Radio frequency identification queuing & geo-location (RAQGEO): a spatial solution to inventory management at XYZ Logistics, Inc.

PDF

Download

Open document

Flip pages

Download a page range

Download transcript

Copy asset link

Request this asset

Transcript (if available)

Content

RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION QUEUING & GEO-LOCATION
(RAQGEO):

A SPATIAL SOLUTION TO INVENTORY MANAGEMENT AT XYZ LOGISTICS,
INC.

by

Bradley Joseph Griffiths

A Thesis Presented to the
FACULTY OF THE USC GRADUATE SCHOOL
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
In Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree
MASTER OF SCIENCE
(GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY)

May 2015

May 2015 Bradley Joseph Griffiths
ii

DEDICATION
This research is dedicated to the advancement of scientific research for the GIS and RFID
communities alike. I would also like to dedicate this to my family and friends to include
my father, mother, sister, and brother-in-law, and friends David McCoy, Daniel
Gonzalez, Breanna Marcum and others that were supportive of the hours I have devoted
towards this research.

iii

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First, I’d like to thank my committee chair, Dr. Darren Ruddell, for his enduring support,
guidance, and professional critiques throughout my research process. I would also like to
thank my committee members, Dr. Yao-Yi Chiang and Dr. Robert Vos, for their
contribution. I would like to thank Dave Boydston and Matt Dragonovich from Serial
IO, LTD. who provided consultation and RFID equipment for my project. Dave
Boydston provided in-depth consultation for various RFID products to find the very best
solution. I would like to thank my parents and sister who were understanding while I
worked diligently on my thesis project and would listen to me for hours on my ideas and
dreams with RFID tags. I’d also like to think Dr. Mariko Dawson Zare for thesis editing
guidance.

iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEDICATION .................................................................................................................... ii

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................. iii

LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................. vi

LIST OF CHARTS ........................................................................................................... vii

LIST OF FIGURES ......................................................................................................... viii

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................. x

ABSTRACT ...................................................................................................................... xii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 1
1.1 Pilot Study Goals ...................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Purpose of the Thesis ................................................................................................ 6
1.3 Thesis Organization .................................................................................................. 7

CHAPTER TWO: RFID DEVELOPMENT & COMPOSITION ...................................... 9
2.1 A Brief History on RFID Collection ......................................................................... 9
2.1.1 RFID Development .......................................................................................... 11
2.2 RFID Tags & Readers ............................................................................................. 13
2.2.1 RFID Tag & Reader Composition ................................................................... 15
2.2.2 GPS Receivers with RFID Capability.............................................................. 17
2.3 Traditional Inventory Management & New Solutions............................................ 19
2.3.1 Emerging RFID/GPS Tracking Solutions ........................................................ 23

CHAPTER THREE: PROJECT METHODOLOGY & COLLECTION ......................... 26
3.1 Study Site- Port of Long Beach XYZ Logistics Branch Storage Yard ................... 28
3.2 RAQGEO Data Flow Diagram ............................................................................... 30
3.3 RAQGEO Collection Schema................................................................................. 31
3.4 Geodatabase Design ................................................................................................ 35
3.4.1 iScanList & Grid-In-Hand Mobile Grid .......................................................... 37
3.4.2 Google Fusion Tables ...................................................................................... 41
3.5 Attribute Focus........................................................................................................ 45

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS ......................................................................................... 49
4.1 Traditional Method versus RAQGEO (Cost-Benefit Analysis) ............................. 49
4.2 Benefits in Reducing Waste .................................................................................... 57

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION ...................................................... 61
5.1 Discussion ............................................................................................................... 62
5.1.1 Disadvantages in Security ................................................................................ 62
v

5.1.2 Disadvantages in Data Collection .................................................................... 64
5.1.3 Advantages ....................................................................................................... 68
5.2 Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 68
5.3 Future Research ...................................................................................................... 69

REFERENCES ................................................................................................................. 71

APPENDICES .................................................................................................................. 78
APPENDIX A: OMNI-ID FLEX RFID TAG TESTING............................................. 78
APPENDIX B: RECOMMENDED RFID TAG PLACEMENT ................................. 82
APPENDIX C: RFID PRODUCT DATASHEETS ..................................................... 86
APPENDIX D: PILOT STUDY SCHEDULE ............................................................. 90
APPENDIX E: DISCOUNTED CASH SAVINGS OF RAQGEO .............................. 91

vi

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Frequency Ranges for RFID Tags 14

