Enhancing Compliance and Process Monitoring in Engineering Labs with IoT-Driven RFID Solutions

Inadequate or faulty test equipment and machinery in engineering laboratories pose significant safety risks and hinder both teaching and learning experiences. This compromises compliance with educational standards and quality assurance. As technological advancements continue to reshape laboratory management, there is a growing demand for increased transparency and trust from both regulators and stakeholders. An IoTenabled RFID-based system can significantly improve compliance management in engineering labs, moving away from error-prone manual documentation processes. This study presents an automated compliance management system driven by RFID technology, designed to track and monitor three key compliance processes: maintenance, calibration, and asset status (e.g., outdated equipment). The system operates at frequencies between 902 MHz and features an integrated graphical user interface (GUI) that displays the real-time compliance status of equipment. Compliance is visually indicated using a color-coded system: green for compliant, yellow for near non-compliance, and red for non-compliance. The system also generates diagnostic reports for enhanced tracking and recordkeeping. Additionally, the system sends email notifications to supervisors when equipment approaches non-compliance thresholds, ensuring timely corrective actions. For example, as the compliance status approaches 180 days since the last service, the system shifts from green to yellow, signaling a minor issue. When the status reaches 90 days, the indicator turns red, marking a critical non-compliance. This proactive approach to compliance management, powered by RFID and IoT technologies, offers significant potential for improving operational efficiency and supporting long-term strategic planning in engineering laboratories.