In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, every second counts—and so does every piece of equipment. From infusion pumps and wheelchairs to surgical trays and defibrillators, hospitals manage thousands of critical assets daily. Yet studies show that **up to 15–20% of mobile medical equipment is lost, misplaced, or underutilized** at any given time, leading to delayed procedures, frustrated staff, and millions in unnecessary replacement costs.
Enter Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)—a proven technology that delivers real-time visibility into asset location, status, and usage. At Ahearn & Soper Inc., we’ve helped hospitals across North America deploy RFID systems that not only reduce asset loss by up to 85%** but also **boost equipment utilization rates by 30% or more.
Here’s how it works—and why it matters.
The Hidden Cost of “Asset Invisibility”
Traditional asset tracking relies on manual logs, barcodes, or memory. Nurses spend up to 25 minutes per shift searching for equipment. Operating rooms are delayed because a specific surgical kit can’t be located. And when assets go missing, hospitals often over-purchase to compensate—tying up capital in redundant inventory.
Real-world example: A 400-bed hospital in the Midwest was replacing $1.2 million in mobile equipment annually due to loss and shrinkage. After implementing RFID, annual replacement costs dropped to under $200,000.
How RFID Delivers Real-Time Visibility
RFID tags—small, durable, and battery-powered (or passive)—are attached to assets. These tags communicate with a network of fixed readers (in ceilings, doorways, and storage areas) and handheld scanners used by staff.
Key Benefits:
Benefit & Impact
Instant Location Tracking Know exactly where a wheelchair or ventilator is—down to the room level.
Automated Par-Level Management Systems alert staff when equipment drops below threshold levels in a unit.
Theft & Wandering Prevention Tags trigger alarms if assets leave designated zones (e.g., exiting the building).
Utilization Analytics Track how often equipment is used, idle, or in maintenance—revealing underused assets.
Proven Results: Reduced Loss, Higher Utilization
1. Loss Prevention
Exit monitoring: RFID readers at loading docks and exits log any tagged asset leaving the facility.
Zone-based containment: Assets “lost” between departments are quickly located via last-known reader ping.
Result: One children’s hospital reduced wheelchair loss by 92% in the first year.
2. Improved Utilization
Data-driven redistribution: Analytics show that 40% of infusion pumps in Unit A were idle while Unit B was short-staffed.
Predictive maintenance: RFID tracks usage cycles, flagging devices due for service before they fail.
Result: A large academic medical center increased **pump utilization from 48% to 79%, avoiding $800,000 in new purchases.
Beyond Equipment: RFID for Patient Safety & Compliance
RFID isn’t just for assets. When paired with patient wristbands, it ensures:
Right patient, right equipment (e.g., matching a ventilator to a specific admission).
Sterile processing compliance (tracking surgical trays through cleaning cycles).
Recall management (instantly locate all units of a recalled device).
Why Now? The ROI Is Clear.
Annual asset replacement cost: Before RFID $1.2M After RFID $180K
Staff time spent searching: Before RFID 25 min/shift After RFID 5 min/shift
Equipment utilization rate: Before RFID 45–55% After RFID 75–85%
Delayed procedures due to missing equipment: Before RFID 12–15/month After RFID 2/month
With payback periods as short as 9–12 months, RFID isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Partner with Ahearn & Soper Inc.
For over 50 years, Ahearn & Soper has delivered enterprise-grade RFID solutions** tailored to healthcare. Our systems integrate seamlessly with EHRs, RTLS platforms, and CMMS software.
Ready to eliminate asset loss and maximize utilization?
Ahearn & Soper Inc. – Enabling Healthcare Excellence Through Technology
FR 
EN