Table 2: Traditional Inventory Method vs. RAQGEO Costs 52

Table 3: RAQGEO Savings 54

Table 4: Discounted Cash Savings of RAQGEO 56

vii

LIST OF CHARTS

Chart 1: Line Chart of Cost Savings of RAQGEO 53

viii

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: SCR-602 Radar Range Screen Reading 11

Figure 2: Basic RFID Reader & Tag Interaction Layout 13

Figure 3: Passive RFID Tag 16

Figure 4: Trilateration of GPS Satellites 18

Figure 5: Whiteboard Map at Port of Long Beach Branch. 21

Figure 6: Screenshot of the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona 24

Figure 7: RAQGEO Collection Schema 27

Figure 8: Port of Long Beach XYZ Logistics Branch Overview 29

Figure 9: RAQGEO Data Flow Diagram (DFD) 31

Figure 10: GPS Test Application 32

Figure 11: Equipment Used with Tags 33

Figure 12: Basic RAQGEO Table 36

Figure 13: Ideal RAQGEO Attributes 37

Figure 14: iScanList Collections 38

Figure 15: 28 August Collection Data (.CSV Format) in Microsoft Excel 2013 39

Figure 16: iScanList Map 40

Figure 17: iScanList Mouse Hover Even 41

Figure 18: T41 Collection Data in Google Fusion Tables 42

Figure 19: Google Fusion Table Feature Map 43

Figure 20: Google Fusion Table Map with Filter Applied 44

Figure 21: Google Fusion Table Map displaying ADA-Compliant unit locations 45

Figure 22: Google Fusion Table Map displaying OK State-Coded Units 46
ix

Figure 23: Google Fusion Table Map Displaying Units with Four Offices and Carpet
Flooring 47

Figure 25: Side-by-Side of Serial Number Tag Falling/Showing. 58

Figure 26: Unit Serial Number Unknown. 58

Figure 27: Military Vehicles with OMNI-ID 1500 RFID Tags 61

Figure 28: Diagram of RAQGEO Collection 65

Figure 29: RFID Collecting Robot 70

x

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
API Application Programming Interface
COP Common Operating Picture
FOV Field-of-View
FTP Fleet Training Publication
GIS Geographic Information Systems
GIST Geographic Information Science and Technology
GLONASS Global Navigation Satellite System
GPS Global Positional System
IFF Identification, Friend or Foe
IoT Internet of Things
JEP Joint Educational Project
JIT Just-in-Time
LAN Local-Area Network
M2M Machine to Machine
MGAP Mobile Grid Action Profile
NAVSTAR Navigation Satellite Timing and Ranging System
NYK Nippon Yusen Kaisha Logistics
PDA Personal Digital Assistant
POA Point-of-Action
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
RAF Royal Air Force
xi

RAQGEO Radio Frequency Identification & Queuing Geolocation
RFID Radio Frequency Identification
ROI Return on Investment
SSCI Spatial Sciences Institute
UHF Ultra High Frequency
US United States of America
USC University of Southern California
WAN Wide-Area Network

xii

ABSTRACT

New supply chain management methods using radio frequency identification
(RFID) and global positioning system (GPS) technology are quickly being adopted by
companies as various inventory management benefits are being realized. For example,
companies such as Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) Logistics use the technology coupled
with geospatial support systems for distributors to quickly find and manage freight
containers. Traditional supply chain management methods require pen-to-paper
reporting, searching inventory on foot, and human data entry. Some companies that
prioritize supply chain management have not adopted the new technology, because they
may feel that their traditional methods save the company expenses.
This thesis serves as a pilot study that examines how information technology (IT)
utilizing RFID and GPS technology can serve to increase workplace productivity,
decrease human labor associated with inventorying, plus be used for spatial analysis by
management. This pilot study represents the first attempt to couple RFID technology
with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in supply chain management efforts to
analyze and locate mobile assets by exploring costs and benefits of implementation plus
how the technology can be employed.
This pilot study identified a candidate to implement a new inventory management
method as XYZ Logistics, Inc. XYZ Logistics, Inc. is a fictitious company but represents
a factual corporation. The name has been changed to provide the company with
anonymity and to not disclose confidential business information. XYZ Logistics, Inc., is
a nation-wide company that specializes in providing space solutions for customers
including portable offices, storage containers, and customizable buildings.
1

