that all suppliers must begin using RFID tags to mark their products. Of course, this mandate resulted in a rush of interest in RFID, as well as a lot of pushback from suppliers. More importantly, a patent holder for RFID technology began to enforce its patents. This stymied the corporate investment in RFID -- until Roberti stepped in and helped the industry manage licensing issues.
Before the advent of social media and e-commerce, the RFID industry found itself the focus of misinformation. In 2008, some consumer organizations began boycotting clothing with embedded RFID tags, erroneously believing that the tags would enable companies to spy on their customers. These groups got a lot of media attention, but the inherent versatility of RFID enabled manufacturers to resolve the issue (if not the misinformation). The RFID tags were simply placed on removable tags.
Growing with RFID
Back in 2010, Berntsen recognized the potential RFID could have on marking and managing underground infrastructure. Leveraging its broad expertise in infrastructure marking, the company began developing a system based on RFID technology that enabled users to digitally locate and manage their infrastructure assets. Unlike mapping or GIS platforms, an RFID-based system starts with the physical asset marked with an RFID tag. A simple scan of the tag verifies the asset’s identity and ties it to its specific digital record in a corresponding digital platform. RFID alone can provide this two-factor verification of any asset – a benefit especially relevant for buried infrastructure assets.
Today, Berntsen’s InfraMarker Connected RFID is leveraged by Esri to provide RFID verification to its customers that rely on ArcGIS to manage their assets. More and more organizations are benefitting from the versatility and security of InfraMarker RFID.
National 811 Day - little known but important!
It’s National 811 Day – a very important, but little-known commemoration. Anyone who is planning to disturb the ground should call this number before digging or excavating – or go to call811.com and connect online. Once you provide the area of excavation, locators will come out and mark the location of buried gas pipes, water lines, power cables and other underground utilities.
It’s National 811 Day – a very important, but little-known commemoration. Anyone who is planning to disturb the ground should call this number before digging or excavating – or go to call811.com and connect online. Once you provide the area of excavation, locators will come out and mark the location of buried gas pipes, water lines, power cables and other underground utilities.
This call can save your (or someone else’s) life. According to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), ruptured gas distribution systems have killed 12 people already this year. Since 2005, 225 people have died due to damages to gas distribution systems, with total damages to public and industry property of nearly $8.5 billion*. These are the statistics for the gas distribution industry alone.
For firms that are excavating every day, the need to “Know what’s below” is essential for safe operations.
The 2020 DIRT Report (Damage Information Reporting Tool) provides a more comprehensive picture of damages caused by all types of underground utility strikes – though the reporting is voluntary, not mandatory. The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) estimates that utility strikes result in $30 billion of direct and indirect costs every year. The most common root cause listed for these utility strikes was “failure to notify” (they didn’t call 811) before excavation.
The top five root causes of damage (70% of all reported damages):
No 811 call
No test hole dug for verification (pothole)
Facility marked inaccurately due to abandoned facility
Facility not marked due to excavator error
Excavator failed to maintain clearance for verifying marks
The truth is that no one knows how much damage results from excavation errors. In many sectors, there are no legal requirements for reporting utility strikes. Although a growing number of companies are voluntarily reporting, the data provides a very incomplete picture.
Until uniform processes and regulations are developed for marking and managing underground utilities, many utilities, construction companies and data centers are leveraging technology to “know what’s below”.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) + Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
GIS is a game-changing technology that is seeing explosive growth in many sectors, because it allows users to visualize data spatially. Passive RFID is the fastest growing identification technology and is also incredibly versatile – it provides a unique ID that can be tied to any type of data.
The convergence of these two technologies is fueling a new approach to managing utilities, called InfraMarker Connected RFID. GIS provides the maps, and InfraMarker RFID provides the location and asset verification essential to repair and maintenance crews in the field.
RFID delivers a direct connection between the buried asset and the geospatial map that is being used to locate the asset. Geospatial data is very good at visualizing an underground utility, but these visualizations don’t always provide the accuracy that is required in the real world, where a utility strike could result in a project delay (or disaster).
RFID provides field crews the two-factor verification that proves the identity and location of the scanned asset – even below ground. Esri’s Survey123 and Field Maps field data collection apps incorporate this highly accurate data into existing workflows. It is a game-changer for installation and maintenance crews, because now they can “know what’s below”.
