Marine Terminal Solution Uses RFID To Help Track Cargo

WhereNet Corp., a Zebra Technologies company and the a producer of wireless solutions for tracking and managing enterprise assets, recently announced general availability of the WhereNet Marine Terminal Solution version 4.0. Using the company's ISO 24730 standards-based, active RFID real-time locating system (RTLS) with the option to add differential global positioning system (DGPS) technology, the new marine terminal application provides the most comprehensive location tracking in the industry, enabling terminal operators of any size or sophistication to "see" every container.

"For enterprises with complex operations, there is no such thing as a 'one size fits all' technology -- it takes a combination of technologies to tackle the typical yard management chaos," said Louis Bianchin, senior analyst for Venture Development Corp. "By integrating two complementary tracking technologies that leverage robust middleware and application software, WhereNet provides a more complete hybrid solution that offers higher overall system availability."

In MTS version 4.0, WhereNet has combined RTLS technology with the DGPS tracking technology. The single, integrated wireless system includes WhereNet's Visibility Software Server middleware; container tracking application-specific software (MTS); a hardware infrastructure consisting of WhereLAN locating access points; and the new WhereTrack(TM) controller which integrates a WhereTag active RFID transmitter, a GPS receiver, and a Wi-Fi modem into a single ruggedized device for Container Handling Equipment tracking.

The WhereNet system tracks grounded, stacked containers via an interface between the WhereTags and sensor data provided by PACECO Corp.’s Position Tracking Interface Unit device for rubber tire gantry cranes (used to stack containers up to five high and six "lanes" wide). In this "virtual tagging" scenario, each container becomes "intelligent" through its association with the WhereNet solution, which conveys "where" it is and "what" it is based on real-time updates of the WhereNet database.

The WhereNet MTS algorithms leverage the RTLS or GPS data, CHE telemetry and RFID reads to automatically follow the "handoff" as containers move from one piece of equipment to another and ultimately to the final position in the terminal.

Featured

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

New Products

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.