Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Alberta Health Services Deploys TagMaster North America RFID for Emergency Medical Services



A mission critical performance solution for critical service missions.

TACOMA, WA | November 30, 2016 – TagMaster North America, Inc., the leading provider of long-range, high-performance Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems for Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI) deployed its embedded standalone access control solution  for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) vehicle dispatch center at Alberta Health Services  in Canada.  

TagMaster RFID systems will provide the EMS stations with a comprehensive, site-wide standardized solution for their ambulance bay dispatch centers.   By simplifying ambulance access with features from TagMaster such as customized reports and ingress tracking, an increase in security and operational efficiency for these vital EMS dispatch centers became possible without having to install a scale-invariant third party access control panel. 

TagMaster installed its robust LR-Series RFID Readers with embedded ACTS Essential software in conjunction with the S1255 MarkTag Classic Tags to allow for quick, hands-free vehicle access for EMS personnel and other authorized medical agency staff at Alberta Health Services. The Long-Range LR-Readers identify a vehicle's TagMaster AVI Tag at a distance of up to 18 feet as it approaches the entrance of the dispatch station, logs the authorized credential and triggers the roll up door to open for valid tags while denying access to anyone not permitted access.

“The implementation of ACTS Essential software allows us to save valuable time for a wider market of users in need of an innovative and cost effective solution for mission critical operations.“ – Ali Khaksar, President and CEO of TagMaster North America, Inc.

Tag Master’s advanced RFID ACTS software is a Reader-embedded system offering enhanced features such as: customized associated credentials, real-time IP camera support, tailored and customizable reports, time stamping, gate/holiday scheduling and port forwarding all within a user-friendly, standard web-based interface.

TagMaster North America, Inc. is the leading provider of long-range, high-performance Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solutions for Automated Vehicle Identification (AVI) and rail bound transportation. Convenient and efficient RFID solutions from TagMaster NA can increase security and decrease environmental impact. Seamless integration and reliable performance records are TagMaster North America’s distinct hallmarks. For more information on TagMaster products, support and services, visit www.TagMasterNA.com or contact us at info@TagMasterNA.com | P: 253-238-1421

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

University of Washington, Seattle Chooses T2 and TagMaster North America Combination

Permit process and parking access control better managed through integrated IP-based solutions and stand-alone systems.

TACOMA, WA | November 2, 2016 – TagMaster North America, Inc., the leading provider of long-range, high-performance Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems for Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI) established its embedded standalone access control solution now integrates directly with T2 System’s permit management and enforcement and T2 Flex system. This integration enabled The University of Washington, Seattle to create a truly unified parking management platform.

T2 Systems, a parking solutions supplier, provided the University with T2 Flex, a comprehensive and campus-wide parking system that manages parking access, revenue control and permits, making parking management and enforcement a seamless operation.

Over Forty TagMaster long-range UHF XT-3 Readers were integrated into T2’s cohesive solution, ultimately allowing for quick, hands-free vehicle access for students, faculty and staff at the controlled parking areas on UW’s campus. The long-range RFID Reader identifies a vehicle’s TagMaster AVI Tag as it approaches an entrance/exit gate and T2 Flex verifies the identity, triggering a gate to open for valid tags and denying access to anyone not permitted access in the specific parking area. TagMaster North America was able to add features onto the XT-3 Readers such as tag filtering, where the Readers are able to correctly and reliably distinguish between multiple tags in an area without disrupting the processing time, and TCP/IP, where the communications protocol can be used in the universities private network.

“This innovative combination along with T2 System’s market leading technology offers the unique opportunity for organizations like universities to utilize available parking more efficiently and enhance their level of customer service while increasing their parking revenue. It was a pleasure working with an organization so close to home such as UW and successfully providing them with a combined solution that works from T2 Systems!” – Ali Khaksar, President, TagMaster North America

T2 Systems, Inc. Founded in 1994, T2 Systems is a technology-focused parking systems provider with deep roots in the evolving parking industry. This commitment is evident in T2’s quality products and services, thought leadership and strong customer relationships. The company’s unified parking management and payment solutions provided under the T2 and Digital brands are in use by over 1,000 organizations across the US and Canada including universities, cities, towns, hospitals and parking operators. T2 has offices in Indianapolis, Vancouver and virtual offices throughout North America. For additional information about T2 products and services, visit www.T2systems.com.

TagMaster North America, Inc. is the leading provider of long-range, high-performance Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solutions for Automated Vehicle Identification (AVI) and rail bound transportation. Convenient and efficient RFID solutions from TagMaster NA can increase security and decrease environmental impact. Seamless integration and reliable performance records are TagMaster North America’s distinct hallmarks. For more information on TagMaster products, support and services, visit www.TagMasterNA.com, or contact us at info@TagMasterNA.com | 253-238-1421

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Football season is finally in full swing and enthusiasts across the nation couldn’t be more ready. With millions of dedicated fans projected to attend the match-ups of the 2016-2017 season, stadiums and arenas are sure to see their share of excitement and the unfortunate let-downs. However, considering these many millions of visitors who will be parking their vehicles in stadium and arena parking lots nationwide at each game, it’s especially important for sports organizations to stay vigilant in the access control and monitoring of these parking areas, since this is where even more excitement and let-downs inevitably occur.