How it works
It’s simple – an RFID tag is affixed on or near an asset (above or below ground). Each RFID tag has a unique ID that is linked to that asset’s record in GIS. Once linked, a field technician can scan a tag and automatically load that asset’s specific record for updating. No need for a line of sight with RFID, so this makes InfraMarker perfect for underground utilities.
The advantage of InfraMarker RFID is the accuracy it delivers to help utilities better manage their infrastructure assets. A value-add is that this data could also help prevent excavation strikes, helping everyone “Know what’s below”.
Until every buried utility is marked with InfraMarker RFID, it’s essential to call 811 before excavation – it can be a matter of life and death!
Give InfraMarker a try with our new Starter Kit!
Interested? Contact - info@inframarker.com
Marking and Mapping – Two Factor Verification for Underground Locating
It’s spring and construction is booming . . . hopefully with fewer actual “booms”, caused by utility strikes. Safe digging is something that’s near and dear to surveyors and any profession that involves excavation. As I mentioned in my last blog, preventable utility strikes cost at least $60 billion annually, not to mention the loss of life and life-altering injuries that can occur.
Blog by Emily Pierce, PLS, CFedS
It’s spring and construction is booming . . . hopefully with fewer actual “booms”, caused by utility strikes. Safe digging is something that’s near and dear to surveyors and any profession that involves excavation. As I mentioned in my last blog, preventable utility strikes cost at least $60 billion annually, not to mention the loss of life and life-altering injuries that can occur.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
GIS has emerged as a leading approach to managing utility assets and will become an essential tool for subsurface utility management. But regardless of how accurate GIS maps become, there will always be the need to validate the digital representation of the underground assets depicted in the maps with high quality in-field marking products. Mapping and marking is required.
In today’s world, this is called ‘two-factor’ verification and it is used in solutions like Uber (mobile map coupled with driver verification on arrival), online banking (text to phone to validate your account ownerships you) and your doctor’s office (“please tell me your name and date of birth”).
Surveyors have practiced this for years by using maps and then relying on Berntsen survey markers in the field. Two-factor verification drives safety, reduces errors in identification, and improves operational performance. There is no industry with greater need for two-factor verification than underground locating.
Technology to the Rescue
It is this two-factor verification that Berntsen has been working on with its InfraMarker RFID underground locating solutions. Tying an underground RFID asset identifier to a GIS delivers the best of both worlds – an accurate map with in-field verification.
I can’t help but think of the impact Connected RFID could have on preventing utility strikes if it was widely used. An RFID underground marker has a unique identifier tied to a GIS record so a field worker can identify the asset or particular location – not simply type of utility – before excavating. And RFID is utility agnostic, so the same locating and identification process works for water, gas, electric, or fiber.
We use two-factor verification to make sure we don’t get into the wrong Uber. Why can’t we take the same two-factor approach to make sure that we have safer underground digging?
Questions? Let us know!
It’s National Engineers Week!
Most engineers would argue that it’s always engineers week, but this week is the “official” week to highlight the stunning array of engineering accomplishments and types of engineering that make our lives easier in every way.
Most engineers would argue that it’s always engineers week, but this week is the “official” week to highlight the stunning array of engineering accomplishments and types of engineering that make our lives easier in every way.
The recent focus on infrastructure has helped bring engineering to the forefront. The tremendous work engineers have done to design and built our bridges, roads, airports is obvious for all to see. And everyone can see what happens when structures outlive their projected lifespan, not maintained properly or not replaced on schedule.
Dr. Snow’s waterworks map of 1846 from the UCLA Epidemiology John Snow Site.
However, many engineers are focused on the infrastructure we don’t see – the underground infrastructure, such as stormwater systems, buried telecom cables, gas and other buried pipelines. It’s a different world below ground where all these systems exist, conflict, age and require maintenance. In the past few years, enormous strides have been made to identify and map underground utilities and structures using new engineering approaches, as well as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
GIS is a technology that uses maps to visualize data. GIS first appeared as a map created by Dr. John Snow in 1854. He plotted all the cholera outbreak locations in London, along with roads, property boundaries and water lines. His map revealed that cholera outbreaks were clustered around a water pump, challenging the existing notion that cholera was spread through the air. Along with creating one of the first uses of Geographic Information, Dr. Snow also is credited with starting the field of Epidemiology.
