“RFID yard management and container tracking system is an automated solution to streamline yard management and track incoming and outgoing containers with great accuracy and efficiency.”
Container yards mostly seem chaotic due to the large number of freight containers coming in and going out from the container freight stations (CFS) and inland container depots (ICD). Managing these large numbers of containers at ports and container yards is crucial as part of supply chain and logistics management as these containers carry goods and raw materials related to various businesses worldwide. The collection of information manually on container storage and movement depends on workers and semi-automatic devices and inefficiency and human errors in container management at ports become an obstacle in realizing an accurate, real-time identification and tracking. This is where the most popular track and trace technology, radio frequency identification technology (RFID), comes into play.
RFID Container Yard Management System
Radio Frequency Identification technology has revolutionized how container yard management is conducted in the transportation and logistics industry. With the implementation of automated container terminals equipped with RFID technology, businesses have experienced significant improvements in efficiency, security, and overall operational effectiveness.
RFID technology leverages small devices called RFID tags, RFID readers, and antennas, and it is a software solution to provide zone-wise tracking of all containers in container freight stations and accurate data collection without any human intervention. The RFID technology has the potential to completely automate Container Terminals and shipping container tracking.
It utilizes radio waves to identify and track objects, making it an ideal solution for container yard management. In the context of transportation and logistics, RFID systems are implemented in automated container terminals where Mount on-metal tags (to overcome metal interference), containing RFID chips are mounted on containers. These tags store unique identification data for each container, staff, cranes, etc. that can be read by RFID readers at various checkpoints within the terminal.
How to get started with RFID Yard Management?
To implement an RFID Container tracking and yard management software solution there are some basic steps you can follow:
1.RFID Tagging of Containers
The first step to implementing successful RFID-based yard management is to tag all targeted containers with RFID Hard Tags and assign a unique digital ID to each container. The unique ID is encoded in the EPC memory of the RFID chip inside the tag. When interrogated by the RFID gate system/a handheld reader, the tag transmits the same unique ID to the Reader.
Since RFID technology works on radio waves, interference issues are there due to metal and liquids, and for the same reason normal RFID tags don’t work effectively on metal containers. RFID mount on-metal tags are used on metal containers to overcome interference issues.
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2. Set Up RFID Gate System, Install RFID Reader
Once RFID tagging of containers is done, the next step is to install an RFID gate system. An RFID gate system consists of RFID antennas and RFID fixed readers installed on an RFID gate. It automatically captures the data from RFID-tagged containers moving through the gate. The Zebra FX9600 Fixed RFID Reader and the Zebra AN480, Zebra AN510, and Zebra AN720 RFID Antennas are the perfect tools for an RFID gate system. Some handheld RFID readers can also be used to find a particular metal container at the ports and yards. Handheld RFID readers are quite efficient and offer a read range of up to 15m. Being portable, the staff can move around with handheld readers and locate the desired RFID-tagged container using the item-finding mode.
3. Deploy Yard Management System integrated with RFID Infrastructure
The next step is to deploy an RFID yard management software that is integrated with the RFID gate system and handheld RFID readers deployed within the yard for track and trace operations.
The RFID yard management software accurately captures the data coming from the RFID readers and presents it in a user-friendly format to offer insights into yard management.
Benefits of RFID Container Yard Management System
The adoption of RFID container yard management systems offers numerous benefits to businesses operating in the transportation and logistics sector.
Let’s explore these benefits one by one:
1.Enhanced operational efficiency in Container Yard Management with RFID
One of the key advantages is enhanced operational efficiency. RFID technology enables real-time tracking of containers, allowing for precise location monitoring and inventory management. RFID thus offers streamlined processes, reduced container handling times, and improved overall productivity in yards and ports.
2. Security and loss prevention at Yards with RFID
RFID systems contribute to heightened security and loss prevention. The ability to monitor container movements and detect unauthorized handling or tampering through RFID tracking significantly reduces the risk of theft and pilferage. Additionally, the accurate identification of containers ensures that the right cargo is loaded onto the correct transportation vehicles, reducing the likelihood of errors and misplacements.
3. Data Collection and Data-Driven Decision-Making with RFID
Another significant benefit of RFID container yard management systems is the facilitation of data-driven decision-making. The data collected through RFID tracking provides valuable insights into container traffic patterns, turnaround times, and operational bottlenecks. The information can be utilized to optimize yard layout, resource allocation, and workflow processes, leading to cost savings and improved customer satisfaction.
Yard Management and RFID Container Tracking Extends Beyond Logistics
The applications of RFID container yard management systems extend across a wide range of businesses that rely on container transportation.
1.In the maritime industry, port authorities and terminal operators utilize RFID technology to efficiently manage the flow of containers, optimize vessel turnaround times, and enhance terminal throughput. RFID implementation thus results in improved port operations, reduced congestion, and enhanced customer service for shipping lines and cargo owners.
2. In the freight forwarding and logistics sector, RFID container yard management systems enable companies to maintain accurate inventory records, track shipment movements, and provide real-time visibility to customers. It leads to improved supply chain transparency, better inventory control, and the ability to proactively address logistical challenges.
3. Besides freight forwarding, manufacturing and distribution businesses benefit from RFID container yard management systems by ensuring timely receipt and dispatch of containers, minimizing detention and demurrage costs, and optimizing warehouse operations. The ability to accurately track container movements from the terminal to the final destination enhances supply chain efficiency and reduces lead times, contributing to improved operational performance.
To conclude, RFID container yard management systems have proven to be a transformative technology in the transportation and logistics industry. The benefits of enhanced operational efficiency, heightened security, and data-driven decision-making make RFID systems indispensable for businesses that rely on container transportation. Coupled with various IoT sensors and devices, the RFID container yard management system leads to a more connected, secure, and efficient global supply chain.
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