RFID trail-er blazing
October 1st 2005

Microlise’s new RFID Trailer Portal dramatically reduces the capital investment required for a mobile logistics RFID solution

Microlise, the Nottingham based systems integrator of technology for supply chain and logistics, has announced the release of its RFID Trailer Portal solution. The Microlise RFID Trailer Portal is a standalone asset tracking solution that can be integrated with the Microlise Fleet & Distribution suite of solutions, or with similar solutions from other suppliers.

The solution addresses the common situation where there are more distribution and delivery destinations than there are vehicles in the delivery fleet or where vehicles deliver to multiple client companies.

By RFID enabling the vehicle rather than the dock doors of the distribution centre and delivery points, proof of delivery or collection can be provided for any delivery destination. This dramatically reduces the capital investment required for the mobile logistics RFID solution and allows RFID technology to be integrated along the supply chain within multiple customer and supplier companies.

Antenna array

The Microlise RFID Trailer Portal consists of an array of specialist RFID antennas linked to an RFID reader and Microlise In-Vehicle Computer. Antenna arrays can be installed overhead, on the floor or at the sides of the entry point to the trailer depending on the location of the RFID tags on the roll cage or other re-usable transport assets (RTA). The design of the antenna array coupled with our specialist software allows the system to determine if the RTA is being loaded or unloaded from the vehicle.

The Microlise In-Vehicle Computer provides Wi-Fi and GPRS communications connectivity to the host system to download the route manifest and upload real-time RFID POD /POC data. The Microlise in-Vehicle Computer can also provide automatic vehicle location system data via its built in global positioning receiver. Where required, the RFID Trailer Portal solution may also be integrated with an in-cab mobile data terminal to provide full delivery clausing and on-screen signature capture with real-time update of this data back to the host system.

Since RFID in an exception based auto ID technology, it should operate discretely in the background. The operator only requires feedback of basic delivery status with a visual and audible warning of any exceptions or errors that are being made. To provide this a small display is installed adjacent to the vehicle loading doors.

Cost effective

Bob Harbey, business development director of Microlise commented: "For many companies wishing to introduce RFID technology into their supply chains, high capital costs of equipment, low utilisation and open loop stock movement between organisations is a real barrier to entry. The Microlise RFID Trailer Portal addresses these problems and allows companies to collect and utilise RFID data wherever they need it within their distribution operation, in a much more cost effective way."

He added: "Early discussion with major 3PLs, manufacturers and distributors has indicated a high potential demand for this solution. Its modular design ensures it can be easily integrated with our own Microlise Fleet & Distribution portfolio and with existing track & trace, ERP, MRP or WMS systems from other vendors."

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