RFID Technology – What Are Its Uses in the Transportation Industry
The technology landscape is ever-evolving to a point right now, where we have RFID technology being adapted into the transportation industry. This was not the same a few decades ago, but after understanding the importance of RFID technology, more companies are either experimenting with it or already implementing it.
You can only appreciate how good the technology is after trying it out. We discuss RFID technology in the transportation industry below to see if you should also consider implementing it.
Vehicle tracking
RFID technology has extensively been used in tracking and monitoring vehicles in the transportation industry. This is done by affixing the RFID tags to the vehicles. The operators would then have real-time visibility of the fleet’s movements.
The tags can transmit information such as as the vehicle’s location, status, and speed. Such data is vital for logistics companies to optimize routes, monitor the driver’s behavior, and enhance fleet management.
Maintenance scheduling
Maintenance is important in the transport sector as it ensures the vehicles in the fleet can remain in great condition always. The RFID tags are used to track schedules such as oil changes, engine check-ups, and tire rotations to make this possible.
Each time the tags are scanned, it becomes easier for the operator to see if the tag alerts them about maintenance time. Also, the operator should easily access the vehicle’s history and if there is a maintenance schedule coming up.
This helps in preventing potential breakdowns and having to deal with costly repairs
Paying fare
People might be used to carrying fares while using public transport. That can change with the introduction of the RFID technology. This is where each person is assigned an RFID card that is linked to their accounts. When you board a bus or any other public transport means, you simply tap your card, and the fare is charged.
Such contactless ticketing systems are key in ensuring you get the best results in improving how people are admitted into the busses. Still, people do no need to carry physical cash when they can easily tap and get onto the bus.
Inventory tracking
The transport sector could use a proper way of tracking inventory. This is important as sometimes the inventory delivery has to be timely. With RFID technology, you can keep an eye on the delivery trucks or the inventory itself from when it leaves the warehouse up to when it reaches the distribution centers.
The RFID tags can be placed on the product packages, or pallets can be scanned easily for updating the inventory system. You can expect there will be fewer errors and on-time deliveries should be quite common.
Cargo tracking
Just like inventory tracking, cargo tracking is also important. In this case, the cargo can have RFID tags embedded in them. This is a good way to prevent theft and loss, as you will always know where the products are. The shipments will also be delivered on schedule and reach their destinations without tampering.
Warehouse management
Warehouses contain a lot of activities going on at the same time. One way of ensuring that you can keep things working smoothly is through having RFID as part of warehouse management’s transport and logistics sector.
We find that RFID technology can streamline how you operate the warehouse, including things such as inventory information, optimizing the storage space, and reducing potential manual errors.
Electronic toll collection
It is possible you may go through road tolls from one road to another. To make the traffic flow smoothly and the process smooth, you can consider using electronic toll collection thanks to RFID technology.
The vehicles are equipment with these systems that would be charged the amount as they go through the toll booths. Besides reducing the traffic jam, the driver’s experience is enhanced to ensure the drivers do not need to stop unnecessarily.
Container tracking
The rail and shipping companies could also use RFID technology to track the containers as they are being transported. As expected, RFID tags help them get real-time information on the location and condition of the containers. Such information means the shipping companies can optimize shipping routes and reduce the chances of theft and damage to the cargo.
Conclusion
Taking advantage of RFID technology is important if you want to transform the transportation industry. This includes how well you can track the vehicles and cargo to contactless tickets as people use public transport. As you can see, it is vital to always try and implement such new technology to streamline your business operations and keep you profitable.
