RFRain: Redefining Asset and Inventory Management

Danny Akaoui, CEO & Founder

Danny Akaoui, a firmware and kernel development expert, never imagined that his trip to Lebanon could turn out to be a life-transforming one. A conversation with his father, during his stay there, opened his eyes to the need for a solution that could inject sheer visibility into asset management. Subsequently, he collaborated with Jura Zibas, a patent lawyer, to transform inventory management through RFID technology. Combining their industry know-how and vast experience, the dynamic duo today offers a solution to a broad gamut of conventional problems in the asset management arena through their venture, RFRain.

In an interview with CIO Applications, Danny Akaoui, founder and CEO, and Jura Zibas, SVP of Business Development of RFRain explain how the company leverages RFID technology for efficient enterprise asset management.

What makes RFRain’s Inventory Management Solution (RFR-IMS) unique in the industry?

As a firmware expert, I quickly understood that RFID systems could effectively address the conventional problems in inventory management. I focused my efforts to make self-purpose RF readers. The architecture of our RF solutions is such that it simplifies data reception from an antenna and uses the gateway as the main console. Our patent-pending system architecture, allows users to get the data from their assets in RF into their databases in real time. Further, the data from the assets is stored on premise or in the cloud to allow complete visibility from remote locations.

Developed in-house, The RFRain solution is a plug and play solution. The online browser-based solution is accessible through mobile, tablet, and desktops. By accessing the server using a browser, businesses gain real-time data about the assets that need to be tracked. The solution facilitates the automatic scanning of inventory items and renders desktop-like experience. The users can store the asset related data on-premise system or in the cloud. The RFRain solution tracks assets even if they are spread across remote locations across the world. Businesses can also integrate the RFRain solution within their existing ERP or ordering systems to manage assets with complete accuracy.

The RFRain solution is scalable, and can include multiple readers, gateways, antennas, tags, and the RFR-ZM Zone Manager. Using a single browser based software front-end the Zone Manager, the user is able to control the entire system from a single command center. This patent pending architecture greatly simplifies system and asset management.

Developed in-house, RFRain provides the RFR-IMS, which little setup time to get the user going in little time

The reader have the capability to read up to 750 tags/sec, and thus can detect rapid movement of assets across door ways. In almost all of our solutions already installed, we pretty much provide all the hardware and software that a customer needs to create a robust RFID based IoT solution.

Enlighten us about the RFRain solution various use cases. How do you make your services stand apart in the industry in terms of solutions delivery?

The RFRain solution greatly improves the speed and accuracy of logging assets into the customer’s databases when assets are received in a factory. In addition, the RFRain solution greatly reduces shrinkage as well, since assets that are received are automatically logged into the clients ERP system without human intervention. For example, on one of our customers, the RFRain solution is installed on a conveyor belt, and reads the content of assets (currently 100 assets in a matter of seconds) automatically and stores the assets received into the database. Previously, the customer required a worker to open each box, and count the number of assets in each box. The users can select the data format and view it through Zone Manager RFR-ZM browser-based interface.

The RFRain solution plays its part in keeping our children safe. As an example, we provide a complete solution that can be installed on school buses, and provide the ability for school personnel to track the children on the bus in real time. In effect, the cost effective RFRain RFID based solution equipped with a GPS allows the school personnel to know exactly when children get in and get out of the bus. Some of the other implementations include tracking children in classrooms and hallways at all time. We are at cusp of an IoT revolution where systems such as RFRain’s systems are able to monitor the behavior of children and identify dangerous situations based on human behavior and movements.

In addition, the RFRain solution acts as a shield against loss of medical equipment worth millions of dollars for healthcare providers. Healthcare providers can easily track the equipment that saves cost and improves productivity. While healthcare providers continue to ace the regulatory requirements with RFR-IMS, pharmaceutical manufacturers utilize our solution to comply with the state and federal laws like Drug Supply Chain Security Act. As tracking medical equipment become mandatory, drug manufacturers can use RFRain RFID tags and easily comply with the law. What is more, RFR-IMS can be used not only in asset management but also in human surveillance. Event managers can track their resources using RFRain RFID tags. The solution simplifies real-time asset tracking while ensuring data security. As we use a unique frequency range that cannot be shared by Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other communication technologies, we create a foolproof security environment.

At the outset of client engagement, we understand their requirements and customize our product to resolve the industry-specific problems. The focus on attuning the product to the client needs holds the key to building a vast clientele. Today, we have been receiving a maximum response from the manufacturing industry. As the manufacturers want to add assets into the inventory and update the database in real time, RFR-IMS is the obvious answer to this age-old problem. Using our APIs, they can operate their existing warehouse management systems and monitor their assets.

What is the future plan in terms of geographical expansions and product enhancements?

We are currently focused on enhancing our product in tandem with the technological advancements. Soon, businesses in the other parts of the globe will embrace RFID and RFRain is set to empower them with this cutting-edge technology.