MAPPING + COMPUTERS
Mapping and analysis continued to be done on paper until the 1960s. Then, along came Roger. Roger Tomlinson was a British-trained geographer and geologist who worked for the Government of Canada and for an Ottowa-based aerial survey company. He figured out a way to computerize the process. While working on a project to identify the best location for a tree plantation in Kenya, Tomlinson partnered with IBM to find a way to bridge the gap between geographic data and computer services. This initiative was eventually extended to create a national mapping system that created maps of Canada’s commercially-leveraged land used for agriculture, forestry, wildlife and recreation. It was during this project that Tomlinson created the term “Geographic Information Systems” to describe his synthesis of computer mapping with capabilities for overlay, measurement, and digitizing.
SMART CITIES
Today, GIS, ground-penetrating radar and other emerging technologies are helping utilities and cities build a digital map that captures the exact location of utilities. This is a major part of any “Smart City” initiative.
Unfortunately, a disconnect between the real world and the digital world persists, despite all the technology. For example, a growing number of municipalities are using GIS systems to manage the inspection and maintenance of various types of utilities, including stormwater assets. The stormwater manager will use the GIS to schedule inspections, assuming that the data in the GIS is accurate. When the field crew arrives at the scheduled location, they often discover that the data in the GIS simply doesn’t match what they actually see when they arrive. The assets may not be where they are supposed to be, including above-ground assets such as manholes and catch basins. This confusion and uncertainty waste a lot of time which can leading to errors.
CONNECTED RFID
InfraMarker Connected RFID
Fortunately, there is now a technological solution that ties the digital world directly to the real world using RFID, the fastest-growing asset ID technology in the world. Engineers at Berntsen International leverage both GIS and RFID to create a simple approach to resolve the digital/reality disconnect. RFID tags, each with its unique ID, are placed on any type of asset. Then the asset ID is connected to its specific record in GIS. A quick scan of the asset will load any applicable forms for the field staff to fill out. This connection means that assets (even underground assets) are correctly identified, and the record is accessible where it counts – in the field for updating and in the office for scheduling.
This simple approach, called InfraMarker Connected RFID, has broad implications for infrastructure asset management. It improves asset locating and identification, speeds inspection and maintenance workflows, reduces errors and supports compliance requirements.
Additionally, Connected RFID provides an important safety mechanism for the management of buried assets. Everyone has seen news stories about gas lines, telecom cables or water mains being accidentally struck during construction. Sometimes these accidents involve injury and/or loss of life, and they almost always result in property damage and loss of service. In 2019, an estimate of the annual societal costs from damages to buried utilities was approximately $30 billion.
If buried assets were marked with RFID, they could be quickly located and identified with a simple RFID scan. Important information about other nearby buried utilities can be easily added to an asset record in GIS, making that information accessible and shareable across utilities.
Thanks to engineers, this technology is available today, making infrastructure asset management more efficient, more useable, and safer.
Blossoming Blooms
Harmful algae blooms (HABs) are occurring more and more frequently in lakes, rivers, streams and coastal areas across the United States. Further, HABs are occurring where they were never found in the past. View a map from the Natural Resources Defense Council that tracks HABs across the United States.
CONTAINING THE THREAT OF HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS (HABS) IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS
Harmful algae blooms (HABs) are occurring more and more frequently in lakes, rivers, streams and coastal areas across the United States. Further, HABs are occurring where they were never found in the past. View a map from the Natural Resources Defense Council that tracks HABs across the United States.
The chart below tracks the number of reports of algal blooms over time up to October 2021.
NUMBER OF HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS IN THE U.S. BY YEAR
WHAT IS A HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM?
An algal bloom is an overgrowth of microscopic algae or algae-like bacteria in fresh, salt or brackish water. Many type of algae or bacteria can produce algal blooms; not all are toxic and not all are harmful. Less than one percent of algal blooms produce toxins; harmful algal blooms (HABs) are those that have negative impacts on humans, marine and freshwater environments and coastal areas.
The most common types of harmful freshwater algal blooms are caused by cyanobacteria. Some types of cyanobacteria can produce dangerous cyanotoxins. Some of these cyanotoxins can attack the liver, kidneys, central nervous systems, skin and lungs, resulting in serious damage or even death.
WHAT CAUSES HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS?
HABs can occur naturally, but the increasing prevalence and frequency is caused by:
Nutrient pollution, such as agricultural runoff, wastewater and stormwater runoff (which is increasing due to more frequent severe rainfall events).
