RFID in Transportation

RFID is demonstrating huge versatility in terms of its ability to enable solutions within applications in the transportation sector

This article gives a brief overview of a number the Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) applications currently being deployed where users are deriving real benefit. In addition, the article covers applications that are currently being piloted and are anticipated to major areas of development in the next 12 to 24 months. However, let’s first get down to basics and take a look at what RFID is.

Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), a technology that enables data to be transmitted from a micro silicon chip at very fast speeds and without the need for line of sight, as required by barcodes, is an established data-carrying and automatic identification technology used throughout industry.
    
Data relating to an item is stored on an RFID tag, which is attached to the item. Like a bar code, a tag is a data carrier. A bar code carries data in a visible symbol and is read by a bar code scanner using optical or infrared wavelengths. An RFID tag carries data programmed into a small computer chip and operates at a wide range of radio frequencies.
    
The tag is activated by radio waves emitted from an RFID reader. The reader communicates wirelessly with the tag across what is known as the air-interface. Once activated, the tag sends data stored in its memory relating to the item back to the reader. This data can then be used within and between organisations and trading partners in a secure manner via the EPCglobal Network.
    
The use of RFID enables businesses to manage their supply chains with unprecedented levels of automation and a vastly improved degree of control.

Vehicle identification used on entry to site, plus also confirmation of load: Various transportation companies are using tags on vehicles to identify them when arriving at sites. This information is then fed into the IT systems, including yard management and WMS in order to facilitate quicker planning/association to a loading bay and subsequent unloading by pre-emptive resource & putaway planning by the WMS.
    
RFID is also used to identify if vehicles have actually gone to the right loading bay or filling station (e.g. cement silos to check their loading of the correct grade). Visual feedback to the driver can be given in addition to IT systems.
    
Tractor/Trailer identification/association: RFID is used to check the correct association of tractors and trailers. At Tag on the trailer is used to identify to the driver (possibly linked with a telematics system), that he has hitched up to the correct trailer. The association information is sent via GPRS to the vehicle’s telematics system. This system ensures the correct trailer is collected and despatched.
    
Trailer load identification at Gatehouses: Where curtain sided vehicles are used, there is the possibility to read passive, UHF-Tagged pallets or stillages, without the need to fold back the curtain itself. So, when a vehicles stops at the gatehouse, the pallet/stillage contents can be verified as the vehicle slowly goes through. When relayed back to the ERP/WMS system, this could form an ASN (outbound), or manifest check (inbound).
    
Wheelie Bin identification, for environment charges, also skips: Already in use, where identification of wheelie bins for domestic refuse charges is legislated. Coupled with a vehicle telematics system linked to an RFID reader and load-cell (weight), this solution can record a loaded and tare weight of a bin and the associated user.
    
For commercial waste an RFID tag on skips for identification at the refuse sites can associate charges to the skip owner.
    
Road pricing (e.g. Singapore or tunnels): Overhead gantries tags in cars give access/payment to toll roads, tunnels and other pricing schemes including ‘pay-as-you-go’.
    
Plant Hire – identification at site, reduction of loses/theft: Active tagging of plant equipment to provide security (illegal removal), location and hire-rate charges (when it was removed and hire ends).
    
Oystercards, transport payments: Used by Transport for London on the underground and bus network. Enables both pay as you go and season ticket applications to be operated. Currently being expanded to include payments options on the card in order to facilitate cashless payments within shops.

Identification of fixed roadside furniture for uses in surveys/repairs: Local authorities/highway agency can identify assets (lamp-posts, etc) as they pass them (x-reference with GPS positioning) to allow quick surveys. Where required, the tag can also record ‘last serviced/surveyed’ dates, etc.
    
Identification of temporary road assets (barriers, cones): Contractors have to remove/account for all assets left on repair sites, otherwise they could be liable to fines (H&S).
    
Enabling the vehicles with a RFID ‘portal’ and tagging the assets could enable automatic checking in/out assets from the vehicle with an electronic manifest automatically updated – could also form proof for the CC.
    
Baggage handling, boarding card (late boarding issues): RFID has a proven better read rate than barcodes in baggage handling applications. RFID in boarding cards to allow detection of passengers late to the boarding gate; reduce plane delays.
    
H&S – entry into hazardous areas (e.g. tanker loading, etc), vehicle alerts near walkways: Active tags (esp. Real Time Location Systems (RTLS)) can be used on personnel for muster station confirmation. Also man-down (with tilt/orientation sensors). RTLS systems can also provide alerts when people enter dangerous or unauthorised areas of plants, etc.
    
Trailer location in yards (RTLS): Locate specific trailers required for vehicle planning/yard management applications; interface directly from the RTLS into such a application will provide a real-time feed that will significantly improve the planning capability in terms of time and accuracy.
    
The above gives an insight into the breadth of opportunities the technology offers in terms of delivering improvements within transport applications. While some application areas are in their infancy and additional development is required to enable business to realise the business benefits of the technology, many companies are already deploying the technology and achieving real benefits.

Radio Frequency Identification Explained
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), a technology that enables data to be transmitted from a micro silicon chip at very fast speeds and without the need for line of sight, as required by barcodes, is an established data-carrying and automatic identification technology used throughout industry.
   
Data relating to an item is stored on an RFID tag, which is attached to the item. Like a bar code, a tag is a data carrier. A bar code carries data in a visible symbol and is read by a bar code scanner using optical or infrared wavelengths. An RFID tag carries data programmed into a small computer chip and operates at a wide range of radio frequencies.
   
The tag is activated by radio waves emitted from an RFID reader. The reader communicates wirelessly with the tag across what is known as the air-interface. Once activated, the tag sends data stored in its memory relating to the item back to the reader. This data can then be used within and between organisations and trading partners in a secure manner via the EPCglobal Network.
   
The use of RFID enables businesses to manage their supply chains with unprecedented levels of automation and a vastly improved degree of control.