On February 8, 2023, in Austin, Texas, global identity solutions leader HID announced its acquisition of GuardRFID, a top-tier provider of real-time location services (RTLS) tailored for the healthcare industry. This strategic move enables HID to diversify its footprint in the active RFID and RTLS areas, presenting novel applications specifically designed for healthcare establishments. Among GuardRFID's innovations are the TotGuard™ system, which works in sync with hospitals' access control and video networks to thwart infant abductions and mismatches between mothers and infants. Given that 44% of nurses encounter violence at their workplace, another notable product is their lightweight RFID tags. These tags, which can be worn on wristbands or lanyards, are equipped with a call button to provide immediate assistance to healthcare professionals in distress. Furthermore, the RFID tags also serve in asset tracking, offering real-time oversight of healthcare equipment. This not only enhances asset utilization but also helps reduce labor costs and theft. Another significant application addresses patient wandering. Vulnerable demographics, such as the elderly or those with mental challenges, are tagged. If they approach exit doors, stairwells, or elevators, these tags can initiate door locks and alarms, ensuring patient safety and supporting caregivers. Björn Lidefelt, EVP and Head of HID, and Marc Bielmann, SVP of HID’s Identification Technologies, both underscored the significance of this acquisition in bolstering security in healthcare environments. Founded in 2007 in Vancouver, GuardRFID will now merge with HID’s IoT Business Unit, drawing on HID's global resources. Expressing optimism about this merger, Kerry Brock, President & CRO of GuardRFID, envisions the combined strengths of both entities reinforcing their dominance in the North American healthcare market.