Warmer temperatures.
Still water, such as in dams, canals and other man-made waterways.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT – THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE AGAINST HABS
HABs have a significant, yet largely unmeasured economic impact. Looking at just the recreation and tourism industry, a single harmful algal bloom event in a lake in Ohio cost $37-$47 million in lost tourist revenue over two years.*
The reduction of nutrient pollution is the most accessible and effective method of reducing algal blooms in urban areas. It is estimated that 10 trillion gallons of untreated stormwater now flow into our lakes, rivers, streams and coastal areas.
Many municipalities are implementing asset management programs (AMPs) to help quantify and manage their stormwater infrastructure. Because infrastructure was built over a long period of time, it’s likely that documentation fragmented and inaccurate, which makes efficient maintenance very difficult. Actually knowing the location and condition of infrastructure assets goes a long way in creating a proactive plan to inspect, manage and repair existing assets.
SMALL INVESTMENTS IN PROVEN TECHNOLOGY CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
Reading an RFID marker on a catch basin.
Fortunately, cost-effective technology is available to help make efficient asset management available to municipalities. Rather than keeping track of stormwater assets on paper and then digitizing the information, many municipalities have gone digital, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to keep track of their catch basins, swales, hydrants and other assets. However, in many cases, even if all the assets are viewable on a GIS system, truly useful data is not.
For example, a single intersection may have literally dozens of manholes, storm drains, catch basins, hydrants and other assets that require regular inspection and maintenance. GIS systems don’t have a way to identify discrete assets in close proximity. That’s where the InfraMarker system comes in. It offers a way to link verified physical location with the digital world using simple, proven technology.
Any asset that is marked with a RFID tag can be linked to unlimited asset information in a GIS using a simple mobile app. Field technicians can verify with certainty where they’re at and then link their maintenance activity with that specific asset – no guesswork or wasted time involved.
Asset managers benefit because they can view all assets online and delve into each specific record to view videos, photos and any other documentation the field tech has attached to the specific tag. An audit trail has been created so asset managers can schedule inspections and maintenance knowing that there will be no confusion or wasted time in the field dealing.
*Estimated Annual Ecomonic Impacts from Harmful Algal Booms (HABs) in the United States, WHOI-2000-11.
It’s GIS Day!
Most people don’t really think about how geographic information provides the framework for our entire existence. We exist as living organisms in time and space. Our minds may be occupied with far-way thoughts, but our memories are inextricably tied to the place where they were created. As long as we live and breathe, we always have a location.
Blog by Emily Pierce, PLS, CFedS
Most people don’t really think about how geographic information provides the framework for our entire existence. We exist as living organisms in time and space. Our minds may be occupied with far-way thoughts, but our memories are inextricably tied to the place where they were created. As long as we live and breathe, we always have a location. Shakespeare’s Hamlet said “To be or not to be, that is the question.” Surveyors say, “To be is to occupy a position relative to two axes.”
Surveyors are trained to understand the implications of geography and location differently than most people. Precision is applied to location and this information has been the basis for civilizations for thousands of years. I’ve written about ancient surveying instruments in previous blogs: Ancient Egyptian Surveying and Ancient Roman Surveying.
Today, geographic information is more important than ever and is being used in ways that were previously unimaginable. As a surveyor, I had the opportunity to work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) early on, mainly by being the boots on the ground that provided accurate geographic data that was subsequently used in GIS. We provided accurate survey-grade locations on US Public Land Survey corners (section and quarter-section corners) to be utilized into a county tax parcel database. This not only helped improve how the county taxed its citizens, it also helped citizens with land development, taking into account appropriate building sites, flood zones, wetland preservation, general zoning requirements, just to name a few. Beyond that, the GIS also is used for school and voting districts, changes in municipal boundaries and incorporations, addressing, and emergency response management.
Nothing stays the dame
Change has accelerated quickly in the years since I started working with GIS, as evidenced by a 2009 article entitled the “Top Five Benefits of GIS”, with number one benefit being cost savings from greater efficiency using location-based data.
The example cited was Sears, which was able to use GIS to reduce the time it took for dispatchers to create routes for their home delivery trucks by 75%. I’m sure that was a huge savings, but unfortunately for Sears, Amazon was already taking over on every front. By 2021, the Sears footprint had shrunk from 3,862 stores in 2009 to just 19 stores and a website.
