RFID in Luggage Tracking...


Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) refers to a wireless system comprised of two components: tags and readers. RFID tags can store a range of information from one serial number to several pages of data. Readers can be mobile so that they can be carried by hand, or they can be mounted on a post or overhead. RFID has had significant impact on visibility and mishandled baggage in Delta Airlines.

WHY RFID TECHNOLOGY FOR BAGGAGE HANDLING AND TRACKING?

Baggage handling involves numerous steps from when a passenger checks in his or her bag, to when they retrieve it at the final destination. Various technologies can be deployed to address the tracking challenge, but we believe RFID has the most all round effectiveness as well as unique capabilities that support process improvement by enabling far greater visibility into baggage handling operations than ever before. More effective tracking and control of baggage using technologies such as RFID is enabling airlines and airports to dramatically reduce the number of mishandled bags.

BENEFITS OF RFID ADOPTION 

According to SITA and IATA the global adoption of RFID technology could save the airline industry up to US$3 billion over the next seven years by improving baggage management and operations. The main benefits for the airline industry in adopting RFID technology for baggage handling includes cost savings, improved operations and improved passenger service, which RFID achieves by its distinct advantages over other systems. 
 Some of the benefits are listed below:
  • Allows passengers to track baggage in real-time and creates passenger loyalty 
  • Lower the number of delayed and lost baggage, which have a potential saving at at least $100 pr. bag 
  • Decrease need for manual processing, which helps you free up staff for other value adding tasks

Why is RFID superior to other technologies:

  • Not requiring line-of-sight reading unlike barcodes 
  • Read points are relatively low cost 
  • Can be read from a distance 
  • RFID tag does not tear apart from handling 
  • Can read multiple tags simultaneously, unlike barcodes 
  • Can read bag tags more accurately and efficiently compared to barcodes 
  •  Readers are easy and cost-effective to deploy

However, in recent years, thanks to mass adoption by other industries, particularly the retail industry, the technology has evolved substantially and, thanks to economies of scale, it is at a point where there is a highly positive return on investment.


THE TAG : 

Disposable baggage tags:

Disposable baggage tags are similar to the current paper baggage tags used today. They look the same and are printed in the airport in the same way as current paper baggage tags, the only difference is that they contain an RFID tag. The RFID tag comprises an inlay consisting of an integrated circuit (tag chip) mounted on a substrate along with an antenna. 

Multiple use baggage tags:

Today there are two types of multiple use baggage tags containing RFID: Electronic baggage tags and permanent baggage tags.

  • Electronic bag tags are active devices in that they can receive and send data, typically via Bluetooth, allowing travelers to keep track of their bag using a mobile phone app or other portal. Often these devices have a display, allowing the display of barcode and flight information.
  • Permanent baggage tags do not typically have a screen. These are reusable baggage tags, perhaps in the form of a credit card, and issued to premier or frequent flyers or as part of a loyalty promotion. The RFID chip is incorporated in a permanent bag tag, which can be used multiple times. The passenger owns the tag and the airline updates it with new travel information each time they fly. The multiple use baggage tags are used for tracking and give data for operational optimization. 

READ POINT :

  • The read point provides visibility, tracking the position of the baggage on the bagdrop, conveyor, belt loader, tilt-tray or other. With traditional barcode readers, line of sight is often an issue and outdoor use is limited; if the barcode is not visible, the bag tag has to be manually adjusted so the barcode reader can scan it. However, with RFID bag tags, it doesn’t matter if the bag tag is not facing the reader.


The business case for adopting RFID is fairly straightforward. The goals of RFID implementation are to increase customer services, eliminate missorts, improve read rates and visibility, reduce maintenance costs and manual labor, reduce delivery delays to and from the aircraft, and perhaps most importantly, improve customer satisfaction







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