RFID Enabled Solutions
The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is not new, but the applicable situations of this technology are only increasing with time. HCL has applied RFID in a unique manner to solve the complexities of tracking and managing different types of assets across long supply chains and complex travel networks.
Container Management
Airlines around the world find it challenging to track
Unit Load Device (ULDs) and cargo containers across modern supply chains. In addition, taking stock of the ULDs/containers by conducting physical inventory counts has been very expensive.
Another major challenge is to track utilization per ULD which is an important metric in Air Cargo management. On an average, an airline loses around 200 ULD’s/containers annually, resulting in an annual loss of upto $300,000.
To stem this outflow, HCL offers an RFID based Container Management
System facilitating the real-time tracking of the physical locations of the cargo containers, the real-time utilization levels of the containers, and a record of the real-time inventory levels of the containers across multiple locations. According
to an estimate, utilizing RFID to track ULDs and containers could reduce aircraft turnaround times by close to 7% by speeding up the loading process, reducing documentation, and providing more accurate flight status information.
This same concept of RFID technology for track and trace of cargo within Airports could be leveraged in the track and trace of cargo containers at ports or any other locations across global supply chains.
Cargo Management
Cargo Management is another complex operation at airports and distribution centers. With cargo from multiple orders staged together, the sorting and appropriate routing is a challenge considering the massive volumes of cargo. Implementing an RFID solution at the goods receipt point would enable efficient and effective tracking and tracing of the cargo across multiple points in the supply chain.
This helps companies to get in-depth visibility into the exact location of the cargo in the supply chain. In addition, efficiency in packing the cargo inside ‘cargo holds’ of airplanes, trucks or ships can be tremendously increased by complex 3-D packing algorithms and tools. A logical extension of the RFID track and trace facility is in the tracking and inspection of safety equipment aboard airplanes and ships which is a critical requirement in today’s unsafe world.
Baggage Tracking
Baggage mishandling has become an increasing nuisance at
Airports due to the massive passenger volumes and tighter
aircraft turnaround times. Baggage tracking is also one of the
most crucial aspects of airline and airport operations from the point of view of customer service as well as security measures. An estimate is that baggage mishandling presently costs the industry a whopping $4 billion
annually. Implementation of RFID helps in real-time tracking of baggage at airports and in airplanes. The methodology also provides the added benefit to airlines of speeding up the loading process, reducing documentation, and providing more accurate flight status information. An estimate reveals that the industry can save up to $700 million dollars per annum in implementing RFID based baggage track and trace solutions.
