Supply Chain Logistics

Tracking and monitoring of consignments and moving assets

Advances in sensor technologies and data collection, processing and communications systems make it possible to design and implement cost effective solutions to provide visibility of consignments, monitor the status, condition and location of moving assets and verify consignment despatch and delivery.

APC Integration works with customers to design and implement solutions that ensure a competitive advantage.

Enabling Technologies

·        Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) – unique identification of assets, products, containers and pallets as they move through the supply chain. Convergence to international standardization of the Electronic Product Code (EPG) standards for the RFID tags, readers and interfaces means that compatibility is assured through the supply chain.

·        Mobile data terminals – efficient data collection, operator interfacing, wireless communications and web based reporting.

·         GPS – Accurate location of moving assets and consignments.

·        GSM/GPRS; CDMA1x/EV-DO – mobile data communications networks allowing efficient and cost effective transfer of data between remote monitoring and control devices and high level logistics applications.

·        Microsoft .net software environment – efficient and fast development of industry standard mobile applications, and adaptation to meet the individual needs of businesses.

Profile of Applications

 ·        Vehicle monitoring, routing and delivery verification – Vehicle on-board systems collect vehicle monitoring and GPS location data and communicate the data via GPRS or CDMA1x/EV-DO to a control centre. Vehicle routing commands and updates from the control centre are displayed on a mobile data terminal docked in the driver’s cab. Delivered goods are scanned in and electronically signed for.

·        Consignment tracking – pallets, containers, trucks or rail wagons carrying consignments are fitted with RFID tags carrying unique identification data. A combination of fixed and portable RFID readers are used to track movement of  consignments through the supply chain. Vehicles can be tracked by GPS for accurate location.

·        Asset tracking – assets are uniquely identified using RFID tags and/or barcodes. Their movement is tracked using a combination of fixed readers and mobile data terminals (MDTs). Maintenance and usage data is collected using the MDTs. Wireless communication systems allow for real time data transfer between MDTs and network systems. A central database holds detailed information on each asset including current location, value, warranty status, condition and maintenance records and requirements.

For more information, contact APCI on (08) 8366 2300 or go to our contacts page.