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
In 2008 more things were connected to the Internet than people. By 2020, the number of
devices connected to the internet is predicted to surpass 50 billion (Cisco 2014). These
numbers are the reality of the Internet of Things (IoT), which is a vision that all objects
will someday be interconnected (Cisco 2014). It is already being used through machine
to machine (M2M) communication between devices through sensors and actuators to
alert if a device needs upgrades or servicing. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
technology is one of the contributing factors toward this vision. Early adopters of RFID
technology are already relishing in business advantages. RFID technology is terrestrial
or ground-based and consists of three main components: an antenna, transceiver, and
transponder:
 The antenna and transceiver are handled via a RFID reading device that can
interrogate, energize, and interpret data from the transponder.
 Transponders are represented as devices such as tags that identify an object they
are attached to hence the name RFID tag.
RFID tags have been described as being similar to the magnetic strip on an ATM
card (Technovelgy 2014). However, unlike an ATM card, it can be read remotely up to
three or more feet depending on the type of tag (Technovelgy 2014). It has also been
described as a “digital shadow” as it provides metadata information of the object it is
bounded to over computer hardware and software (Ivantysynova et al. 2008).
The “digital shadow” has recently been recognized as a viable solution to
eliminating wastes in supply chain management (SCM) through production, distribution,
transportation, store, and retail processes. Each year United States retail industries
2

combined lose about US$70 billion from current SCM practices (Liu et al. 2010). RFID
technology provides readily available data to be used in SCM and can be collected by
sensors, actuators, and reading devices.
This chapter introduces the fact that RFID tags have become increasingly popular,
and organizations are also expanding their requirements to forge RFID, or terrestrial–
based technology with satellite-based technology/Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to
add spatial visibility to inventory management through two-dimensional map
representations.
RFID and GPS technology used together is in its infant stages. It has never been
applied in the context of a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) project for mobile
assets. Companies are mostly using it as a means of quick identification, inventorying,
and tracking inventory movement along a supply chain. However, it can provide other
sources of information such as where products are located by attributes and proximity to
specific features. The pilot study’s technology and goals are explored in the following
sections.

1.1 Pilot Study Goals
Investigating a problem spatially often leads to the discovery of patterns that can
supplement the decision-making process and provide management with an “overall
picture” or expanded detail. GIS has three unique strengths: spatial data management,
interactive visualization, spatial analysis and decision making support (Work Site
Alliance 2000). This study provides an in-depth cost-benefit analysis, advantages of
spatial applications and RFID technology used together for mobile asset management.
3

Mobile assets are inventory items that can be repositioned in a yard, or moved to a
customer site and back after a lease is complete. The study’s results proved the ability to
decrease costs attributed to human labor and increase efficiency in time involved in
inventorying the company’s assets. The results also introduced a new interactive
visualization tool to quickly reference the location of units and recognize patterns within
the storage yard using web-enabled GIS.
This study serves to replace traditional inventory methods in SCM to implement
RFID and GPS technology along with a demonstration of its potential in GIS projects.
SCM is defined as the oversight of goods and services as they move from a supplier to a
customer (Zeidan 2009).
SCM concerns the “where” and “what” of inventory. These same terms are the
essence of a GIS which can provide tools to analyze features by various attributes and
spatial metrics. A GIS is defined as a “computer-based system to aid in the collection,
maintenance, storage, analysis, output, and distribution of spatial data and information”
(Bolstad 2008).
The use of a GIS will reduce time in finding an asset by specific qualities such as
serial number or ADA-compliancy, and increase awareness of asset location in a storage
yard. This is provided through a spatial workflow component of GPS coupled with RFID
data ported through web – enabled GIS. It also provides a cost-benefit analysis seldom
observed in RFID/GPS solutions and GIS.
XYZ Logistics, Inc. was selected for this pilot study. They lease and sell space
and storage solutions including modular buildings, steel storage/conex containers, and
customized storage spaces to a diverse market. XYZ Logistics, Inc. is a fictitious
4

