Closed Loop Containers

Automate Container Tracking and Reduce Downtime and Repair Costs

Industry statistics for asset shrinkage due to leakage to other companies, sub-pooling, and customer non-returns are typically 2% of the total base per year, but can be as high as 10%. Many companies today are replacing the labor intensive system of manually logging containers that enter or exit the facility for an automated solution. Dual-Active RFID automates the check in/check out process for reusable containers, resulting directly in reduced cost due to improved efficiency and theft reduction.

Industry case studies have also found RFID enabled reductions in the pool of logistics assets as high as 44% through improvements in conventional physical tracking and more efficient management. Axcess’ RFID container management solution delivers immediate cost savings by providing automatic real-time inventorying, locating, and managing of containers.

How It Works

The Axcess ActiveTag™ system is designed to offer a reusable electronic tag for securing the integrity of containers. Axcess’ patented ActiveTag™ system is a wireless RFID tag communications system comprised of activators, activation antennas, receivers and small, battery powered radio transponders or “tags”. The waterproof, durable tag transmits wirelessly to small, low-cost receivers, which are flexible enough to handle any topographical configuration. The system is designed to enable comprehensive tracking of everything in the secured shipping area including personnel, trucks and forklifts.

In a typical installation, the tag is awakened by a low frequency (LF) 132 kHz radio activation signal generated by a small radio transmitter, the activator, connected to an antenna located in the pavement, in the ceiling or wall, above a doorway, etc. Upon activation, the tag transmits a high frequency (HF) radio signal (either 315 MHz or 433 MHz) containing, at a minimum, its preprogrammed ID number that uniquely identifies the source of each transmission.

Receivers convert the tag signals into data and then pass the information on to a host computer or controller running application software. Numerous standard communications protocols are currently supported, including serial (RS-232), network (Ethernet TCP/IP) and Wiegand (SIA 26-bit standard). However, the system can easily be adapted to virtually any standard or proprietary communications protocol. The receiver also supports user configurable decision logic, relay control and output filtering capabilities.

Implementation Overview

Carbide Industries transports over 200,000 tons of chemicals annually in containers that cost an average of $2,500 each. Trucks can enter or leave the facility, with up to 12 containers in their loads, at which time Axcess’ active RFID metal mount tags, affixed to the containers, transmit their data to Axcess’ monitoring system, Enterprise Online Supervisor™ (e/OLS). Axcess’ e/OLS software then passes the container tag’s unique ID to Carbide Industries’ back-office software where each container is “linked” to the owner of the truck. When the empty containers are returned, the tags automatically transmit the data to e/OLS upon entering the facility and the container is marked as “returned”. This marks a vast improvement over the slow, manual process previously utilized.

© 2007-2008 Axcess International Inc. | (800) 588-6080 | International +1 (972) 407-6080              legal | privacy policy


website design and hosting: cree8iv Productions