Route optimization is only one of the thousands of applications of GIS technology. From precision farming to spatial econometrics (the intersection of spatial analysis with economics) to creating ultra-precise road maps to facilitate autonomous vehicles. Check out the 1,000 Uses of GIS for a glimpse into the future.
When researching this blog, I learned about a project where Toyota is using a platform that gathers crowd-sourced data from vehicle cameras and combines it with high-precision GPS and GIS to create precise and up-to-date road information. This information will be used for autonomous driving in the future, or probably already is!
What?!
Interestingly, a whole new industry is being created around monetizing the vast amount of data that is generated from vehicles. McKinsey estimates the market for this information might add up to $450-650 billion by 2030. I wish there was some way I could get a cut of these billions!
You may not even realize that the navigation systems in your vehicles are GIS. I’m partial to the Waze app. I love how they incorporate real-time data on reported crashes, speed traps and even roadkill, (important to know, because we have lots of moose and deer up here)! All this can be narrated by people from Dexter on Showtime to PAW Patrol on Nickelodeon.
Other GIS uses
Pretty much everyone knows about the Johns-Hopkins COVID map but did you know that there’s a HealthMap that maps reports the location of all kinds of diseases? For example, in the past month, Legionnaires’ Disease was found in three locations in the U.S. Definitely worth looking at before traveling. NASA is also providing satellite data to cancer researchers to help pinpoint the types of human activity that lead to cancer in geographic areas. The Landsat Program is the longest continuous space-based record of Earth’s land in existence.
As you know, I’m a history buff, and I really like the ArcGIS Online Historical Maps. It makes all the USGS topographical maps accessible. All you need to do is find a place, and any maps that USGS has on it over time will be available. I just downloaded this map form 1890 of New Orleans.
I could go on and on, but I invite you to check out the many ways GIS is being used today.
I know in the past, many surveyors thought that GIS was going to obsolete the profession, but that is definitely not the case. We still need boots in the field tying the data in digital maps to real places in the real world. I’m personally involved in introducing a product that does just that, using RFID to literally tie the physical to the digital. Check it out at inframarker.com. It’s a great product with as many applications as GIS itself.
Emily Pierce is a surveyor and Berntsen’s Business Development Manager. Learn more - email: info@inframarker.com
BERNTSEN ENHANCES THE CAPABILITY OF THE INFRAMARKER MOBILE APP
Berntsen International, maker of InfraMarker® Connected RFID™, announces a new release of the InfraMarker Mobile App, the field data collection component of the popular InfraMarker Connected RFID solution. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a foundational, scalable technology that can link physical assets directly to their digital twin. InfraMarker uses the power of RFID to locate infrastructure assets faster and more accurately, provide field crews with instant access to asset information, and streamline inspection and maintenance workflows.
VERSION 2 RELEASED – NOW AVAILABLE IN THE APP STORE OR GOOGLE PLAY
MADISON, Wisc. Nov 3, 2021 – Berntsen International, maker of InfraMarker® Connected RFID™, announces a new release of the InfraMarker Mobile App, the field data collection component of the popular InfraMarker Connected RFID solution. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a foundational, scalable technology that can link physical assets directly to their digital twin. InfraMarker uses the power of RFID to locate infrastructure assets faster and more accurately, provide field crews with instant access to asset information, and streamline inspection and maintenance workflows.
“This new Version 2 mobile app extends InfraMarker’s lead in using RFID to deliver accurate, field-verified asset management data,” said Mike Klonsinski, president of Berntsen International. “Connected RFID is the future of infrastructure asset management, and the InfraMarker approach of tying field assets directly to their records in the GIS-based Asset Management Software means real-time access to accurate data. This capability is especially important today, when organizations need better ways to track and manage all asset types, from gas lines to stormwater assets to telecom. Good decisions are based on good data, and InfraMarker delivers – in the field and in the office.”
The InfraMarker Connected RFID solution consists of four integrated components:
InfraMarker RFID Markers – These rugged RFID tags come in a range of sizes and styles to suit any application. Whether used above ground or below the surface, these tags deliver connected asset information without requiring a power source.
RFID Reader – Several off the shelf types of RFID readers are certified for use with the InfraMarker solution.
InfraMarker Mobile App – Designed for intuitive user experience, this app is used in the field to connect the RFID tag data to its specific record in the Data Management System.
InfraMarker Asset Management Software – InfraMarker’s administrative interface delivers the power to view and manage field assets from the office in real time.
