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Intelligent Asset Tracking - AMS/AMT

Even modest-size data centers have a large number of IT assets, from servers to storage to networking equipment, that need to be tracked. Often this is done ad hoc, using Excel® spreadsheets and Visio® diagrams which become very labor intensive. Missing just a few moves, adds or changes can quickly make a spreadsheet asset-tracking system obsolete. Often this asset information is out of date within weeks.

With Raritan’s unique Asset Management Tags (AMTs) and Asset Management Sensors (AMSs), data center operators can now have an accurate, automated, real-time inventory of all IT assets and their locations, down to the 1U level. AMT and AMS can be combined with Raritan’s dcTrack® data center infrastructure management (DCIM) software which is designed to track assets, determine capacity in a number of areas and manage changes.

OVERVIEW

The asset tag is based on a 1-Wire unique ID chip that has a 64-bit value. The ID chip is molded in a round, plastic carrier together with a metal ring and a gold contact to provide an electrical connection to the asset tag reader, the AMS. The AMS segments are modular and have a magnetic backing to allow easy installation on metal rack rails. A port is available on one end to provide a connection to Raritan’s SNMP gateways – PX® intelligent rack PDUs or the EMX environment/rack controller.

View the Data Sheet specifications for Intelligent Asset Tags and Sensors

Asset Management Tag (AMT)

  • Unique electronic 64-bit value, 1-Wire ID chip
  • Unique scannable ID bar code matching the electronic ID chip
  • Industrial adhesive patch to attach tag to IT device
  • Magnetic connector to attach tag to the AMS

Asset Management Sensor (AMS)

  • 42U, 45U, 48U and 54U rack options
  • Magnetic connector for AMT, one per 1U space
  • Multicolored LEDs, one per 1U space
  • Magnetically mounts to existing racks
  • Connects to Raritan PX intelligent rack PDU, PX inline meters and EMX environment/rack controller. (PX firmware version 2.2 or higher, EMX firmware version 2.0 or higher)
  • PX and EMX provide power to the AMS so no extra power supply is needed

AMS Gateway: Raritan EMX or PX

  • Raritan’s EMX environment/rack controller and PX rack iPDU act as the AMS SNMP gateway via standard UTP cable and RJ-45 interconnects
  • EMX and PX provide power to the AMS
  • The SNMP interface can be used by any third-party asset management system. It offers the following features:
    o Reading all asset tag IDs per rack and its physical location within a rack
    o SNMP TRAP in case of an asset tag ID change event
    o Setting an RGB color LED indicator for each 1U slot

dcTrack Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Software

  • Visualize a group of cabinet elevations
  • View asset details such as make, model, maintenance period, current, add and edit server, and network devices
  • Alert for physical changes at the rack to ensure asset accuracy

BENEFITS

Features

Benefits


Procedures

Automated asset tracking

Eliminate unreliable and labor-intensive ad hoc procedures such as using Excel® spreadsheets and Visio® diagrams or home-grown systems that require maintenance.

Dynamic asset tracking

Dramatically improve the accuracy of your asset-tracking processes. Dramatically reduce missing moves, adds or changes with real-time asset visibility down to the 1U level.


Hardware

Industrial adhesive patch on AMT

Easily and securely attach the AMT to the top or bottom of IT assets with a quick view of the actual unique asset ID barcode. Smart tag stays with asset as asset is moved to other locations.

Unique electronic 64-bit ID chip and matching scannable ID barcode

Associated with the unique ID is the IT asset’s record where a variety of asset information can be stored, including serial number, repair records, maintenance agreement terms, lease terms, etc.

Programmable multicolored LEDs, one per 1U space

Implement a custom-color indicator, controlled-change management process to ensure the proper activity is performed on the right device; e.g., a red, blinking LED indicates a server maintenance request.

AMS consists of easily assembled modular segments with magnetic backing

Universally, quickly and easily magnetically mounts to existing metal rack rails, saving time.

Connects to Raritan PX® intelligent rack PDU, PX inline meters and EMX environment/rack controller

Multiple deployment options offer flexibility in deployment choices, e.g. PX and EMX act as SNMP gateways for the AMS, connected via standard UTP cable and RJ-45 interconnects.

AMS is powered by a PX or EMX

An additional or external power supply is not needed, simplifying installations and saving power outlets for the IT devices themselves.

SNMP interfaces

Standards based and open so that any SNMP manager can be compatible with AMS/AMT. Reading all asset tag IDs per rack and their physical locations within a rack. SNMP TRAP in case of an asset tag ID change event (asset tag removed, added; ID changed).

User-settable RGB color LED indicators for each 1U slot

Customizable for individual client use cases; e.g., can be used to implement a custom color indicator, controlled-change management process such as a red, blinking LED to indicate a server maintenance request, or solid green LED for production.