Whether or not your team wins the game you’ve been anticipating attending the past couple of months can make or break the trip you’ve put so much time and effort into. But, the enjoyment fans, guests and even promoters experience at events such as football games can sometimes rely simply on the easy, secure and rapid parking entry system they are introduced to. Let’s face it, what die-hard football fanatic wants to sit in a mile-long backup of cars awaiting to park their vehicle and enter the game they’ve anticipated for so long? On the other hand, what die-hard football fanatic wants to spend an hour or more maneuvering their way through the same line of cars after a devastating loss?

TagMaster North America, the leading provider of advanced RFID solutions for long-range vehicle identification, is the answer sports event management personnel have been looking for. Providing powerful and reliable AVI solutions for over a decade, TagMaster is able to provide an AVI RFID solution that is sure to enhance the fan experience while improving the efficiency and security of parking management at an event.

Sports Event Management Benefits Using TagMaster’s AVI Solutions: 
  1. Parking management optimization throughout different lots 
  2. Improved fan satisfaction leading to increased season ticket holders for next season 
  3. No additional costs or time added to installation because of site licensing 
  4. Reduced carbon emissions and vehicle queues
  5. Consistent reliability in all weather conditions 
  6. Semi-permanent tag options for different events (sporting events, concerts, graduations, etc.) 
  7. Visitor/vehicle tracking for simple monitoring of occupancy 
  8. Processing a large volume of vehicles in the shortest time 
  9. Cashless payment – no need for ticket handlers

Fan & Guest Benefits Using TagMaster’s AVI Solutions: 
  1. Safer and more secure environment for fans in protected lots 
  2. A more organized and enjoyable event 
  3. Monitored, protected access throughout the entire event 
  4. Easy, hands-free access for fans at all times; no need to stop at a gate/barrier 
  5. Reliable access without entry/exit wait times 
  6. Multiple tag options for discreet, tamper-proof placement

    Please visit us at www.TagMasterNA.com or contact us today at 253-238-1421 to learn more and stay connected with us on social media.

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Prioritizing Resident Satisfaction: RFID in Gated Communities


Why do people choose to live in gated communities?
 
According to one study, since the 1970s the number of gated residential communities in the United States has increased drastically[i] and continues to grow.

People choose to reside in gated communities for added security and peace of mind, not to mention superior property values. An exceptional gated system alone can increase the value of a single-family home by $50,000 or more.[ii]
 
Evidently, as the American population expands, the housing market has experienced a concurrent demand for properties in gated residential areas.

What are potential drawbacks associated with living in a gated community?

Frustrated residents are dissatisfied residents
Nevertheless, there can be certain inconveniences associated with gated communities, both for residents and property managers. For instance, entry gates that require users to manually punch in a key code, or stop while a guard verifies their ID, can be both frustrating and time consuming. The practice of stopping a vehicle or rolling down a window can even pose a safety risk in some circumstances, for example, when returning home late at night.

Especially during busy hours, vehicle queues can stretch off the property and into the street. Residents may get frustrated trying to enter their own community. Furthermore, any gated community conscious of its environmental impact knows that lines of idling vehicles will have an adverse impact on its carbon footprint.

A better solution provides convenient, hands-free access for residents
From a management perspective, the need to stop a vehicle for manual entry can greatly increase maintenance and damage costs. Cars are far more likely to run into entrance bollards if the driver is forced to present an ID or type in a code through the window. Long wait lines tempt drivers to “tailgate,” or follow an authorized vehicle closely through a gate to save time. More often than not, this practice results in clipped gates that can take a long time to repair. All of these costs, of course, increase expenses and decrease resident satisfaction.

How can RFID benefit both the residents and managers of a gated community?

Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID, offers a streamlined solution to these common challenges. A system of RFID Readers and Tags (transponders) allow a vehicle to approach an entry point, have its credential automatically verified, and trigger the gate to open—without even stopping the car. Integrated with a gated community’s existing access system, an RFID solution can:

1.       Eliminate the need for security guards at entry/exit points
2.       Offer residents hands-free, secure vehicle access
3.       Result in exponentially more efficient vehicle throughput, especially during busy hours
4.       Allow managers a greater measure of oversight and control
5.       Reduce annual damages to gate systems
6.       Offer separate lanes for visitors and authorized residents, streamlining access for both
7.       Virtually eliminate tailgating

For these reasons and more, RFID is an exceptional solution for gated community applications. As the number of Americans living in gated communities continues to grow, demand for such systems will, too.

To learn more about how an RFID solution can work for your gated community and see examples, visit www.TagMasterNA.com, or call the TagMaster Team at 253-238-1421.


[i] Chris E McGoey, www.crimedoctor.com
[ii] Ibid.