RFID Tracking Pad Monitor

Transcription

1 RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide Version 3.x 3M Track and Trace Solutions 3M Center, Building 22-4N-14 St. Paul, Minnesota , Rev. E

2 M. All rights reserved. 3M RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide Version 3.x , Rev. E 3M is a trademark of 3M. Microsoft, Windows, and SQL Server are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. The information contained herewithin is intended for use by 3M customers, agents and employees, and should not be distributed to outside parties.

3 3M RFID Tracking Pad Monitor Table of Contents Using the 3M RFID Tracking Pad... 1 Guidelines for reading tags on a Tracking Pad...1 Using a Tracking Pad to check-in folders...2 Using a Location Tag to check-out folders...3 Using the Checkout to function to check-out folders...4 Multiple groups and the Checkout to function... Using the Pad Monitor icon...6 Viewing the Activity Log...7 Refreshing the Location List...7 Exiting Pad Monitor software...7 Customizing the Pad Monitor User Interface... 8 Option 1 - Pad Monitor window open with icon and audio feedback...8 Option 2 - Pad Monitor window closed with icon and audio feedback...8 Option 3 - Audio feedback only...9 Using the "Come to Front" option...9 Configuring Tracking Pad Timeout Settings... 1 Changing the Checkout to timeout setting...1 Changing the Location Tag timeout setting...11 Configuring Computer Settings Step 1 Start Pad Monitor software...12 Step 2 Connect to the Tracking Database...12 Step 3 Select Allowed Groups for the computer...13 Step 4 Assign a COM port for the reader...13 Step Assign a Location for the computer...14 Troubleshooting... 1 Fault conditions...1 Error messages...16 Requesting service M service phone numbers...18 Copyright 23-29, 3M. All rights reserved. RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide, Rev. E i

4 ili Using the 3M RFID Tracking Pad 3M RFID Tracking Pad Monitor software provides an interface between your computer's Tracking Pad and the Tracking Database. Important Before you can use the Tracking Pad, a Group or System Administrator must assign Allowed Groups, a location for your computer and you must configure the COM port for the pad. For detailed instructions, see Configuring Computer Settings on page 12. Once Pad Monitor software is configured, you can perform the following tasks: Using a Tracking Pad to check-in folders on page 2. Using a Location Tag to check-out folders on page 3. Using the Checkout to function to check-out folders on page 4. Guidelines for reading tags on a Tracking Pad Observe these tag reading guidelines to help ensure that the Tracking Pad reads the tags on all folders: Folder placement Position folders with their tags near the center of the Tracking Pad. Make sure that all tags are within the Tracking Pad s read range, approximately 6 inches (1.2 cm) from the center of the pad. Reading multiple folders When using the Tracking Pad to read a number of thin (1/2-inch or thinner) folders, you may encounter a situation where the tags directly overlap each other, making it difficult for the Tracking Pad to read them. Try the following techniques when reading the tags on multiple folders: Fanning folders to separate tags Fan (separate) the tagged areas of the folders and place the tagged portions of the folders in the center of the Tracking Pad. If necessary, slowly move the folders across the center of the Tracking Pad until the pad reads all tags. Reading folders separately If you have problems reading tags on multiple folders, you can read each folder separately. Verifying tag reading Always verify that the Tracking Pad has read the tag on each folder. Pad Monitor software provides both audible and visual indication of the number of tags read by the Tracking Pad. For example, if you place three folders on the Tracking Pad, you should hear three beeps and the Pad Monitor window (if displayed) should indicate that the tags on three folders have been read. Copyright 23-29, 3M. All rights reserved. RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide, Rev. E Fan (separate) the tagged areas of the folders so the tags do not directly overlap each other. In itia l filin g d o c u m e n ts A 1 c m 2 e C -1 o 2 3 rp In A 1 6. c itia - m 2 l e -1 filin g d o c u m e n ts C o 2 rp 3 6 In. - itia l filin g Place the tagged areas of the folders in the center of the tracking pad. If necessary... Slowly move the tagged areas of the folders across the center of the pad until all tags are read. d o c u m e n ts A c m e C o rp In this example, the tags are attached inside the folders, near the folder labels. Verify that all tags are read by counting audible beeps or looking at the Pad Monitor window. Tracking Pad In itia l filin g d o c u m e n ts A c m e C o rp. filin g d o c u m e n ts In A 1 c itia m 2 l e C -1 o 2 rp 3. 6 In - itia l f n g d o c u m e n ts A c m e C o rp PM_7

