Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting and/or managing data are provided. The system includes a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to a plurality of machines. Each of the plurality of RFID tags includes a tag ID. The system also includes a mobile data collector configured to take a measurement of one or more operating conditions of the plurality of machines and to read the tag ID from a proximal one of the plurality of RFID tags. The system also includes a computing device including a processor and a memory storing a database, the database associating the tag ID of each of the plurality of RFID tags with the one of the plurality of machines to which it is attached. Further, the computing device is configured to receive the measurement and the tag ID from the mobile data collector and analyze the one or more operating conditions.

Abstract: A method of collecting vibration and temperature data with a mobile data collector electro-mechanically connected to a sensory head is proposed. The data collected from a surface of a machine housing having an RFID tag mounted thereon. The method includes the steps of providing the sensory head electrically connected to the mobile data collector and mechanically connected to the machine housing surface, the sensory head including an infrared sensor, an RFID antenna, and at least one magnetic coupling. The sensory head attached to the machine housing surface via the magnetic coupling to enable transmission of machinery vibration through to the mobile data collector. The RFID antenna is positioned proximate the RFID tag and the infrared temperature sensor proximate the machine housing surface. A unique machine asset identifier is read into the mobile data collector via the sensory head RFID antenna and then uploaded into the mobile data collector.

Abstract: A sensory head for sensing the temperature and vibration emitted from a machine housing having an RFID tag disposed thereon is provided. The sensory head includes a body for housing the sensory head and at least one digital input/output power contact. The sensory head further provides a combination power and control circuit for powering and for controlling function of the sensory head, the combination power and control circuit electrically connected to the at least one contact and an infrared temperature sensor for measuring the sensed temperature of the machine housing, the infrared temperature sensor in electrical communication with the combination power and control circuit. Finally, the sensory head provides an RFID antenna for reading and identifying the RFID tag attached to the machine housing, the RFID antenna electrically connected with the with the combination power and control circuit and at least one magnet.