Visit any shipment port and you will be greeted by a bustling vehicle shipping terminal. The terminal filled with thousands of cars and trucks weaving through a labyrinth of cargo containers like ants on a mission can cause logistics and shipment companies never-ending headaches. Manually deciphering vehicle identification numbers (VIN) coupled with filling out the necessary paperwork can be particularly tedious. But thankfully, vehicle tracking is at present, no longer stuck in the stone age era. RFID vehicle tags are gradually eradicating the logistical nightmare associated with vehicle shipment.
RFID Vehicle Tags.
UHF RFID vehicle tags are digital stickers mounted on various parts of automobiles to facilitate trailing during manufacturing, delivery, garage visits, and day-to-day use. These tags are similar to typical RFID tags but they are programmed to perform distinct tasks that enhance motor vehicle tracking. They can be equated to digital license plates with upgrades that support additional functionalities. They can be installed on various parts of a car, for instance, on license plates or on windshields and bumpers. In addition, RFID tags for cars simplify toll collection, reduce congestion and boost efficiency.
Integrating RFID Tags into Vehicle Tracking Systems.
When it comes to integrating UHF RFID tags into vehicle tracking systems, a few important things come into play. First off, the vehicles themselves need to have RFID tags. These tags can be securely placed in different spots, like the windshield, or license plate, or even hidden somewhere sneaky inside the vehicle. Then smart RFID readers are installed at specific points along the tracking route. RFID car readers act as high-tech guardians, always on the lookout for any UHF RFID tags nearby. As soon as a tagged vehicle gets close, the RFID reader grabs the special code that’s stored in the tag and relays it to the user for comprehension.
RFID Tag Placement in Vehicles.
If you intend to install RFID tags in your car, you have several options to explore. Let us look at the external placement options first.
- Windshield: A popular choice is to put the RFID tags on the inside of the windshield. This allows for a clear signal to transmit and makes it easy to scan during shipping inspections.
- License Plate: You can integrate RFID tags into the license plate itself or use a separate adhesive tag nearby. This is a reliable option, especially if you need to comply with regulations.
- Bumpers and Wheel Wells: To add extra security and protect the RFID tags from potential damage during loading and unloading, you can mount them on the bumpers or wheel wells.
Now let us look at the internal placement options.
- Engine Compartment: Placing RFID tags inside the engine compartment is a good idea because it keeps them relatively secure from tampering and exposure to the environment.
- Door Panels: Another option is to hide the RFID tags within the door panels. This protects them from wear and tear while ensuring consistent read rates.
- Vehicle Interior: If you want to track discreetly, you can place RFID tags inside the vehicle’s interior. For example, you can put them under the dashboard or seats.
Applications of RFID Tags in Vehicles.
On top of easing car tracking during shipping, RFID tags have unlocked numerous application points in the car industry. And as technology advances, we can expect an increase in the roles RFID will play in the automotive industry in years to come. Here is a summary of the most significant roles currently being fulfilled with the aid of UHF RFID tags.
● Vehicle Tracking during Shipping.
For brand new cars to shift hands from their manufacturing base to their destined dealerships spread across the globe, they must travel across various nations, and this can be quite daunting. During this voyage, the fleet of cars or trucks must be keenly monitored to mitigate mysterious losses and to maintain accurate inventories. You might be wondering; how does the manufacturer or shipping provider keep track of each car’s location during transit?
Well, the answer lies in UHF RFID tags. These are smart stickers discreetly placed on each vehicle before they leave the factory. As the transport vessel advances, checks are conducted by logistics staff using RFID readers for cars. The readers pick out unique vehicle identification numbers consequently updating the manufacturer or shipping provider with each vehicle’s precise location. In case of any unforeseen delays or route diversions, the manufacturer can take swift action to ensure timely delivery.
● Inventory Management at Dealerships.
Car dealerships are some of the busiest workplaces and if you have had the pleasure of visiting one, you will understand that keeping an organized inventory can be an uphill task. Over the years, this task has gradually grown to be less of a headache thanks to UHF RFID car tags. By affixing each automobile on the lot with an RFID sticker, dealerships can hastily access information on a vehicle’s model, color, and manufacturing date, among others.
All dealership staff needs are RFID readers for cars to accurately scan the tags of each vehicle. This allows them to update inventory records automatically and it also provides insight on the selling trends. Car RFID stickers in dealerships streamline the process of managing the vast array of vehicles on the lot by reducing the chance of human error.
● Vehicle Servicing.
Imagine you’re at the service center for routine car maintenance and instead of flipping through paperwork to find your car’s details, the mechanic simply waves an RFID scanner over your car’s RFID tag. This grants the two of you instant access to information about your vehicle’s service history, and any previous repairs. UHF RFID tags can make your vehicle servicing experience less cumbersome and more efficient for you and your service center.
● Vehicle Security.
Vehicles are generally high-value assets and no one would like to part with his/her car especially when the car is expensive and luxurious. UHF RFID tags can significantly boost vehicle security. For instance, you can install a UHF RFID system in your high-end vehicle to boost security. An RFID sticker can be integrated into your key fobs allowing you to unlock your car as your approach it. The RFID card reader in your car can recognize the unique identifier from the key fob, allowing the vehicle to unlock automatically as you get nearer. This makes it difficult for thieves to hotwire the car or use counterfeit keys, providing extra protection.
● Access Control and Car Sharing.