From creating data collection smart forms to sharing essential asset data, InfraMarker accurately manages any type of asset -- anywhere.
The newly-released Version 2 InfraMarker App adds additional capability for a user-friendly workflow. Contact us at info@inframarker.com.
About Berntsen International, Inc. and its InfraMarker® Solution:
As an infrastructure marking company founded in 1972, Berntsen has been developing smart marking products for more than 20 years. Its patented InfraMarker® Connected RFID™ solution combines the durability and precision of Berntsen marking products with a unique application of RFID technology specifically developed to connect physical markers with digital records.
INFRAMARKER RFID WEB WIDGET AVAILABLE ON ESRI'S MARKETPLACE
Berntsen International, the leader in infrastructure marking solutions, today announced that InfraMarker RFID Web Widget for ArcGIS Online is now available on the Esri Marketplace.
Utilities need better ways to locate, identify and update infrastructure asset records to fully benefit from the power of Esri’s ArcGIS tools. RFID marking of infrastructure assets directly addresses this issue by linking verified physical asset data to its specific record in ArcGIS Online. This prevents data inaccuracies while streamlining field asset maintenance.
MADISON, Wisc.— August 13, 2020 — Berntsen International, the leader in infrastructure marking solutions, today announced that InfraMarker RFID Web Widget for ArcGIS Online is now available on the Esri Marketplace.
Utilities need better ways to locate, identify and update infrastructure asset records to fully benefit from the power of Esri’s ArcGIS tools. RFID marking of infrastructure assets directly addresses this issue by linking verified physical asset data to its specific record in ArcGIS Online. This prevents data inaccuracies while streamlining field asset maintenance, improving field ROI and enhancing regulatory compliance.
Benefits of RFID marking of infrastructure assets —
Assurance of data accuracy — InfraMarker RFID tags provide a digital serial number that is specific to the RFID-enabled asset. The serial number provides an accurate validation of the ArcGIS asset data through the connection of the InfraMarker RFID Web Widget.
Complete data — Any type of asset (including underground) can be marked with durable, passive InfraMarker RFID tags. The Web Widgets tie the physical asset to its ArcGIS record and each RFID read is captured, producing an auditable asset record, enhancing regulatory compliance.
Improved ROI in the field — RFID directly benefits field staff by eliminating the time and guesswork involved in locating specific assets. A simple RFID read accesses the right information and presents the relevant data fields within the user’s Esri Online inspection and maintenance form. This streamlines operations while enhancing accuracy..
As an infrastructure marking company, Berntsen has been developing smart marking products for more than a decade. Its patented InfraMarker RFID solution combines the durability and precision of all Berntsen marking products with a unique application of RFID technology specifically developed to connect physical markers with digital records.
Berntsen’s partnership with Esri allows utilities to expand their use of ArcGIS by connecting physical asset and its data in ArcGIS. “Esri’s ArcGIS is used by utilities throughout the world to visualize, model and analyze their infrastructure assets. Berntsen’s InfraMarker RFID solution helps Esri’s customers get the most value out of ArcGIS,” said Mike Klonsinski, president of Berntsen International, Inc. “We look forward to introducing other RFID-compatible apps and software that help utility customers maximize their use of Esri platforms.”
Go to the Esri Marketplace to learn more about how InfraMarker RFID Web Widgets for ArcGIS online can improve utility operations.
About Berntsen International, Inc.
Berntsen has been a leader in the development and manufacture of infrastructure marking for nearly 50 years. We have been building that trust into every product we make, ensuring safety, precision and lasting quality for generations. From our advanced metallurgy and forging processes to our patented RFID-enabled smart marking apps, Berntsen is the world leader in marking solutions wherever precision and durability are essential.
InfraMarker.com | BerntsenInternational.com | Berntsen.com
InfraMarker is a registered trademark of Berntsen International, Inc.
About ESRI
Esri, the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping, offers the most powerful geospatial cloud available. Since 1969, Esri has helped customers unlock the full potential of data to improve operational and business results. Today, Esri software is deployed in more than 350,000 organizations including the world’s largest cities, most national governments, 75 percent of Fortune 500 companies, and more than 7,000 colleges and universities. With its pioneering commitment to geospatial information technology, Esri engineers the most advanced solutions for digital transformation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics.
Visit us at esri.com.