5 Using a Tracking Pad to check-in folders Important At sites with multiple groups, Pad Monitor software can check-in folders from any group but allows you to check-out a folder only to locations that belong to the same group as that folder. Most check-in activity occurs when folders are checked into a file room or are delivered to a location that has a Tracking Pad. 1 Place folder tags near the center of the Tracking Pad Basic check-in procedure You can check-in folders one-at-a-time or place a group of folders on the Tracking Pad. 1 Place the tagged portion of the folder(s) in the center of the pad. Make sure that the tags are within 6 inches of the center of the Tracking Pad. 2 Verify that the computer plays a beep sound for each folder. This indicates that each folder has been checked in at the location assigned to the Tracking Pad. The folder history is automatically updated with the new location. 3 If you place a group of folders on the Tracking Pad, verify that the number of tags read (rows) matches the number of folders that you placed on the pad. 2 3 The software beeps once for each folder that is checked in Each folder s history is updated with the new location Yellow Pad Monitor Icon Status Make sure that the number of folders read matches the number of folders that you placed on the Tracking Pad. Group considerations You can always check-in any folder at any location that has a Tracking Pad, even if that location does not belong to the same group as the folder. If a folder placed on a Tracking Pad does not belong to any of the "allowed groups" set for that computer, asterisks (****) are displayed in Field 1 through Field 8. The ability to check-in any folder is important because tracking the location of each folder (even if it is in the wrong group) is the primary function of the Tracking System. Each folder s ID information and location appear in the list. PM_2 Asterisks (****) indicate a folder that does not belong to any of the "allowed groups" set in the Pad Monitor computer's Computer Settings dialog box. Copyright 23-29, 3M. All rights reserved. RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide, Rev. E 2

6 Using a Location Tag to check-out folders You can place a location tag on the Tracking Pad to define the Checkout to location for the Tracking Pad. Any folders placed on the Tracking Pad are automatically checked out to the location identified on the location tag. The folder history for any folder placed on the Tracking Pad is automatically updated with the location assigned to the location tag. This method is often used when checking out folders from a file room for delivery to another location. Checkout to procedure 1 Place a Location Tag on the Tracking Pad. You will hear a soft beep sound. 1 Important At sites with multiple groups, the Checkout to function only allows you to checkout folders to locations that belong to the same group as each folder. Place a location tag on the Tracking Pad. John Santos Location Tag Gray Pad Monitor Icon Status Leave the location tag on the Tracking Pad. 2 Place the tagged portion of the folder(s) at the center of the Tracking Pad, within 6 inches of the center of the pad. The computer plays a whoosh sound for each folder read to indicate that it was checked out to the location on the location tag. 2 Place the folders that you want to check-out on the Tracking Pad. As you check-out each folder, the folder location history is updated. If the location tag's location is not a member of a folder's group, a low-toned "boop" sound is played, asterisks (****) are displayed in Field 1 through Field 8, and the folder is not checked out. To help track the folder, the folder is then checked into the location assigned to the Tracking Pad. 3 Make sure that the number of folders read, displayed just above the list, matches the number of folders that you placed on the Tracking Pad. If the Pad Monitor window is not displayed, then make sure that the number of whoosh sounds matches the number of folders that you placed on the pad for check-out. 3 Yellow Pad Monitor Icon Status The computer plays a whoosh sound for each folder that is checked out and the location history is updated. Make sure this number matches the number of folders that you placed on the pad (3 rows = 3 folder tags read). 4 Remove the location tag from the Tracking Pad when you are finished checking out folders. After removing the location tag, the Checkout to setting will remain active until the Location Tag timeout is complete. For more information, see Changing the Location Tag timeout setting on page 11. PM_1 The information for folders checked out with the Checkout to function uses the following notation: new location <-[from location]. Copyright 23-29, 3M. All rights reserved. RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide, Rev. E 3

