Goodpack: Asset Tracking with RFID

Goodpack is the world’s largest provider of intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs). These are patented multi-modal, returnable metal boxes. Through a global network of subsidiaries and regional offices, Goodpack rents its 2.3 million IBCs to customers worldwide providing comprehensive services of delivery and collection, as well as, technical support.

SOLUTION
Tracking and managing 2.3 million assets in 400 warehouse locations and multiple customers all around the world is a challenging task. Goodpack’s ambition was to automate its internal and customer processes to increase administration efficiency. By doing so, they would not only save administrative time and resources, but also, increase the utilization of their asset pool. Finally, better tracking, would reduce the risk of loss and theft of the valuable, steel IBCs.

The first step towards that goal was to make sure Goodpack had full visibility of their assets at all times. Goodpack realized that Gen2 UHF RFID tags would be the best choice to identify their containers because these tags are resistant and do not require battery changes. They also needed to an RFID system that would track all their containers’ location and feed this information in real time to the SAP administrative system.

Vilant was chosen the main provider of the RFID system responsible for the system’s design and implementation. The solution consisted of RFID tags for the containers, fixed RFID gates and RFID handhelds for tracking, RFID software and backend integration. Goodpack’s requirements for the RFID tags were demanding for both reading performance as well as for the durability in the handling of the their IBCs. No commercially available tag had so far fulfilled the requirements. Vilant partnered with Confidex, which developed a tailor-made RFID tag for Goodpack’s needs. This has a narrow on-metal design and IP68 level encapsulation made of durable engineering plastics – an ideal selection for tracing IBC’s and various other metal returnable transit items during their lifetime. The tag has up to eight meters read-range and very broad radiation pattern, enabling efficient identification of Goodpack’s IBCs through Vilant’s RFID gates and RFID handheld devices. After rigorous laboratory and field tests, the Confidex Ironside Slim™ tag is being rolled out throughout the Goodpack’s IBC fleet.

In addition, Vilant installed fixed RFID gates that track the movement of the IBCs from and to the central locations. Warehouse workers use RFID handheld devices to compose the shipments and manage the warehouse inventory. Vilant’s Asset Tracking software gives real-time updates of container movements and locations. With a friendly user interface, it enables full control of Goodpack’s assets wherever they are – at the customer, in one of the warehouses or in transit.

As the system is being rolled out, Goodpack’s customers will also be able to use this technology to track their products by IBC through their own logistics tracking systems.

 

BENEFITS

  • Asset loss prevention with asset inventory and location in real-time
  • Efficient asset management with Vilant Asset Tracking
  • Automatic rent calculation based on actual usage – Integrated with SAP system
  • Long-life & maintenance-free Gen2 RFID system
  • Durable passive UHF Gen2 hard tags  -  GS1 GRAI encoded tags; No battery replacements needed; Items used outdoor are IP68