company but represents a factual corporation. The name has been changed to provide the
company with anonymity and to not disclose confidential business information. Some of
their customers includes federal and state government organizations such as military, law
enforcement, school districts, as well as private companies including utilities and
marketing organizations. XYZ Logistics has over 100 locations nationwide. Over the
last three years, XYZ Logistics has adopted a business model of continued advancement
in order to find solutions to reduce costs, and improve operational processes, such as
tracking, locating, and preparing inventory.
In this research, the term logistics follows closely to Transfreight Inc.’s
summarized definition: logistics is the control of movement, placement, planning, and
execution of goods and services. XYZ Logistics’ process of logistics consists of finding
and moving units by forklift to their preparation bay, then deploying the unit to a
customer’s site after it has been prepared to specifications. To ensure logistical processes
can operate accurately, most XYZ Logistics branches conduct a quarterly inventory for
accountability of assets. Other branches are required to conduct monthly inventories.
Serial IO provided RFID and GPS equipment, cloud services, and consultation for
the pilot study. They were selected because they were the first company willing to lease
equipment for the pilot study. Serial IO was founded in 1992 and has been providing
point-of-action (POA) solutions which is the use of mobile tools for tracking assets with
sensors. They have a variety of customers nationwide providing mobile and cloud-based
solutions over Wide-Area Network/Local-Area Networks (WAN/LAN) they develop to
customer needs. They provide barcoding and RFID tag products and services
customizable to a customer’s needs such as security, asset tracking, or even
5

attendee/employee time tracking through badges or wristbands. The RFID equipment
included 25 GEN 2 UHF Passive RFID flex tags, and an Intermec IP30 UHF RFID
reading device. The GPS device included a Trimble Juno T41XGR-TGA-00 which also
served as a UHF RFID reading device. Cloud services included a free mobile application
for a smartphone and the T41XGR-TGA-00, a Mobile Grid Action Profile (MGAP)
service (specific to how the data is formatted and collected), Google map application
programming interface (API) use and iScanList for uploading the data online to be
retrieved. Consultation included discussion on customer requirements, pricing, and with
Dave Boydston, the director of Serial IO and tracking solutions engineer expert. Dave
Boydston also assisted in selecting placement of RFID tags for the pilot study, explained
how it is currently used, and provided pricing for the cost-benefit analysis.
Separately, an Intermec IP30 UHF RFID reading device was also used and tested
with a smartphone via BlueTooth technology. It was chosen because it is a relatively
inexpensive UHF GEN 2 RFID tag reader and can be used with a smartphone.
Additionally, every manager at XYZ Logistics has a smartphone provided by the
company. The smartphone has two uses: one is to download Grid-in-Hand, a free mobile
application that serves as a medium to capture RFID and GPS data, it also has a feature to
upload the data to cloud services using either a cellular data plan or Wi-Fi. The second
use is for commercial-grade GPS.
The Trimble T41XGR-TGA-00 proved to be a durable, all-in-one RFID/GPS
device, that also would use the Grid-in-Hand application. The main difference is the
device is professional grade, has more accuracy for GPS and its durability is more fitting
for a XYZ Logistics storage yard. It’s increased amount of accuracy is not entirely
6

necessary for the mobile offices, when a smartphone can provide similar results however
there could be a scenario where configurable units are arranged to where their RFID tags
may be within two meters and a distinct difference in their positions can be provided.

1.2 Purpose of the Thesis
The purpose of this work is to introduce a spatial workflow in the use and
management of inventory fleets by utilizing Radio Frequency Queuing & Geo-Location
(RAQGEO). This investigation will leverage GPS receivers with RFID reading
capabilities, RFID tags, a Wide Area Network (WAN) for uploading, a geodatabase, and
GIS services such as Google FusionTables, Serial IO’s Google Map API.
The working hypothesis of this study is that a spatial workflow component will
lead to increased efficiencies in time, reduced costs, a quicker inventory method, provide
an updated COP in business environments requiring supply chain management similar to
XYZ Logistics. The pilot study served as the first known exploration of GIS use in
supply chain management in regards to mobile assets using item-level attributes such as
serial numbers and other qualities to find and manage inventory. RAQGEO will be a
significant enhancement to their culture of “Continuous Improvement.”
To develop a basis of knowledge for this pilot study the following topics were
explored: supply chain management, current JIT service solutions that companies sell
such as Barcoding Incorporated and Serial IO, Ltd., RFID technology coupled with GPS
capabilities, remote sensing using GPS data, Bluetooth technology between smartphones
and RFID reading devices, and GIS functions. All data will be collected and exploited
using RAQGEO. The primary datasets for this study are passive UHF RFID and GPS
7

data that will be captured in a geodatabase. The RFID data provides unique identifier
information along with product attributes. The data will then generate spatial information
which can be viewed on a web-enabled map containing basic GIS functionality. The
scientific community can gain further insight in how RFID technology coupled with GPS
technology can improve inventory or fleet management and its beginning possibilities in
GIS.