7 Using the Checkout to function to check-out folders The Checkout to function allows you to use the Tracking Pad to check-out folders without using a location tag. When you select a Checkout to location from the drop-down list, any folders placed on the pad are checked out to that location. The folder history for each checked out folder is updated with the new location. 1 Important At sites with multiple groups, the Checkout to function allows you to only check-out folders to locations that belong to the same groups as each folder. Select a check-out location from the Checkout to drop-down list. Checkout to procedure 1 Select a check-out location from the Checkout to drop-down list. The Checkout to list only contains locations that are members of the "allowed groups" set in the computer's Computer Settings screen. 2 Place the tagged area of each folder within 6 inches of the center of the Tracking Pad. The computer plays a whoosh sound for each folder's tag it reads and checks-out the folder to the Checkout to location. The folder history for each checked out folder is updated with the new location. If the location tag's location is not a member of the folder's group, a low-toned "boop" sound is played, asterisks (****) are displayed in Field 1 through Field 8, and the folder is not checked out. To help track the folder, the folder is then checked into the location currently assigned to the Tracking Pad. 3 Make sure that the number of folders read, displayed just above the list, matches the number of folders that you placed on the Tracking Pad. If the Pad Monitor window is not displayed, make sure that the number of whoosh sounds matches the number of folders that you placed on the pad for check-out. 2 3 Place the folder(s) that you want to check-out on the Tracking Pad. Verify operation. - A whoosh sound plays for each folder that is checked out to the selected location. Gray Pad Monitor Icon Status Make sure this number matches the number of folders that you placed on the pad (2 rows = 2 folders checked out). Yellow Pad Monitor Icon Status 4 Remove the folders from the Tracking Pad. After removing the folders, the Checkout to setting will remain active until the Checkout to timeout is complete. For more information, see Changing the Checkout to timeout setting on page 1. PM_3 The information for folders checked out with the Checkout to function uses the following notation: new location <-[from location]. Copyright 23-29, 3M. All rights reserved. RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide, Rev. E 4

8 Multiple groups and the Checkout to function Checkout to location list The Checkout to location list only contains locations that are members of all the "allowed groups" set for the computer. For information on allowed groups, see Step 3 Select Allowed Groups for the computer on page 13. Group restrictions You can only use the Checkout to function to check-out folders to locations that belong to the same groups as each folder. Some of the locations in the Checkout to list may not belong to the same group as the folder that you want to check-out. If the Checkout to location is not a member of the folder's group: The Checkout to list only contains locations that are members of all the "allowed groups" set in the computer's Modify Computer screen. 1 You will hear a low-toned boop sound and all of the folder's user-defined fields in the Pad Monitor window will display asterisks (****). This indicates that the folder was not checked out. 2 To help track the folder, the folder is then checked into the location assigned to the Tracking Pad. In the example shown, the "Carolann Jones" Checkout to location is not a member of the folder's group (Temp). When the folder is placed on the Tracking Pad, a low-toned boop sound is played and the folder is checked into the Tracking Pad's location (Reception). The asterisks (****) shown in the Pad Monitor window indicate that the folder is from a nonallowed group. The Activity Log for the Reception location also shows asterisks in the user-defined fields. Copyright 23-29, 3M. All rights reserved. RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide, Rev. E

9 Using the Pad Monitor icon When Pad Monitor software is running with a logged-in user, the Pad Monitor icon appears in the Windows system tray (located in the lower right corner of your computer screen). The Pad Monitor icon performs multiple functions: Displays the main Pad Monitor window when you double-click the icon Changes color and graphics to indicate current Pad Monitor status (see table below) Displays a status message when you place your mouse cursor over the icon Pad Monitor Icon Status Icon Pad Monitor Status Gray - no tags detected (check-in mode) Yellow one or more folder tag(s) detected (check-in mode) Gray with arrow a single valid location tag detected (check-out mode) Yellow with arrow a single valid location tag and one or more folder tag(s) detected (checkout mode) Gray with red X error condition such as: Invalid location tag detected (deactivated or not in database) More than one location tag detected Reader not detected No location assigned to the Tracking Pad Cannot connect to the Tracking Database The Pad Monitor icon appears in the system tray whenever Pad Monitor software is running. Double-click the Pad Monitor icon to view the main Pad Monitor window. Move the cursor over the Pad Monitor icon to display a status message. PM_6 Copyright 23-29, 3M. All rights reserved. RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide, Rev. E 6

