Our Electronic Cargo Tracking Systems Technologies and Partners

The Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) is a state–of-the-art, wireless solution that provides real-time monitoring of cargoes in transit and in storage, securing both the cargo and the transporting vehicle.

Meeting the demand for responsiveness we ensure that cargoes can be monitored in real time, both in transit and in storage, from dispatch to final delivery. While the cargo is on its delivery route, the system monitors not only the location of the vehicle but also the opening and closing of the cargo container, reporting the changes in status to our control center whenever such changes take place.

RFID Technology in Cargo and Shipment Tracking

Radio frequency identification devices (RFID) are low-cost tags that assist in the tracking of goods and vehicles. These devices are placed on individual items and can either be active, i.e., constantly emitting a radio frequency signal; or passive, i.e., only emitting a signal when queried by an outside source.

In order to track goods, readers (either hand-held or fixed) need to be installed to track and record the numbers from the RFID devices affixed to each product or container. Installation of these readers, however, adds additional costs which would be assumed by the shipper or passed along to the consumer/end user.

RFID tags are limited in the number that can be screened by each reader at one time. For large numbers of loose goods, individually tagging each good is not an efficient use of resources. Tagging the unit containing these loose goods is a more practical solution. RFID tags may not be practical for all applications, including tracking liquids and items wrapped in metal or foil, as these environments can create interference.

The RFID tags only serve as a tracking Cargo and vehicle tracking is the ability to trace goods, their containers, and their conveyances from the point of origin to their destination. Tracking is increasingly associated with information transfer using smarter tools such as radio frequency identification devices and global positioning systems.

The RFID tags only serve as a tracking mechanism; they do not possess any effective security applications. To work properly, specific frequencies will need to be designated for RFID use only. Government assistance and cooperation is needed in order to prevent interference with other existing devices and applications.

While RFID development is progressing rapidly, three issues could limit its spread in the near future. First, there is an ongoing intellectual property dispute regarding parts of the specifications related to commercializing the electronic product code (EPC) technology. Second, EPCGlobal, the nonprofit organization charged with commercializing the EPC technology, and the International Standardization Organization (ISO) differ on the specification dealing with the numbering systems to which RFID tags relate. Finally, many of the products being sold are not fully upgradeable to the next generation of RFID technology that will be released shortly.

Authentication/Legitimization of Customs Procedures Tracking can help verify the identity and contents of a vehicle or cargo container, and its use—coupled with risk management techniques—make some of the current customs procedures redundant. Elimination of those redundant procedures would expedite the customs examination process and increase the assurance that the vehicle or cargo container is safe and originates from an authorized or legitimate shipper.

RFID uses radio waves to automatically identify an object, often by storing a serial number (and any additional information up to 2 MB) on an antenna. A receiver emits a short-range alert when the integrity of the bulk has been compromised. Some RFID tags also monitor environmental conditions.

Tracking automates the customs clearance system, thus minimizing the opportunity for corruption through bribery of customs personnel. Barcode scanning simplifies the tracking process by identifying the cargo and conveyance through an individual code and a fixed reader and transmitting that information to a central point.

Benefits of Cargo and Vehicle Tracking Satellite Systems and GPS & GPRS

Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking utilizes satellites to monitor fleets of vehicles or cargo containers, thereby ensuring there are no unplanned stops and that a pre-planned route is followed. Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite systems use satellites that orbit the earth in order to continuously monitor a particular area continuously.

These satellite mapping areas can be as large as, yet can identify individual containers and vehicles. Networks of multiple satellites that sweep the globe and monitor activity all over the world comprise Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems. This category includes voice-capable "big LEO's" and lower cost, data-only systems dubbed "little LEO's." Satellite systems are only viable options for tracking when the transmitter located on the vehicle or cargo has a direct line of sight to the satellite. They are consequently impractical when utilized on double-stacked railcars, in the holds of vessels, and in the stacks at container yards.

GPRS is utilized to send the information to and fro from a GPS enable device in the remote areas. GPRS also helpful in integrating and sending information on additional units like sensors and other functionalities based on the requirements.