RFID Tracking

How does it work?

• A passive RFID tag is initiated by the e-retailer and the first registration is recorded in IPC’s RFID system database.
• Once a tag has been activated, it is attached to an e-commerce packet by the staff of the e-seller.
• Then, the e-commerce packet with passive RFID tag travels through the untracked operational flow.
• Passive RFID gates at key locations within the post’s operational process (including transport and hand-over to other partners) generate RFID reads.

Integrated into postal operations

IPC has developed the necessary IT systems to create, capture, classify, manage and report RFID events for postal item tracking purposes. IPC’s RFID Tracking Service provides the necessary service support and management for posts using the passive RFID technology infrastructure.

IPC provides support to posts with commercial RFID tracked products, as well as several other posts participating in the RFID network and/or considering commercial roll-out of this service within their markets. Participating posts can offer the low-cost tracking solutions to e-retailers in their market. E-retailers can purchase RFID tags from the post to attach to their products.

Reliable and accessible data

The reliability of the tracking data is ensured through the IPC systems by filtering duplicate RFID reads and unwanted data. Moreover, RFID reads are centrally evaluated against clearly defined business rules and events are matched to the appropriate item.

All data is stored in IPC’s Central Data Store and is available to all service users. Customers, e-seller staff or postal experts can consult the relevant RFID events; they can connect to the RFID tracking information via an interface where they can see the last location of the item and its current status in the postal operational flow.

Currently several posts are using the RFID Tracking Service for e-commerce packets item tracking, either as an non-barcoded item or in combination with barcode scanning. In the latter case, the purpose is to complement the barcode scanning information.

Services offered to posts

The IPC RFID Tracking Service bring benefits for posts and their customers (e-retailers):

• Tracking information is available (to e-sellers and posts) for packets without the use of a barcode via the RFID technology;
• Posts can offer a low-cost tracking solution to their customers;
• Barcode scanning can be completed or even replaced where possible for e-commerce items;
• Continuous support before, during and after roll-out of low-cost RFID tracking solution, thereby making the process easier
• Easy access to tracking data;
• RFID information is available to help desk staff of postal operators and e-retailers so that a better and complete service can be given when customers contact such helpdesks for assistance;
• Online reporting of the service performance, allowing posts to monitor performance of the RFID infrastructure.

Benefits

Customer Support:

• Dedicated IT tools and applications for posts with commercial products based on the IPC RFID Tracking Service;
• Specific support and assistance to posts considering introducing commercial products based on RFID Tracking Service;
• Design and set-up of pilots for new flows or tracking solutions.

RFID Network Improvement:

• Network Monitoring Performance programme: read rates of live items and flows through the RFID infrastructure are monitored;
• Read Flow investigation: monthly follow-up on all flows with read rate below 95%, including the follow-up of the action plans.

Reporting:

• RFID Vision: on line analytical and reporting tool;
• Monthly reporting of service performance.

For posts interested in joining the RFID tracking service, IPC runs a “newcomers” special programme that enables posts to fully implement the service in less than six months.

More information

Contact the Tracking team at rfidtrackingteam@ipc.be