10 Viewing the Activity Log The Activity Log window shows the most recent activity for the assigned Tracking Pad location. The activity log shows date/time, folder ID, location (including check-out), and other user-defined database fields. The activity log is a useful tool used to verify when certain activities occurred. To view the activity log From the Pad Monitor View menu, select Activity Log. IMPORTANT! VERSION 3.1 CHANGES The system now includes support for time zones. All date/time fields are stored in UTC on the database server and are converted to the client time zone and format settings that initiate the update/query. For example, if a file is checked into a pad in Boston at 11:1 AM local time, when a user in San Francisco queries the database for that record, they will see 8:1 AM appear on their screen (Eastern time is 3 hours ahead of Pacific time). Exception: In all reports, the time displayed to users will be for the server time zone only. Refreshing the Location List The Refresh command refreshes (updates) Pad Monitor s location list with the most current list from the Tracking Database. Refresh is only necessary if someone has: Added a new location to the Tracking Database Changed the Allowed Groups for a location When you exit and restart Pad Monitor software, the most current list of locations is loaded. To refresh the location list From the Pad Monitor View menu, click Refresh. or press F. Exiting Pad Monitor software To Exit (quit) Pad Monitor software, select Exit from the Pad Monitor File menu. You will be asked to confirm exiting the software. Note: If the Exit selection in the File menu is grayed out (inactive), you do not have rights to exit the program. After exiting, the Tracking Pad cannot be used to check-in or check-out folders. Copyright 23-29, 3M. All rights reserved. RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide, Rev. E 7

11 Customizing the Pad Monitor User Interface The 3M RFID Tracking Pad Monitor user interface can be customized to suit each Tracking Pad location. Option 1 - Pad Monitor window open with icon and audio feedback The Pad Monitor window displays location and folder information. When you start Pad Monitor software, the main Pad Monitor window appears (in addition to audio and system tray icon feedback). The Pad Monitor window provides folder information and access to other functions, such as the Checkout to function, Pad Settings, etc. Activating the Come to Front setting brings the Pad Monitor window to the front whenever a tag is placed on or removed from the Tracking Pad.. The Pad Monitor window is often continuously displayed in file rooms where the Tracking Pad receives heavy use. Option 2 - Pad Monitor window closed with icon and audio feedback For logged-in users who do not want to view the Pad Monitor window, you can close the main window and use the Pad Monitor icon to provide minimal visual feedback with audio feedback. When the Pad Monitor window is closed, check-in/check-out feedback is provided by the Pad Monitor icon and audio cues. Activating the Come to Front setting will bring the Pad Monitor window to the front whenever a tag is added or removed from the Tracking Pad, even if the Pad Monitor window is closed. For information on Pad Monitor icon feedback, see Using the Pad Monitor icon on page 6. The Pad Monitor icon provides visual feedback for Tracking Pad operation. The Pad Monitor icon appears in the system tray whenever Pad Monitor software is running. Double-click the Pad Monitor icon to view the main Pad Monitor window. Move the cursor over the Pad Monitor icon to display a status message. 1 To close the Pad Monitor window but not exit the software, click the Close Window (X) control (upper right corner of window) or select Close Window from the File menu. To exit from Pad Monitor software, select Exit from the File menu. (After exiting, the Tracking Pad cannot be used to check-in or check-out folders.) If the Exit selection is grayed out (inactive), you do not have rights to exit the program. PM_6 Click to close the Pad Monitor window. 2 The system continues to provide Pad Monitor icon and audio feedback for check-in and check-out functions. 3 To re-display the Pad Monitor window, double-click the Pad Monitor icon. If you select the Come to Front option (see next page), the Pad Monitor window automatically opens when location tags or tagged folders are placed on or removed from the Tracking Pad. Copyright 23-29, 3M. All rights reserved. RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide, Rev. E 8

