A very low cost active RFID tag with a 5 year battery can be the cornerstone for an asset tracking system in the educational and business fields. RFID tags are an ideal solution for tracking laptop computers, desks, projectors, etc. These tags can cost as little as $5 in a quantity of 10,000. A portable battery operated reader, antenna, and tablet computer can be worn in a backpack or mounted on a mobile cart. A brief visit to a room scans all the items in the room resulting in a very simple, affordable, semi-automated inventory management system.