Esri, the Esri globe logo, ArcGIS, The Science of Where, esri.com, and @esri.com are trademarks, service marks, or registered marks of Esri in the United States, the European Community, or certain other jurisdictions.
IT’S NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE WEEK!
While COVID-19 measures have closed many businesses, workers building and maintaining our infrastructure have been busier than ever dealing with the new demands created by a massive workforce shift from offices to homes. Many of us working at home have been given the opportunity to consider these services from a different perspective.
by Emily Pierce, PLS, CFedS
May 11-15, 2020 is the official week to focus on our national infrastructure and commemorate the workers and investment that we all depend on.
As we look back on this year’s Infrastructure Week, the intense national focus seems to be creating an “Infrastructure Year.”
While COVID-19 measures have closed many businesses, workers building and maintaining our infrastructure have been busier than ever dealing with the new demands created by a massive workforce shift from offices to homes. Many of us working at home have been given the opportunity to consider these services from a different perspective.
For many people, telecom infrastructure is top of mind as they navigate the challenges of the home office. Limited internet access has long been an issue. Today, lack of broadband is not merely inconvenient, it impacts economic stability. The FCC says that 21 million Americans lack high-speed internet access; other reports suggest that number is twice that, and access is even more limited in rural areas. If working from home becomes permanent, improving broadband access throughout the country must be a priority.
Of course, it’s one of many priorities. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) tracks 16 categories of infrastructure, and will be adding another in 2021 – stormwater. Stormwater is receiving greater focus because severe precipitation events are becoming more frequent and good stormwater management is one of the few ways destructive flooding can be mitigated. Additionally, controlling stormwater runoff also controls pollution and contamination of drinking water sources.
Every four years, the ASCE provides a report card on the condition and performance of American infrastructure, assigning letter grades based on the physical condition and needed investments for improvement. The bad news is that the country has maintained a cumulative grade of D+ since 2013. In these unprecedented times, we have the opportunity to change the existing approach and go beyond temporary fixes to achieve permanent infrastructure solutions.
Berntsen’s history is rooted in supporting those who develop and create our nation’s infrastructure, with high-quality marking products, including boundary marking, utility marking, trail marking, control marking and connected marking. We continually leverage our knowledge and experience to develop innovations that support the next generation of infrastructure solutions, as evidenced by our recent innovation in asset management.
At Berntsen, we salute everyone who has invested their time, ingenuity and sweat equity to build and maintain our national infrastructure. We have been right alongside you for nearly 50 years, providing high quality, innovative products that help infrastructure professionals build and manage essential assets.
SURVEYORS EMBRACE NEW TECHNOLOGY
According to an article in Point of Beginning citing a recent study, the surveying profession is undergoing some important changes.
The past five years have seen a notable drop in boundary surveys as the primary surveying activity -- from 35 percent in 2015 to just 15 percent in 2020.
Main Objective
Correspondingly, 27 percent of surveyors cite building / construction / engineering design as their firm’s primary business.
According to an article in Point of Beginning citing a recent study, the surveying profession is undergoing some important changes.
The past five years have seen a notable drop in boundary surveys as the primary surveying activity -- from 35 percent in 2015 to just 15 percent in 2020. Correspondingly, 27 percent of surveyors cite building / construction / engineering design as their firm’s primary business - up from just nine percent in 2015. Clearly, more and more surveying firms rely on the construction industry as their primary activity.
Additionally, with the needed investment in upgrading existing infrastructure nationwide, we will likely see this increase even more in the future.
A wave of new technology
As construction continues to become a bigger part of the business, surveyors are not only using new technology, they are becoming acquainted with new technologies used by their customers. For example, many construction and engineering firms contract with municipalities that use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map and track infrastructure assets. Asset location is represented on a digital map, which is very useful for centralized planning and administration of resources.
Unfortunately, the benefits of these digital asset mapping applications often do not seamlessly transfer to the field. Ideally, the digital map would guide field workers to the exact asset that has been assigned for inspection and maintenance. In practice, field workers discover that the physical assets don’t correspond to the digital location, or there are several assets in close proximity, making precise identification impossible. If the assets are buried, then each time an asset needs to be accessed, a time-consuming and costly locating process must be completed.
InfraMarker RFID tag marking an underground pipeline
InfraMarker RFID tag marking an underground pipeline
This is where the work of surveyors can be of great benefit to organizations that use GIS-based asset mapping software. Asset management software is not based on survey-grade precision, which leads to ongoing locating problems in the future. Surveyors have the ability to generate the precise physical location data that is inherently of tremendous benefit to municipal or utility asset management programs.