12 Option 3 - Audio feedback only Pad Monitor software can be fully operational, with audio feedback only, when the computer is locked or there is no user logged onto Microsoft Windows. When the computer is locked or a user logs off, the Pad Monitor window and the Pad Monitor icon are not displayed. When folders are checked in or checked out, the system provides standard audio feedback. This option (audio feedback only) is most often used for after-hours operation. Using the "Come to Front" option This option determines how and when the Pad Monitor window appears on your computer screen. Come to Front checked (activated) - The Pad Monitor window automatically comes to the front whenever an active tag is placed on or removed from the Tracking Pad. The Pad Monitor window appears even if you have already closed the window. Come to Front not checked (deactivated) - The Pad Monitor window behaves like any other Windows application. If you close the window without selecting Come to Front, the Pad Monitor icon and audio feedback enable you to continue using the Tracking Pad. Copyright 23-29, 3M. All rights reserved. RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide, Rev. E 9

13 Configuring Tracking Pad Timeout Settings From the Pad Monitor View menu, click Pad Settings. The Pad Settings dialog box will appear. The Pad Settings tab provides timeout settings that allow you to configure Tracking Pad operation. The Admin tab contains settings that are set at installation and typically are not changed. Changing the Checkout to timeout setting The Checkout to timeout setting defines the amount of time that a Checkout to location setting will remain in effect (if there are no tags on the Tracking Pad) before it reverts to check-in mode (blank Checkout to location selection). The default Checkout to timeout setting is 7 seconds. The Checkout to location setting remains active as long as the Tracking Pad detects a tag. When the folder is removed, the timeout timer starts. Example: If the Checkout to timeout setting is set to 7 seconds, when you select a Checkout to location, you have 7 seconds to place a folder on the Tracking Pad before your pad reverts to check-in mode (blank Checkout to location selection). Checkout to location setting If this setting is too long, it may still be active when another user attempts to check-in a folder. For example, if one user uses the Checkout to function to check-out folders from a file room, and the next user immediately tries to check-in a folder, the previous Checkout to location may still be active. If you set the Checkout to timeout setting to None, the Checkout to location set in the main Pad Monitor window will remain active indefinitely (will not revert to check-in mode). To change the Checkout to timeout setting 1 From the Pad Monitor View menu, click Pad Settings. Checkout to timeout setting 2 Use the Checkout to drop-down list to change the timeout setting (in seconds). 3 Click OK. Copyright 23-29, 3M. All rights reserved. RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide, Rev. E 1

14 Changing the Location Tag timeout setting This setting defines the amount of time that a location tag Checkout to setting will remain in effect (if there are no tags on the Tracking Pad) before it reverts to check-in mode (blank Checkout to selection). The default timeout setting is Tag Removed ( seconds). If your site uses location tags that are placed directly on a Tracking Pad, leave this setting at Tag Removed ( seconds). In this scenario: 1 The location tag is left on the Tracking Pad while you place folders on the Tracking Pad. The Checkout to location will remain in effect indefinitely as long as the location tag remains on the Tracking Pad. John Santos Location Tag 2 When the location tag is removed, the Tracking Pad immediately reverts to check-in mode. If your site does not allow you to place a location tag on a Tracking Pad, increase this timeout to a value that allows you to check-out folders. Scenarios include office locations where a location tag cannot be placed on the Tracking Pad. Examples include: location tags attached to security badges worn around the neck, or a vertically mounted Tracking Pad. Example: If you are using a location tag timeout setting of 1 seconds: If you place a location tag near the Tracking Pad to set the Checkout to location and then remove the location tag, you have 1 seconds to place a folder on the Tracking Pad before that selection goes blank. If you place a folder on the pad while the location tag timeout is active, the 1-second timer resets and stops as long as the Tracking Pad detects a tag. When the folder is removed (no tags detected), the timer starts again. PM_4 To change the Location Tag timeout setting 1 From the Pad Monitor View menu, click Pad Settings. The Pad Settings dialog box will appear. 2 Use the Location Tag drop-down list to change the setting. The default setting is "Tag Removed" ( seconds). 3 Click OK. Copyright 23-29, 3M. All rights reserved. RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide, Rev. E 11

