RFID Enhances Information Transparency in Railway Applications

Radio frequency identification (RFID), an effective technology for automatic equipment identification, can greatly enhance information visibility and availability. It is the leading automatic identification technology used in the transportation industry. In railways, for example, information on rolling stock is crucial for safe and efficient operations. RFID technology can support this by scanning rail wagons or locomotives, including discrete parts such as wheels, axles, and doors. This scan can provide information on both condition and any events along with the date, time, and data from the RFID tag(s) that caused the event to occur. To achieve this, RFID tags placed on each side of the locomotive or wagon provide information about its identity and location. This information is widely used in applications to support asset management, improve safety, streamline, operations, and enhance customer satisfaction.