Siemens Healthcare is introducing Asset Management and Tracking, a system that helps health care personnel monitor the location of medical devices in real time.

The system provides information on the location of medical devices via a Web portal or pocket PC. Each product in a facility is tagged with the Ekahau WiFi RTLS (Real-Time Location System) tag. When coupled with ARCHIBUS, an integrated suite of applications, information about the product's location is transmitted via a WiFi network to the ARCHIBUS system, creating a 360° view of the facility's assets and equipment while maintaining historical-use records.

Ekahau generates actionable information, such as how many pieces of equipment are in one area of the hospital, which pieces are rented, and when each piece of equipment was last serviced. WiFi networks function as the backbone and sensor network for the system, upon which facilities can build the needed combination of applications.