15 Configuring Computer Settings Important Before you can use the Tracking Pad, a Group or System Administrator must assign Allowed Groups, a location for your computer and you must configure the COM port for the pad. Computer Settings can be configured locally or remotely: Remote configuration A Group or System Administrator can use System Manager software to add computers and set up the allowed groups and location for any computer. Local configuration A Group or System Administrator can configure computer settings locally by using Pad Monitor or Locator software. Step 1 Start Pad Monitor software Use one of these methods to start Pad Monitor software: Start Menu Click the Windows Start button, then select Programs, 3M RFID Tracking System, and 3M RFID Tracking Pad Monitor. Automatic Startup During installation, you can choose to have Pad Monitor automatically start when your computer starts. Shortcut Double-click the 3M Tracking Pad Monitor shortcut on your computer s desktop. Step 2 Connect to the Tracking Database Each computer connects directly to the 3M RFID Tracking Database. You may select your database and connection method as follows: 1 From the Tracking Pad Monitor View menu, select Database connection settings. The 3M RFID Tracking System Database Connection dialog box appears. 2 Enter the SQL Server name where the Tracking Database is located, then select (or enter) the Database name. (Contact your IT staff if you do not know this information.) 3 Select one of these connection options: 3M RFID Tracking System standard user If your IT staff has selected this option, the account name is pre-set. Enter the password for this account. If you do not know your password, contact your IT department. Click Connect to save these settings. Windows authentication This option uses your Windows log-in account to access the 3M Tracking Database. Your account must have assigned rights to access and update the database. Click Connect to save these settings. Important: If you change the connection method on a workstation FROM a 3M Standard User account OR a SQL account TO Windows authentication AND the workstation has Pad Monitor software installed, you may need to change the account that the fttracker service runs under so it will connect. (See Troubleshooting in this guide for details.) SQL Server authentication Enter the log-in name and password of an existing SQL account that has assigned rights to the 3M RFID Tracking Database. Click Connect to save these settings. Copyright 23-29, 3M. All rights reserved. RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide, Rev. E 12

16 Step 3 Select Allowed Groups for the computer The Allowed Groups selection affects these settings: Location Only locations that are members of all the Allowed Groups selected for a computer can be assigned to that computer. Any location that does not belong to all the Allowed Groups will not appear in the computer's Location drop-down list. "Checkout to" selections The Checkout to list displayed in the Pad Monitor window only contains locations that are members of the Allowed Groups se lected on the Modify Computer screen. To select Allowed Groups You can also use System Manager or Locator software to modify computer settings. 1 From the Pad Monitor View menu, select Computer Settings. 2 Enter Admin mode as a System or Group Administrator. The Modify Computer dialog box will appear. 3 From the Allowed Groups list, select each group that this computer will be allowed to access. The Allowed Groups selections also affect the groups that Locator software can search. Step 4 Assign a COM port for the reader After installing Pad Monitor software, you must set the COM port on the computer before you can use the Tracking Pad. If the reader is connected to the PC using a USB cable, make sure you have installed the drive for the reader or USB to serial adapter. When a folder is checked in using a Tracking Pad, the folder history is updated with the location assigned in the Modify Computer dialog box. To assign a COM port in Pad Monitor 1 From the Pad Monitor View menu, select Pad Settings and then select the Admin tab. Then click the Configure button and the Tag Reader Configuration dialog box will appear. 2 In the Serial Port drop-down list, select the COM port assigned to the pad or you can select the Auto-detect selection to automatically find the correct COM port of the Tracking Pad. 3 C lick OK twice to return to the Pad Monitor window. Copyright 23-29, 3M. All rights reserved. RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide, Rev. E 13

17 Step Assign a Location for the computer After installing Pad Monitor software, you must set the computer's Location before you can use the Tracking Pad. When a folder is checked in using a Tracking Pad, the folder history is up dated with the location assigned in the Modify Computer dialog box. To assign a location 4 From the Pad Monitor View menu, select Computer Settings and enter the Admin mode as a System or Group Administrator. The Modify Computer dialog box will appear. From the Location drop-down list, select the location that you want to assign to the Tracking Pad. Only locations that are members of all the allowed groups selected for a computer appear in the Location drop-down list. 6 Click OK. For more information on Location and Computer Settings, see the 3M RFID Tracking System Manager User Guide. Copyright 23-29, 3M. All rights reserved. RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide, Rev. E 14

