RFID can help companies manage loads and save fuel

Fuel prices have reached record highs and climate change tops the list of many people’s concerns. Could a simple track-and-trace technology help with these two problems?

Many experts believe RFID has the potential to reduce emissions and help companies save on fuel costs. How come?

RFID already helps logistics companies manage their loads and track their fleets more effectively. Called "mobile asset management", the idea is to combine several technologies, including RFID, with sophisticated analytical tools in order to maximise the benefits of each trip made by truck, plane or ship. It can also be used to "score" driver performance on the basis of a driver’s fuel-saving habits, such as his ability to keep tyres inflated, drive within speed limits, and limit excess weight on a vehicle. To do this, the driver checks in on the vehicle’s onboard computer with his RFID employee card. RFID-based sensors monitor tyres, speed and vehicle weight and calculate the driver’s score on each trip.

Here’s another example of how RFID can reduce emissions. By helping fleet managers optimise scheduling and routing, RFID can cut down on the number of kilometres driven while providing better customer service. Operators know exactly when an RFID-tagged pallet or package left the warehouse, was loaded on to a truck and delivered. By tracking the items in real time, a manager has the option of prioritising a particular delivery or consolidating loads on the basis of space available.