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Automated, positive identification of the ~15 million containers in use today during routine movements can produce large gains in efficiency (and therefore economics). Many container handling processes that are currently done in a manual or semi-automated way can become fully automated once containers are tagged. Too often, containers are mis-identified when they enter or leave a facility or are simply 'lost' through mis-handling. This is particularly serious if the container is laden with hazardous materials, materials with limited shelf life, or parts headed toward a just-in-time manufacturing facility. Numerous industry studies have shown the benefits) of positively identifying and locating containers. Labor costs are reduced and the quality of container identity information that is transmitted to the data management systems of ocean carriers, port/terminal operators, and drayage companies is improved.
The container handling industry also wrestles with the need for improved security. In an increasingly dangerous world, the likelihood that containers may be used for harm is looming larger. The currently-defined solution includes the use of permanently-mounted passive container tags (referred to as electronic license plates) as well as electronic security seals and potentially other devices. A battery-free passive technology has been chosen for the license plate tag so the device can operate without maintenance for the expected 20-year life of an average container.
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