Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
RFID tagging is an ID system that uses small radio frequency identification devices for identification and tracking purposes. An RFID tagging system includes the tag itself which contains a microchip, a read/write device, and a host system application for data collection, processing, and transmission.
Products are tagged with the read/write device. A pallet of goods can have a single RFID tag that contains a large amount of information about the pallet. This information could include:
- Details of the product
- The number of cartons
- The item number
- The origin of the goods
- The destination of the goods.
Figure 5 shows a typical RFID tag.
Figure 5: An RFID Tag
PARAGON
PARAGON is routing and scheduling software used in the transportation field and supports strategic and tactical decision-making to reduce operating costs. It analyses a typical week of delivery routes and runs comparisons to test alternative options, such as truck sizes, driver shifts or time window options.