18 Troubleshooting Fault conditions Conditions The Tracking Pad does not always read all the tags placed on the pad. Possible Solutions 1 Make sure that you are not trying to read invalid or disabled tags. The Tracking Pad will read blank tags but there will be no audio feedback. 2 Make sure that tags are within the Tracking Pad s read range (6 inches from the center of the Tracking Pad). 3 Make sure that folder tags are placed near the center of the Tracking Pad (not hanging off the side of the pad). 4 Make sure that you are using the correct tag-reading techniques (especially for thin folders). See Gu idelines for reading tags on a Tracking Pad on page 1 for more information. If multiple folders are placed on the Tracking Pad, make sure that none of the tags directly overlap each other. The Tracking Pad s read range is reduced (less than 6 inches) 1 Make sure that the Tracking Pad is at least 2 inches (1 cm) from any metal surfaces. Some locations may have hidden metal surfaces and components. Try moving the Tracking Pad to a different location, or add space between the pad and the table to see if the read range improves. 2 Make sure that folder tags are placed in the center of the Tracking Pad. See Guidelines for reading tags on a Tracking Pad on page 1 for more information. 3 Make sure that you are using the correct tag-reading techniques (especially for thin folders). View log files for Pad Monitor 1 If you are having problems with the Pad Monitor software, the system will keep log files for the pad on a specific computer in the following location: C:\ProgramData\3M\FT\FileTracker\Tracelog\ftMonitor.log Copyright 23-29, 3M. All rights reserved. RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide, Rev. E 1

19 Error messages Error messages are displayed near the center of the main Pad Monitor window. As soon as an error condition is corrected, the error message clears and any currently detected folders will be processed. Error Message Unable to connect to RFID Tracking System database Possible Solutions Make sure that the network connection used to connect to the database is configured correctly. Refer to page 12 for information on the three connection options to the database. This error message will be displayed and no tags will be processed (although an audible error sound will play when tags are read). If you selected Windows authentication, you may need to change the account that the fttracker service uses to connect to the database. Go to Windows Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Services, then open Properties for the fttracker service. Click the Log On tab and select This account. Enter a user ID and password that has rights to the 3M SQL database. (You will need local Admin rights to do this.) Copyright 23-29, 3M. All rights reserved. RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide, Rev. E 16

20 Tracking Pad not detected Error Message No Location assigned to this pad More than one Location tag detected Unknown Location Asterisks (****) are displayed in Field 1 through Field 8 Make sure that the RFID reader is receiving power and is connected to the Tracking Pad and your computer s serial (or USB) port. Refer to the instructions that you received with the RFID reader and pad. You can set the Pad Monitor software to autodetect the COM port that the reader is assigned to. Go to View Pad Settings Admin Configure. Set the COM port dropdown to autodetect and then click OK a few times to return to the Pad Monitor screen. Possible Solutions Assign a valid tracking location to this computer by selecting Computer Settings from the View menu. Check the appropriate group boxes and enter the administrator password. At the bottom of the screen that appears, click the dropdown list for Location and select the location you want to assign this computer and click OK. If more than one Location tag is detected, Pad Monitor is unable to perform a check-out and reverts to check-in mode. If an invalid Location tag is detected, the Unknown Location error message appears and Pad Monitor reverts to check-in mode. Press F to refresh the location list and try reading the tag again. Check with your administrator to see if that location does not belong to your group. If a folder does not belong to any of the "allowed groups" selected in the computer's Modify Computer dialog box, asterisks (****) will be displayed in Field 1 through Field 8. In these instances, the folder is automatically checked into the location. Copyright 23-29, 3M. All rights reserved. RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide, Rev. E 17

21 Requesting service 3M service phone numbers For all service inquiries, including warranty service, call one of the following numbers and ask for software support. In the United States In the United States, you can also send to: In Other Countries Call your local 3M office. Copyright 23-29, 3M. All rights reserved. RFID Tracking Pad Monitor User Guide, Rev. E 18