One magnetic connector per 1U space to attach the AMT to the AMS. The AMS senses the AMT’s unique ID as well as the connected asset’s rack location, in 1U increments

Asset knowledge down to the 1U level with real-time visibility of this information in Raritan’s dcTrack® or third-party asset management tools.


Software

Compatibility with dcTrack or a third-party asset management system

Open and works with various tools already on the market. The AMT/AMS combination automatically provides the IT asset ID and rack location. In dcTrack or some other system, the unique ID is associated with records for the IT device such as maintenance agreements and records; purchase date, amount and vendor; etc.

Accurate, automated, real-time inventory of all IT assets and their location, down to the 1U level

Minimize the hours needed to track IT assets, saving time and money. Quickly conduct physical inventories with accuracy and pass audits. Manage the physical components of your computers and computer networks from acquisition to deployment to provisioning to redeployment to disposal. Optimize strategic and tactical decision-making for the IT environment by tracking IT changes and growth in real time; e.g., efficiently consolidate or virtualize data center.

Accurate real-time accounting of all IT assets in the data center

Supports corporate internal controls initiatives, which may be required by law in some geographies.

FAQ

Question

Answer


General Questions

What is Electronic Asset Tracking?

Electronic asset tracking uses a wired or wireless tag or label that contains an electronic ID chip that is attached to an asset and serves as that asset’s identification. The chip communicates the identity of the asset to a wired or wireless reader that adds to the asset identity information about the asset’s location, such as the rack and location within the rack.

What is AMT?

AMT is the intelligent Asset Management Tag. It is based on a unique 1-Wire® ID chip that has a 64-bit value. This value is also on a scannable barcode on the AMT. The ID chip is molded in a round, plastic carrier together with a metal ring and a gold contact to provide an electrical connection to the asset tag reader, the AMS.

What is AMS?

AMS is the Asset Management Sensor. It consists of modular segments with magnetic backing to allow easy installation on metal rack rails. The AMS provides a round, magnetic connector at each 1U position to provide a connection for asset tags (AMTs).


Hardware

How do I order AMS segments?

You don’t need to order segments. AMS is sold prepackaged for 42U, 45U, 48U and 54U configurations.

How does the AMT attach to an IT device such as a server?

The AMT has a patch with an industrial adhesive that securely attaches the AMT to an IT device.

How does the AMS attach to an IT equipment rack?

The back of the AMS is magnetic so it can be quickly and easily mounted to metal rails of an IT equipment rack. For other applications, Velcro® and cable ties can be used to securely mount the AMS to the cabinet.

How does the AMS communicate to an asset management system?

AMS communicates via SNMP. An SNMP MIB for the AMS is embedded inside the Raritan PX® and the EMX. The MIB can be downloaded from Raritan’s website (under Support). The AMS connects to Raritan’s Generation 2 PX rack iPDUs (part nos. beginning with PX2) or EMX environment/rack controller via standard UTP cable and RJ-45 connector using the feature port. The AMS is powered through this connection. The PX and EMX communicate via Ethernet to a server running Raritan’s dcTrack® DCIM software or a third-party asset management system.

How many AMSs can a Raritan iPDU support?

One per PDU (part number must begin with PX2).

How many AMSs can an EMX support?

Depending on the model, either one (EMX2-111) or eight (EMX2-888); basically one per feature port on the EMX.

How far from the PX2-based unit can I deploy an AMS?

Generally, 2m (6.5 ft) for an iPDU, and no longer then 10m (32.8 ft) for an EMX.

Can the electronic asset ID (AMT) be custom programmed by Raritan to follow specific nomenclature?

Yes. As an option, Raritan can custom program the AMTs at the factory.


Features

What is the point of the multicolored LEDs on the AMS?

There is a multicolored LED for each 1U on the AMS. The LED colors can be used to identify which devices need attention, and the colors can be used to identify the condition of the device. For example, a red, blinking LED might indicate a server maintenance request, or a green LED might indicate the location to install a new server. This is customizable by the customer.


Interoperability

How is IT asset information communicated?

The AMT has an electronic 64-bit ID chip. The ID is sensed by the AMS when the AMT is plugged into one of the magnetic connectors. The ID and the 1U rack space location is communicated by the AMS through a UTP RJ-45 cable connected to a Raritan PX rack PDU or inline meter, or a Raritan EMX environment/rack controller. Both PX and EMX function as SNMP gateways.

What elements make up the asset management solution?

The asset management solution consists of Asset Management Tags (AMTs); Asset Management Sensors (AMSs); Raritan PX iPDUs or inline meters, or EMX environment/rack controllers; and Raritan’s dcTrack or a third-party asset management system. The AMTs attach via an adhesive patch to an IT device. The AMT connects to an AMS, which communicates the tag’s ID and rack location to a Raritan PX or EMX, which functions as an SNMP gateway. The PX or EMX communicate via Ethernet to a server with Raritan’s dcTrack or a third-party asset management system.

ORDERING INFO

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