The topic on this subject could easily be expanded to a dissertation several pages long, below is a highlight what I have gathered from experience in the field using varieties of technologies, including RFID as a tool.
1) Container/asset management based on field data collection: Most companies depend on processes (sometimes automated) methods to track their containers as they move from point A to B. The issue at hand is that the data visibility is available only at the points of Entry or Exit. Therefore, the data is reported off-line, based on ERP projection, historical and estimates. Assets are accounted for and confirmed only at the points where the container is picked by the infrastructure managing the asset. If the assets have a means to communicate in real-time events as of their current status and geo-location, the benefits are that rather that relaying on modeling the data is fed to the ERP in real-time from the field.
2) Technology for data collection at the edge and security: On my opinion there are several technologies that do help in the automation on the data collection from the assets themselves. How and what kind of data reported is the second piece of the puzzle. There are several methods:
a. Barcode or RFID TAG ID: where handhelds and scanners collect the data by simple identification
b. RFID-RTLS: where a beacon pin points the presence of the container
c. RFID+ Sensing: these technologies enable to identify, and secure the assets at the same time.
3) Supporting infrastructure and asset management system: this has to do to the GPRS, SAT, Ethernet, Wireless and data network capabilities for visibility to the ERP and the data collection flow and data feed.
If you factor these three aspects, you will find that you can indeed have an ROI and efficiencies in your supply chain and asset management. You just have to concentrate on the pain points in the process and bring the benefits with the right eco system of technologies whatever they may be. RFID is a one more tool that can greatly benefit in the processes as long as the technolgy is understood and correctly applied beyond the context of more traditional data collection methods used today.
