Tracking Technology

Data Collection

Data collection is pivotal to information-driven solutions such as TrenStarCM, the container management system. Using different data collection technologies as part of the tracking process, data is used to define actual events.

Data collection technologies include barcoding, Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID), voice and Programmable Logical Controllers (PLCs). These technologies are integrated into the solution and can be used in combination with one another.

The choice of technology usually depends on the application and the operating environment. At TrenStar, we use barcoding and RFID extensively. All barcodes are also designed to allow human readability and identification.

Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID)

In simple terms, RFID tags are intelligent barcodes. Introduced during World War II to identify friend or foe by sending radio frequency 'squawks', this technology is now part of our daily life - used at toll gates, in access passes and as speed passes at fuel pumps.

At TrenStar, we use RFID to track assets because it meets the demanding operational requirements and is cost effective. RFID collects data at control points and feeds the information into TrenStarCM. For example, we have implemented an RFID-system to track 4-5 million beer kegs for a UK customer, as well as for hospital equipment in a number of clinics across the US.

Each tag has a globally unique identification number, which is linked to a unique asset - allowing assets to be identified at defined control points.

Read more about TrenStar's Barcoding and RFID solutions.