1.3 Thesis Organization
Following this section is a brief background and technical review of RFID and
GPS technology as it pertains to SCM.
Chapter Two provides information on the construction of RFID tags, how it
interacts with an RFID reader, the use of GPS along with RFID technology and backend
database languages.
Chapter Three describes the methodology used throughout the pilot study to
include the project model used to develop the schema, a description of the pilot study
area, data collection, geodatabase design, and an overview of the middleware used to
create products and spreadsheets.
Chapter Four covers a cost-benefit analysis comparing the traditional inventory
management methods with RAQGEO. It leads to a discussion of disadvantages such as
RFID security issues and collection concerns.
Chapter Five draws a conclusion from the research and applies the results to a
method in which other companies can share similar results. A future works section
follows that provides thoughts of how the technology can be expanded.
8

The research is followed by appendices that provides pilot study test observations
of RFID tag readings, recommendations for RFID tag placements, RFID tag and device
datasheets, and a look at the schedule used between parties related to the study.

9

CHAPTER TWO: RFID DEVELOPMENT & COMPOSITION
RFID technology today is known to track wide-ranging items, such as pets, livestock,,
cargo, to name a few. The tracking involves tags, which are bound to an item (e.g., an
individual, shipping container). Its demand is becoming higher as companies recognize
its value in supply chain management, inventory or asset management and logistics.
Companies such as Wal-Mart are realizing the benefits of RFID tags as their executives
have calculated that out-of-stock occurrences have been diminished by as much as 1/3
with improved use of RFID technology (University of San Francisco 2014). Wal-Mart
has also urged all of their suppliers to RFID tag all products (Millsap 2012). Some
companies that work with logistics see the value of RFID technology for decreasing data
processing times and easier tracking of assets, however, they also want to track a near-
exact location of an asset. GPS technology must be used to identify this type of property
and today it can be combined with RFID data. The technology is explored in the
following sections.

2.1 A Brief History on RFID Collection
As described in the introduction RFID technology surfaced during World War II.
It was first implemented in Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF) to identify aircraft friend
from foe. A 1947 Tele-Tech magazine article, “Identification, Friend or Foe - Radar’s
Sixth Sense” by Louis Stuart has an in-depth description of the Identification, Friend or
Foe (IFF) system that became a precursor to modern RADAR and RFID technology. IFF
was installed on RAF aircraft for identification from ground control stations and later on
ships at sea. The technology first used dipoles that would echo the same radio frequency
10

transmission to the interrogating system that it received. It proved unsuccessful because
it had irregular modulation producing radio frequency wavelengths of different power.
By 1940, more sophisticated systems were designed called the Mark 1 and later the Mark
2. The dipoles were replaced with a receiver-transmitter. The technology was shared and
adopted by US forces. It was coupled with radar stations and upon being energized by a
return radar signal it would power on and send a pulse back to the object. The
transponder on the aircraft would then send a reply back to a radar station (Stuart 1947).
Radar stations with an IFF system had indicator screens that would show pips of objects
being sensed (See Figure 1), with larger pips representing friendly aircraft or vessels
(Stuart 1947).
The United States Naval History and Heritage Library’s archive holds declassified
documentation on Naval equipment, guides, and engineering manuals of its vessels to
include RADAR. US Navy Fleet Training Publication (FTP) 217 the maximum coverage
of the Mark II was about 75 miles and minimum of one mile. Atmospherics such as
cloud coverage and reflective surroundings such as water could affect the signal. It could
be used for aircraft to identify other aircraft, ground stations to identify aircraft or ships,
and other mixes. It would create significant drag on aircraft as the Mark II was about 45
lbs. and would take up space inside the aircraft. It consisted of two parts: a transponder
and a interrogator-responder. The transponder was carried on the vessel to be identified
and the interrogator-responder was on a vessel or ground station. (US Navy FTP 217
1943).

11

Figure 1 shows how the signal is seen on a US SCR-602 radar range screen:

Figure 1: SCR-602 Radar Range Screen Reading, Source: VKDYM QSL.Net, 2014

In the oscillation of wavelengths the upward peak of the rising arches are called
“crests” and downward sinking arches at the lowest point are “troughs.” The deep and
narrow trough displayed above represents the friendly aircraft. These same RADAR
principals became the premise for today’s RFID technology use in RAQGEO.