In today’s world, car-sharing services have become increasingly popular, with multiple users accessing the same vehicle. UHF RFID tags enable secure and convenient access control for such services. If you intend to share a car with others, you can issue every user with an RFID car tag to limit access. Whenever a user wants to access the vehicle, they can tap the card or tag on the car’s reader. This then prompts the vehicle RFID system to verify the credentials of the user before granting access. This ensures that only approved users can utilize the car-sharing service, preventing unauthorized usage.
Why UHF RFID Tags are the Way Forward for Vehicle Shipping.
● Lightning-fast Inventory Management.
Picture a car shipping terminal in full swing, filled with rows upon rows of vehicles waiting to embark on their journey. Without UHF RFID tags, keeping track of all these cars would be a logistical nightmare. But with the power of UHF RFID tags, car shipping companies can now manage their inventory with unmatched ease. When a car enters the terminal, a powerful RFID reader instantly captures all the details. This data is then stored in the company’s database, enabling real-time tracking. The tags have substituted manual checks and cumbersome paperwork with tiny stickers that provide accurate data at your fingertips.
● A Symphony of Efficiency.
Let us dive into the behind-the-scenes of car and truck shipping. To accomplish this, we will refer to a car shipping company handling multiple vehicles destined for different locations. In the pre-RFID tag era, organizing and loading these cars required countless hours and human coordination. But now, UHF RFID tags can identify vehicles, their specific destinations, and the next cause of action. RFID systems can direct cars meant to be shipped to the appropriate loading bay, thereby streamlining the process, like a well-rehearsed performance. This results in reduced waiting times, faster loading, and satisfied customers.
● Security at its Finest.
When it comes to car shipping, ensuring the security of each precious vehicle is paramount. Here’s where UHF RFID tags shine brightly like guardian angels. Throughout the shipping journey, UHF RFID tags continually send signals to monitoring systems. These signals, when decoded portray real-time updates on the shipment’s location. If anything unexpected happens, like a diversion or unauthorized stop, alarms are triggered, alerting the car shipping company to take swift action.
● Transparent Customer Experience.
Nowadays, customers demand transparency and peace of mind. Imagine a scenario where you need to ship your car across the country, but you’re worried about its whereabouts throughout the journey. By integrating the UHF RFID tracking system into their services, car shipping companies offer customers the ability to track their vehicles in real time. With just a few clicks on a user-friendly app, you can see exactly where your car is, how far it has traveled, and when it will arrive at its destination. This newfound transparency ensures a stress-free experience for customers and fosters trust between them and the shipping company.
Case Studies of Successful Implementations of RFID Vehicle Tracking During Shipping.
Leading car manufacturers and shipping companies are overwhelming the challenges of traditional vehicle tracking by adopting digital vehicle tracking technologies such as UHF RFID.
● Audi.
Audi started implementing UHF RFID tags in their car manufacturing process to improve vehicle tracking during shipping a while ago. Traditionally, they used to rely on manual record-keeping, which proved to be time-consuming and prone to errors. However, once they recognized the need for a more efficient system, they adopted RFID technology. When an Audi vehicle leaves the production line, an RFID tag is affixed to it. The tag contains important details such as the vehicle identification number (VIN) and destination. Using RFID readers placed at different locations, throughout the Audi shipping process, including loading docks, transport vehicles, and delivery points, Audi is able to capture the reserved data leading to prompt deliveries and reduced losses.
● Swift Trans Logistics.
Meet Swift Trans Logistics, a vehicle shipping company, which faced numerous challenges in its day-to-day operations before implementing RFID technology. In previous years, they relied on manual record-keeping, which often led to delays, lost vehicles, and frustrated customers. However, with RFID tags, Swift Trans have transformed their tracking system into a seamless operation. They equip each vehicle with a unique RFID tag, allowing real-time monitoring. As a result, the shipping company has experienced a significant reduction in shipping errors and improved customer satisfaction.
Swift Trans has witnessed several benefits after implementing RFID technology. They can now easily locate and identify vehicles, enabling quicker loading and unloading processes. The automatic data capture has reduced human error thus eliminating the need for manual record-keeping. With accurate inventory management, the Swift Trans has also optimized its shipping routes, reducing fuel consumption and costs.
● Speedy Wheels Logistics.
Now, let us zoom into another exciting story, that of Speedy Wheels Logistics. This company was already doing a decent job in the vehicle shipping market, but they wanted to take things to the next level. They wanted to deliver not only cars but also a seamless experience to their clients. That’s when they embraced RFID technology with open arms. They introduced a smart mobile app for their customers, allowing them to track their vehicle’s journey in real time. The app communicated with the RFID tags on the cars, providing instant updates to the customers.
Speedy Wheels Logistics also took RFID a step further. They equipped their shipping yards with RFID readers at strategic points. This ensured that every time a vehicle passed a checkpoint, the system would record it automatically. No more wondering whether the car was loaded onto the carrier or not. And the best part is that the RFID system reduced transit times significantly. Speedy Wheels Logistics became known for its speedy deliveries. Happy customers were singing praises and referring their friends.
Successful implementations by leading car manufacturers and shipping companies, such as Audi, Swift Trans Logistics, and Speedy Wheels Logistics, have already showcased the immense benefits of RFID vehicle tracking during shipping. So, the next time you admire a well-organized dealership lot or have a hassle-free vehicle servicing experience, you can thank the wonders of UHF RFID tags. These tags quietly work behind the scenes to make your automotive journey smoother and more efficient than ever before.