Container Location Identification System will address creating unique identity for containers in different transport modes, deploy complete solutions (including hardware & software) for optimal storage, fast search, loading-unloading of container units & optimal use of storage space in terminals & container freight stations for efficient distribution in goods & containers.

While much of the attention has recently been focused on the role of RFID in Container Logistics, there is much more to RFID than the current generation of re-usable tags. The primary advantage to RFID in a Port/ Terminal Application using RFID System is that it is an “automatic” data collection technology. That is, no operator intervention or action is required.

Need For Container Location Identification

  • Existing manual/ semi-automatic process is cumbersome
  • Primitive data collection methods are always error prone
  • To remain competitive in the demanding market
  • Maximize asset management (trailer / truck/ crane/ machine handling equipment etc.)
  • Sustain growth / demand
  • Reduce congestions & optimum utilization of resources
  • Minimize theft / pilferages / demurrage costs (if implementing warehouse management module)

RFID Technology Drivers

The two-direct Drivers for using RFID are :-

  • Accurate and complete data collection, and
  • Better utilization of employees time

In addition, security measures can be significantly enhanced through the use of RFID.

There are five major areas where RFID can be effectively used within a Container Freight Terminal/ Port Cargo Terminal :-

  1. Access Control
  2. Container Security
  3. Container Identification & Location
  4. Activity Tracking
  5. Regulatory Compliance

Some of these applications offer benefits to the terminals/ operators either directly or as value added services for the shippers.

Other benefits must be seen more as a means of simplifying compliance with increasing governmental security regulations and record keeping requirements.

Container Location Identification Method:

Typically a  reusable RFID Tag will be affixed during the Containers arrival at the terminal. Tag personalization to that effect would happen within the system using RFID Desktop Readers installed at Gate Station. Entire geographical layout of terminal will be WiFi enabled/GPRS connectivity also can be a option , this will assist in communications management even when on field. It is not possible to counterfeit tags so there’s no possibility that one tag will be removed and another used to replace it.

The digital GIS map of the yard will be created and container storage slots (in terms of bays and rows) will be marked on that map. Each of the container storage slot will be uniquely identified.

Container movements while on any Reach Stackers/ Gantary Cranes will be monitored on real-time basis using GPS, RFID sensors and WiFi/ GPRS to constantly report the location of the container and the conditions that its been handled with.

System Benefits:

Even with sophiscated management softwares that are used within freight terminals, containers are not always placed where they should be, it is here that Container Location Identification System would act as a differentiator to existing software.

Thereby value adding new features in reading RFID tags from the containers and transmit the same from the Reach Stackers to the office via a Wireless LAN. It is also possible to display the location of any vehicle or container. All this information is automatically recorded and displayed.

Productivity is an issue that is of concern not only to the terminal operators but also to the ship owners, shippers and consignees as well.

Ensuring the most efficient loading and off-loading of container is critical to profitability.

Certainly time spent looking for containers that have not been placed where they should have been is time wasted and, in the case of perishable goods, may result in loss of the entire shipment.

Container Location Identification System comes to assistance to record the location of containers and monitor the activities of yard vehicles/ RTGs that will improve the overall quality of data and , therefore the efficiency of the entire operation.

In addition, it will enable collection of detailed data that may uncover inefficiencies in established procedures that could not be previously identified.

A Container Location Identification system will provide the ability to automatically collect real-time data without burdening employees. This provides the terminal manager with an upto-the-minute picture of various activities and that in, turn allows them to respond to developing situations in a timely manner. Few more benefits are mentioned below:

  • Management through visibility via continuous access to accurate yard inventory
  • Reduction or elimination of employee time performing manual yard checks, queries of trailer status and history
  • Improve on-time trailer movement service levels
  • Helps in analyzing the container move pattern and reduce the no. Of container moves
  • Provides real time yard congestion report to plan the traffic movement
  • Reduce personnel requirements by providing automatic data collection
  • Exact gate in and gate out timings are provided by the system which help in generating correct bills.

System Features:

  • Real-Time Locating System to control trailers & containers
  • Gate processing & security that supports the equipment receipt and exit from the yard
  • Equipment matching that eliminates manual assignment
  • Yard planning & modelling with a graphical interface to plan/ enforce rules
  • Robust reporting capabilities for better management decisions