2.1.1 RFID Development
Through the 50’s and 60’s, the same IFF technology was further exploited and
studied for a future in remote sensing capabilities. Stores created a single bit security tag
as an anti-theft feature that was attached to merchandise. Readers would be placed near
doors as they are today and would check to see if the tag was on or off (Roberti 2005).
12

In the 70’s, the active RFID technology was patented by Mario Cardullo (Patent
US3713148). During the same time period Charles Walton patented the first passive
transponder which was used for opening doors based on radio signals. The US
government was also testing the technology for tracking nuclear material transported by
trucks to secured facilities. They used Los Alamos National Laboratory’s services in its
creation. A transponder would be located in the truck that would communicate with a
receiver at secured facility gates (Roberti 2005).
The Agricultural Department needed a solution for tracking cows and pursued the
help of the Los Alamos National Laboratory creating the first passive RFID tag. Over
time the technology was further developed world-wide by various companies. IBM
furthered the technology in the 90’s and patented the first UHF RFID tags in which they
used in pilot studies with Wal-Mart (Roberti 2005).
In 1999, the Uniform Code Council along with other companies funded an Auto-
ID Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where two professors studied the
use of RFID tags in a supply chain at low costs. They commissioned RFID tags with
only a serial number that could be used against an online database to lookup additional
information for that serial number. This reduced the costs and enabled it to be attached to
products for tracking purposes. As the Auto-ID Center gained more acceptance among
the RFID community by 2003 its technology was licensed to the Uniform Code Council
which in turn created EPCglobal. EPCglobal set international specifications for
electronic identification (Roberti 2005).
13

Today RFID technology is being used for asset management and tracking the
shipment of goods through entire supply chains. In the next section the composition of
the technology will be explored.

2.2 RFID Tags & Readers
RFID technology requires three separate criteria: an antenna, a transponder, and a
transceiver.

Figure 2: Basic RFID Reader & Tag Interaction Layout, Source: Lindstrom &
Thornton 2005

Figure 2 displays the basic layout for RFID reader and tag interaction. A reader
will interrogate a tag through an antenna and the tag will respond back to the antenna
which the reader can then ingest into a backend database on the device or upload it to a
network if it has internet access. Depending on the type of RFID tag there is different
behavior when sending a response back to a reader.

14

There are three types of RFID tags- passive, semi-passive and active:
 Active tags use a battery to power their own microchip circuitry and transmission
to a reader.
 Semi-passive tags use a battery for microchip circuitry but draw power from a
reader.
 Passive tags have no battery and draw all of their power completely from a reader.
Just as the tags have specific principals for communication they also have
different frequency ranges they operate on. Each frequency range is found to be used
with different product and service types.

Table 1: Frequency Ranges for RFID Tags
Frequency Range Description Typical Applications
<135 KHz Low Frequency,
Inductive coupling
Access Control & Security Widgets
identification through manufacturing
processes, Ranch animal
identification, OEM applications
13.56 MHz High Frequency,
Inducting coupling
Access Control, Library books,
Laundry identification, OEM
applications
868 to 870 MHz 902
to 928 MHz
Ultra High
Frequencies (UHF),
Backscatter
coupling
Supply Chain Tracking
2.400 to 2.483 GHz SHF, Backscatter
coupling
Asset tracking, Highway toll tags,
Vehicle tracking
Source: Data adapted from TutorialsWeb.com 2011

Table 1 shows that supply chain tracking/management favors the use of UHF
tags. As RFID tags have become relatively expensive over time UHF tags have been
favored over other tag types because they have been labeled as more “ubiquitous” as it
15

can be placed along almost any type of surface anywhere and can be read. This is
because of its radio wavelength propagation efficiency (ThingMagic 2014).
An active tag has a much farther read distance because of its use of a battery
(RFID Journal 2014). A read distance is how far a signal can be broadcasted from a tag
which is approximately one meter for the average ultra-high frequency (UHF) passive tag
and several hundred meters for a UHF active tag (SkyRFID, Inc. 2014). RFID tags have
been used largely by government agencies but today can be found implemented for
logistics and shipping management.

2.2.1 RFID Tag & Reader Composition
The basic components to a passive RFID tag are an antenna, a microchip, and the
substrate material it is connected to. The antenna is usually wrapped in a coil fashion and
is used for receiving and sending out signals. The microchip contains unique
identification information. The antenna usually is in a coil fashion so that it lengthens the
signal as it is received to generate enough power to energize the microchip enough to get
its information and send the signal back out to a reader. The phenomenon to generate
power is called “near field.” “The Near Field is a phenomenon that occurs in a radio
transmission, where the magnetic portion of the electromagnetic field is strong enough to
induce an electrical field in a coil” (Lindstrom & Thornton 2005). The activity happens
as its namesake suggests, near the antenna. The distance depends on the radio signal’s
wavelength.
16

