| RFID and metal containers do not complement each | | | | track and manage high-value, reusable mobile assets |
| other well, until we don't know the scientific method | | | | and their contents. |
| of implementing RFID. So it is possible to use them | | | | Mobile assets are used to carry raw materials, work |
| together with reliable results if proper application is | | | | in progress and the final finished goods in supply |
| known. | | | | chains. These mobile assets are however expensive |
| Metal containers are desirable because of their certain | | | | and also its contents are also expensive and time |
| distinguishable properties like- they are safe, strong, | | | | critical. RFID is useful in many manners, the |
| long-lasting, reusable and shielding. But it is generally | | | | information produced by it can be used to improve |
| assumed that metal containers are headache to | | | | the planning and execution of the distribution channel. |
| manage and track to, also to get permission from | | | | Advantages |
| environmental agency to use and track them. | | | | RFID technology helps in reduction of loss rates, |
| However by use of mobile asset management | | | | maintenance costs, distribution costs, and better |
| solution the metal containers can be managed | | | | customer service. It facilitates in identifying market |
| properly and tracked with RFID technology. The | | | | trends and reduction of selling price of the goods. |
| answer to its successful application is - use of | | | | Companies can even bring into line the rates of the |
| science. | | | | container with the assessment stream resultant from |
| Problems faced | | | | the investment in the container, its release and the |
| Radio waves have the property of being absorbed | | | | technology included. Most of the companiesusing |
| by water at ultra-high frequencies and revert back | | | | RFID system were found to be using this technology |
| by the metal surface. For example our body contains | | | | for asset tracking as it provides the return on |
| saltwater therefore serves as a shield against RFID | | | | investment to the manufacturer. |
| waves. Generally metal interferes with RFID signals | | | | A combination of asset acquisition and management |
| thus pose a challenge for supply chain that is RFID | | | | services with technology and RFID facilitates to |
| enabled. | | | | discover and eliminate the hidden costs of supply |
| The effectiveness of the RFID field is reduced when | | | | chain which includes assets, transportation costs, |
| the eddy currents are produced by metal in the | | | | finished goods, product waste and inventory. Most of |
| surrounding area of the RFID reader antennae as it | | | | these management services work on pay-per-use |
| absorbs radio frequency energy. A magnetic field is | | | | basis, it enables the companies to improve the quality |
| formed by these eddy currents which is perpendicular | | | | of customer service and also minimizes operating |
| to the metal surface. Due to this field, the reader | | | | expenses and manages asset contents successfully. |
| field is cancelled. | | | | Certain mobile asset management solution providers |
| Detuning | | | | do offer RFID of low cost which could be installed in |
| Metal surface causes electromagnetic friction which | | | | surroundings with high metal content. The worth of |
| results into energy depletion thus reduction of | | | | RFID is produced by the resolution provider from the |
| performance, and detune of reader and tag antenna. | | | | consequent generation of enhanced trade rules that |
| RFID which is installed in heavy metal surroundings | | | | results efficient procedure and process. |
| could reduce the ranges, reliabilities and actual read | | | | Conclusion |
| & write rates. These reductions are more than | | | | To conclude usage of RFID tracking technology can |
| what is experienced in controlled lab condition of | | | | be used successfully in environment with high metal |
| RFID pilots. However these problems can be | | | | content. Mobile asset management solution providers |
| overcome by the usage of proper scientific designed | | | | have solved this problem to a great extent by |
| and engineered system. Companies are looking | | | | experimenting and introducing system with advanced |
| forward to this system solution. | | | | design and engineering. Therefore it is beneficial to |
| In the area of supply chain management RFID | | | | for companies to adopt RFID tracking technology. |
| technology is being used in a metal environment to | | | | |