A crucial reason why precise location information is so valuable to utilities is the prevalence of excavation utility strikes. The Common Ground Alliance found that in 2018, the single most frequent reason for underground utilities being mistakenly hit during excavation was “Notification NOT made” – meaning that locators were not used before excavation began.
However, if locators are used, it doesn’t mean that they provide exact information – the same report states that 24 percent of accidental utility strikes were due to Locating Issues.
That data illustrates the fact that existing utility locating methods are not sufficient. However, surveyors have the data and can offer a way to link specific, verified physical location to digital asset management data.
Surveyors can provide value-add to customers
The key is RFID. By combining RFID markers and simple smart phone applications, surveyors can provide an adaptable way to tie physical location with a customer’s GIS system. This offers a tremendous benefit to utilities because RFID can be tied into their digital asset system and provide verifiable asset location and data.
The InfraMarker system provides a turnkey way to quickly mark infrastructure assets.
InfraMarker RFID-tagged utility assets displayed on a cell phone screen.
InfraMarker RFID-tagged utility assets displayed on a cell phone screen.
For example, when surveyors mark the path for a new municipal water pipeline, RFID markers can be placed at key points, above or below ground. Each InfraMarker tag has a unique ID that can be immediately pulled into the GIS/Asset Management system, or it can be added to the GIS / asset management system later. InfraMarker tags last for decades, are passive (only activated when pinged by and RFID reader) and don’t require batteries so there’s no maintenance.
With InfraMarker, surveyors can offer lasting benefit to municipal and utility customers by anticipating their need to accurately digitize physical location.
HOW UNDERGROUND RFID MARKING IS CHANGING THE UTILITIES INDUSTRY
You would think that with all of the technology available today, we’d be able to see what’s underground almost as well as we see what’s above ground. Unfortunately, that’s not the case - underground utility locating remains an issue.
You would think that with all of the technology available today, we’d be able to see what’s underground almost as well as we see what’s above ground. Unfortunately, that’s not the case - underground utility locating remains an issue.
Today, excavators rely on locators to come and find each utility and mark it with a flag before they dig – at least most of the time. In 2018, the single most frequent reason for underground utilities being mistakenly hit during excavation was “Notification NOT made” – meaning that locators were not used before excavation began.
However, if locators are used, it doesn’t mean that they provide exact information – the same report states that 24 percent of accidental utility strikes were due to Locating Issues.
RFID to the rescue
A reliable way to locate buried utilities and instantly know key information about that utility already exists -- based on proven RFID technology. Radio Frequency Identification has been used for years to track items without having to visually confirm them – typical uses are the toll-booth passes that are read remotely when we pass through a toll, or markers on library books that are scanned when we check them out.
RFID tags are ideal for underground utility marking because they are passive (don’t require a battery), have a unique ID as well as a small amount of memory that can contain data such as the utility type and owner. They are durable and can include a magnet to increase the precision of underground locating. Today there is a solution based on RFID markers that is already being used by some utilities.
This system is called InfraMarker®, and it’s designed to provide accurate information about assets, below or even above ground. InfraMarker RFID tags are placed on or near the asset. Once accessed with an RFID reader, the latitude, longitude, and unique ID are written to the tag. Then additional information, such as the type of asset and owner are added through software on a smart phone connected to the reader via Bluetooth.
InfraMarker RFID marker and water utility before burial.
Imagine the time and money that could be saved if underground utilities were marked with RFID tags. Excavators could precisely locate underground utilities, and even know what type(s) of utility was below.
Connected infrastructure
With millions of miles of underground piping across the United States, it stands to reason that identifying the unique characteristics of a single asset may be a challenge.
That’s where connected infrastructure can make a huge difference. Asset management software that is now used by many municipalities and utilities can pull the data from each RFID marker and associate that with data in the application – and plot this on a digital map. This data can be shared between utilities, so that location information of water lines, gas lines, telecom lines and fiber optic cables could be shared in a common file format.
Not only would this save time for utilities, it would prevent the estimated $50 billion annual cost of excavation utility strikes.
Contact us to set up a demo to see how the simple, easy-to-use and setup InfraMarker system can save time, money and provide the data you need with the accuracy you require.