Figure 3: Passive RFID Tag, Source: Woodford 2007

Figure 3 displays the basic construct of a passive RFID tag. The silver portion is
the antenna. The pink portion observed in the middle is the microchip and the substrate
is adhesive sticky white paper that can be attached to a flat surface it was designed for.
The difference for an active or semi-passive tag would be an addition of a small battery.
Intermec, now owned by Honeywell, today offers many RFID reading devices
from handhelds, to vehicle mounts, fixed readers, printers and antennas. They were
founded in 1966 working with barcode technology and later RFID. The 90’s served as
the period where they began working closely with IBM’s RFID Division (which was later
acquired by Unovo) to provide RFID solutions for tracking goods and shipments. In
1999, Intermec became the first company to create the first handheld RFID reader, which
featured Windows and the ability to program tags (Grant 2005).
A RFID reader is actually a transceiver (a combination of a transmitter and
receiver). The use of the word “reader” is inaccurate (Lindstrom & Thornton 2005). A
RFID reading device will also interrogate a tag by transmitting a signal and then it will
17

receive the information from it. The larger the RFID reader, the larger the chance the
antenna will be separated from it.
RFID reader devices have a back-end API to connect to different types of Simple
Query Language (SQL) databases including: MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, SQL Server
(RFIDvirus.org 2006).
Today, new supply chain management methods demand many fields of data to be
collected. The next section introduces GPS theory as it relates to RFID technology.

2.2.2 GPS Receivers with RFID Capability
GPS was created in the 1960s and developed by the Department of Defense for
military navigation (Parkinson 1994). It was first tested by the US Navy with only five
satellites orbiting the Earth (MiTAC 2014). President Bill Clinton released a statement
May 1, 2000 that after midnight that night selective availability, the intentional
degradation of public GPS signals, would be lifted providing ten times the accuracy. The
increase of positional accuracy has led to new uses of its technology. Today, there are
approximately 30 satellites that make up NAVSTAR that orbit the earth at an altitude of
20,000 km (Institute of Physics 2014).
GPS is a satellite-based technology that requires communication between four or
more satellites based in space for identifying a position— three for trilateration and one
for error resolution. It uses a network of satellites that can be primarily either America’s
Navigation Satellite Timing and Ranging System (NAVSTAR) GPS satellites or Russia’s
Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) GPS, but can also be a mix of a few
18

other country’s satellite data. They accomplish this either through smart tags with GPS
integrated with the RFID tag or using GPS receivers with RFID-reading capability.
Figure 4 shows an illustration of trilateration. Trilateration is a technique used to
calculate a location based on three satellites. GPS satellites broadcast geographic data
and a time code. The intersecting point between three satellites provides a GPS receiver
its own location. A fourth satellite provides small corrections to be applied for more
accurate position data. The data can be further processed by ground control station for
sub-centimeter accuracy.

Figure 4: Trilateration of GPS Satellites, Source: Institute of Physics 2014

Off-the-shelf devices to read GPS signals are sold by companies such as Trimble,
Motorola, Magellan, and Garmin sell GPS receivers. It is known today that smartphones
can also be used as GPS receivers when specific mobile applications are used. Several
GPS receivers are built with RFID reading capabilities. Smartphones do not have built-in
RFID reading capabilities but companies such as IDBLUE sell Bluetooth RFID stylus
19

devices that can be used to read a tag and to draw or make selections on a smartphone
screen.
As an RFID tag is read, it can pair collected data with a geographic location from
a GPS receiver. Therefore, location data is based on the GPS receiver and not the RFID
tag. The Trimble Juno T41XGR-TGA-00 and a Droid Bionic with an Intermec IP30 is
used in this study. Software created specifically for the Trimble device for merging the
data can be used. Serial IO developed an application that merges both the RFID and GPS
data and makes it readily available to upload online called “Grid-in-Hand.” This is
further explained in following sections.
RFID and GPS technology, used together, is not a completely new scientific
concept. However, in terms of a GIS it is in its infant stages. Please review the
following section for current yard management solutions.

