RFID Application In Container Management – Survey, Quick Consulting, Good Quote

According to statistics, about 90% of global trade is carried out by maritime transport. Therefore, containers play the role of the “backbone” of international freight transport. Accordingly, the application of RFID in container management is considered a breakthrough to help automate processes at ports and yards, track the exact location of containers, effectively manage assets, etc. The following article by IT Nam Viet will help readers better understand this issue, don’t miss it!

Challenges in Traditional Container Management

Accordingly, managing seaport container yards using traditional methods more or less causes certain limitations. Specifically as follows:

• The number of containers entering the yard is “erratic”, leading to overload during peak hours. At that time, processing documents manually will cause delays and congestion.
• It is difficult for the management unit to accurately locate the location of each container, especially for yards with large areas and thousands of containers.
• Manual data entry such as the number of containers, location, status and schedule of entry and exit of containers, etc. will more or less have errors, affecting the entire process and causing inaccuracies in reporting.
• Applying manual methods in container yard management will make it difficult for managers to track the circulation of a large number of containers, which can lead to significant financial losses for businesses when containers are lost.
• Personnel costs for inventory, container searching, etc. will be higher than applying modern management technologies.

Benefits of Using RFID in Seaport Container Management

RFID is a radio frequency identification technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track RFID tags attached to objects. The application of RFID technology in container management will bring many significant benefits, specifically as follows:

• RFID allows tracking the location and status of containers in real time in the most accurate way.
• The RFID system automatically records information, minimizing manual intervention, thereby speeding up processing processes at ports and warehouses.
• RFID automates processes, thereby allowing businesses to significantly reduce operating costs.
• With automatic reading capabilities, RFID ensures that data information is updated with almost absolute accuracy, thereby minimizing human errors.
• The application of RFID in container management also helps ensure high security, avoid unscheduled movements, and improve cargo security.
• In addition, RFID technology also helps improve supply chain management, speeding up the process of transporting goods. Regarding the application of RFID in logistics and supply chain, you can refer to the following article of IT Nam Viet: “What are the benefits of RFID Technology in Logistics and Supply Chain Management?“

RFID Applications In Container Management

Accordingly, RFID solutions have been widely applied and deployed in many aspects of warehouse container management, from tracking to security control. Specifically as follows:

Applying RFID technology to track container location accurately

Procedure for using RFID to manage containers when new containers arrive:

1. The RFID tag is fixed on the container at the appropriate location.
2. Detailed information about the container will be updated to the port management system immediately.
3. Any changes related to the RFID-tagged container, including information about location, vehicle status, loading and unloading, etc., are automatically recorded by the system in real time.
4. When the container is lowered from the trailer by specialized unloading equipment, the RFID antennas installed on the crane arm will automatically read information from the RFID tag attached to the container.
5. All detailed information about the RFID tag along with the exact location and time coordinates will be sent to the central system via GPRS/4G network. Thus, the movement of containers will be monitored and updated in real time, ensuring absolutely accurate data, helping managers easily control the location of each container.

Automate the process when containers leave the port

When the container is about to leave the port, the management process will be performed automatically and many times more efficiently thanks to RFID technology:

1. The RFID tag is removed from the container.
2. The identification information between the RFID tag and the container is disconnected in the system, ensuring that the RFID tag can be reused for other containers flexibly, saving significant costs.
3. After the inspection and procedures are completed, the container is allowed to leave the port.
4. Information about the container leaving the port will be automatically updated in the system.

Thanks to the combination of RFID technology and GPRS/4G connection, the location and status of containers are automatically recorded and updated directly to the management software. This entire process is 100% automated without any manual intervention. From there, ports can manage the flow of containers in and out more effectively, minimize errors, and optimize logistics.

Instructions on how to install RFID devices in container management

How to arrange RFID devices to make the RFID application system in container management more effective:

• RFID readers are usually installed on the roof of the container unloading vehicle for optimal scanning range.
• RFID antennas are installed on the lifting arm to read tag information attached to the container during operation. This position allows the antenna to easily read information from the RFID tag attached to the container during lifting or moving.
• RFID tags are attached to the container with industrial magnets, easy to remove when necessary.
• Information and warning displays are located in the vehicle cabin, helping the operator to grasp the status of the container immediately.
• Industrial cabinets and GPS devices can be placed at the rear of the vehicle.

The installation of these RFID devices not only increases accuracy but also contributes to improving efficiency and safety in container management operations at the port.

RFID application in asset management and tracking at ports

Each asset such as cargo handling equipment, vehicles, cranes and specialized tools, etc. are tagged with RFID. Fixed RFID readers are installed at important “strategic” locations or on moving vehicles. When assets at the port show signs of movement, RFID tag information will be automatically recorded along with GPS coordinates and time.

Through this, operations and maintenance staff can see the exact location of assets at the port, thereby planning maintenance based on actual data on the system. In addition, this technology also helps monitor movement, alert when assets leave the permitted area and automate inventory, bringing superior operational efficiency and significant cost optimization.

Cost of Implementing RFID System in Container Management

Whether in container management or any RFID application, the cost of implementing an RFID system depends on many factors: project scale, investor requirements, service provider policies, etc.

Accordingly, the cost of RFID in container management includes:

• RFID card cost: Depends on the type of card, RFID chip, material, and ability to withstand environmental impacts. Accordingly, RFID cards used in container management are usually durable cards that can be mounted on metal surfaces.
• RFID Reader Cost: Reader cost depends on reading distance, connectivity, and additional features.
• RFID Management Software Cost: Software is the control center of the RFID system, helping to collect, process, and display data from RFID tags. RFID software cost depends on features, integration capabilities, and level of customization.
• Installation cost depends on project size and system complexity.
• Maintenance and technical support costs.
• Related service costs.

Therefore, RFID costs are not fixed, to receive the most accurate quote, please contact IT Nam Viet via Hotline (+84) 962 888 179!

IT Nam Viet – A Prestigious Supplier of RFID Technology for Container Management

IT Nam Viet is proud to be a prestigious supplier of RFID technology with more than 10 years of experience, committed to bringing customers optimal solutions at the best cost in the market.

We provide RFID cards, RFID readers, RFID software and genuine RFID devices, with long-term warranties according to manufacturer regulations. In addition, IT Nam Viet also accepts RFID label processing including RFID chips, sizes, antennas, … according to customer requirements.

Above is information about RFID applications in container management for your reference. If you need support, advice and answers to questions about RFID, please contact IT Nam Viet via Hotline (+84) 962 888 179! We are ready to serve customers 24/7, survey and consult for free.

Lê Nam Việt

My name is Le Nam Viet, currently FOUNDER & CEO of Nam Viet IT Company, I graduated from Ho Chi Minh Polytechnic University. I have more than 3 years of experience providing RFID chip technology solutions, RFID scanners, barcode labels and barcode readers. It’s a pleasure to share my knowledge with readers.