The Role of Active RFID in Shipping Container Tracking
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags have been integral to Logistics and Supply Chain Management for several decades, and their implementation has become progressively crucial. The key factors behind the increasing prevalence of RFID Asset Tracking technology across industries include:
- Technological enhancements such as improved range of detection
- Gradual dip in cost of ownership during the last decade (approximately)
- The rise of use cases, including e-commerce
With increased use cases, RFID tags have made the business landscape more competitive, placing speedy service with uncompromised quality at the heart of operations and customer support. Given that the implementation of RFID tags is more widespread today than ever, those looking to adopt RFID tags should note that there are primarily two types of tags:
- Active RFID tags: These tags have their own power source and continuously transmit data, which can be captured and read by RFID readers when the tags are in their range of detection.
- Passive RFID tags: Unlike active RFID tags, passive RFID tags don’t have their own power source/battery. Thus, they rely on the reader’s electromagnetic field to transmit data.
As active RFID tags automatically transmit data, they can be used to track shipping containers or cargo from afar. In other words, active RFID tracking becomes essential at busy supply chain checkpoints such as docks, massive warehouses, or transit points in a multi-modal transport chain, where the employees checking inventory count are tasked with scanning several items at one go.
Learn About the Difference Made by Active RFID tags in Container Tracking Solutions.
The following pointers describe the edge active RFID tags offer to an RFID Container Tracking System:
1.Automated Identification and Data Capture: When containers move through ports, warehouses, and transportation hubs, active RFID tags enable long-distance scanning. The wider the detection range, the higher the number of items that can be simultaneously identified. Thus, the tags improve operational efficiency by boosting inventory management speed and accuracy through automatic data capture without line-of-sight or manual intervention, thereby minimising data entry errors.
With improved inventory management, warehouse workers can better focus on labour-intensive and time-consuming tasks such as loading and unloading.
2.Item-level Tracking of In-transit Inventory: While other tracking methods such as GPS can be used to determine the real-time location of the container, active RFID tags in a Shipping Container Tracking System offer item-level visibility when the container passes a checkpoint with RFID readers. When the RFID data is mapped onto the GPS data, logistics companies and shippers can ensure that the inventory is intact along the way, regardless of the distance the goods are supposed to travel.
3.Enhanced Security: Active RFID tags have tamper-evident features, alerting the shipper via the Inventory Management System of unauthorized access. In the event of theft and loss, the tags smoothen the process of tracking down the cargo based on the last-seen checkpoint where the tag was read. At the same time, to successfully read the information encrypted in the tag, the user needs the encryption code, which acts as an additional layer of security.
4.Data Integration and Analytics: When the ERP software collects and processes data from active RFID tags, decision-makers can discover actionable insights for optimising container routes, inventory levels, and shipping time, amongst other metrics indicating supply chain efficiency.
5.Cost Savings: Boosting a business’s inventory management capabilities, RFID Asset Tracking reduces manual labour, minimises errors, and improves asset utilisation, reducing operational costs for the shipping company. This reduction in cost results in affordable shipping, further making it cheaper for the end-user to buy the product shipped.
Scenarios: Discover the Applications of Active RFID Tags in Container Tracking Solutions
- Port Operations: RFID Asset Tracking helps keep a tab on inventory items while they are loaded and unloaded from ships. In this manner, active RFID tags help decrease the risk of losing cargo and improve port efficiency via quick inventory audits.
- Rail and Truck Transportation: Much like in the case of shipping operations, the RFID Container Tracking System helps monitor the movement of inventory items as they are transported by rail or truck.
- Warehouse Management: Active RFID tags offer real-time, bin-level location of items within a warehouse.
Want to build an efficient RFID Container Tracking System?
Create a robust RFID infrastructure by embracing state-of-the-art RFID readers and mobile computers in Quinta’s portfolio and streamline Container Tracking effortlessly.
Curious to know more? Get in touch with our team of experts today!
To know about the working of a comprehensive Container Tracking System, check out our blog:
Real-time Shipping Container Tracking: Do Active RFID Tags Suffice?
