Finding Files Anywhere in the Office

June 11, 2007: RFID tracking specialist FileTrail has announced a new addition to its stable of solutions, giving staff the ability to see exactly where a file or folder is located in their office.

Knowing who has a file is not always as helpful as it sounds, so FileTrail developed QuickMaps, a system that tracks the movement of tagged files and folders, displaying their currently location on a floorplan of an office.

Aimed at large legal firms for example, the maps show the physical location of a file and once located enables a user to send whoever is holding the file a message. If an email isn’t enough to ensure hasty return, the system also provides further contact information including name, phone number, email address. It also provides a list of other files they have, just in case they are a hoarder.

The map contains all the popular features found on www.maps.google.com, including dragging, +/- zoom, scroll-zoom, and popups. Unlike Google, QuickMaps manages multiple maps. Floorplans can be loaded for each floor, and separated by facility. Users are automatically provided with the map or maps that relate to files they seek. Users can jump instantly between maps simply by clicking on a link.

“It is common in large or multi-office firms that staff do not know where everyone sits,” said Tom Pemberton, Vice President of Product Strategy for FileTrail. “The maps are virtually real-time when our RFID technology is used for desk-to-desk tracking.”

FileTrail claims that its system automates common manual processes such as labeling, requesting, boxing for storage and ordering from commercial records centres. It also says that QuickMaps can work across multiple offices and integrate with existing systems.

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