2.3 Traditional Inventory Management & New Solutions
Inventory management is a subset of SCM. SCM requires inventory management
by a service or retail operation to provide visibility on products or services that are
needed to be ready for a customer. SCM has evolved since Henry Ford’s days of vertical
supply chains, where all materials and processes were owned to create the final product
for a customer (Christopher 2012). Today, many materials and processes are outsourced
globally providing a need for tracking to help companies balance customer demand and
inventory control. Because of the Auto-ID center’s study of RFID technology in supply
chain management, it created a paradigm shift in SCM business models.
20

Major benefits in SCM for RFID includes the reduction of labor, improved
inventory management, data collection, accuracy, and cost savings (Liu et al. 2010).
Traditional inventory methods require employees to know where their inventory
is (usually done by observations) and takes them time to search for a product, or at XYZ
Logistics, a unit. Many companies implement simple methods of organizing inventory in
order to make processes more efficient such as pairing like items in a storage area for
easier manageability.
One example of traditional inventory management is XYZ Logistics’ use of a
whiteboard map to display where units are located. Figure 5 depicts how XYZ Logistics
currently tracks assets across their storage yard using magnets to represent units. Each
magnet has a corresponding serial number written on it. Current disadvantages of this
system is that it is cumbersome to maintain and is occasionally inaccurate. Human error
can often lead to inconsistencies between the whiteboard map and where the fleet it truly
located in the yard. During the study it was observed that the whiteboard, on occasion,
could not be maintained on a daily basis when the designated employee was unavailable
to maintain the map.

21

Figure 5: Whiteboard Map at Port of Long Beach Branch.

Similar to XYZ Logistics’ whiteboard, units in the United States Army often use a
similar type of representational layout called a Common Operating Picture (COP) which
provides a spatial reference to identify the position of friendly troops, the enemy, key
points of advantage, and assets to military leadership and analysts for strategic decisions
(US Army ADP 3-0 2014). It is represented in either a paper or digital map format.
According to a separate branch in Oakland (actual location is also confidential),
the branch manager stated the traditional inventory method takes approximately two days
to complete and reconcile in a branch with a large inventory. Two employees search over
approximately five acres at a branch with a printout. Some inventories are “blind,”
whereas serial numbers must be manually written and then cross-checked to an inventory
22

report. Sometimes the placement of the serial numbers are not uniform and often require
employees to search around a unit to locate other means of identification. The data is
then used to confirm serial numbers identified as inventory in the company’s database. A
spatial workflow provides a solution to the inventory process without taking time from
management or taking other employees from their primary tasks for excessive periods of
time.
According to the director of Serial IO, Ltd., Dave Boydston, the traditional
method is too cumbersome of a process that requires unnecessary human labor. The
same results can be obtained using passive RFID tags and a Juno T41 GPS/RFID
receiver, however with increased time efficiency, decreased labor expenses, and a more
accurate and robust system.

23

2.3.1 Emerging RFID/GPS Tracking Solutions
RFID technology is being used in conjunction with GPS-technology to provide
even more inventory control such as in the case for NYK Logistics. NYK Logistics
manages the shipping and distribution of a variety of consumable products (i.e. computer
software, clothes, food/beverages, and natural resources) with over 50,000 inbound ocean
freight containers and 30,000 outbound trailers passing through Long Beach, California.
They employ the technology to find an exact location of an asset within 10 feet. In 2003,
this system replaced their old supply chain management system of people tracking
containers and trailers manually over 70 acres (Maselli 2003).
RFID technology could yield labor savings of 36%. (Liu et al. 2010). Results of
simulations have shown as much as 70% reduction in inventory costs (Liu et al. 2010).
As organizations realize the savings of RFID technology they are beginning to implement
the technology, many also seeking the ability to track asset locations. Companies such as
Serial IO, Ltd., Leidos, Barcoding Inc., Zebra Technologies, AeroScout, and Wade
Garcia & Associates are a few that are selling tracking services to customers as they have
seen a demand in its technology.
The Davis-Monthan Air Force base currently uses Wi-Fi-based GPS/RFID smart
tags (AeroScout tags) to manage over 4,400 aircraft across 2500 acres at a giant aircraft
storage and maintenance area known as the “Boneyard” (Swedberg 2014). Wi-Fi is a
trademarked expression by the Wi-Fi Alliance organization for specific network settings
of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11xx standard. (Wi-Fi
Alliance 2014). As of 2008, the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group
(AMRG) was planning to outfit over 1000 aircraft maintenance support equipment with
24

AeroScout tags. The Boneyard serves as a means to maintain decommissioned aircraft
and sell parts to friendly foreign governments as necessary. The AeroScout tagging
system allows them a means to quickly retrieve a given aircraft part over the entire lot.
Figure 6 displays an overview of the Boneyard.

Figure 6: Screenshot of the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona “Boneyard,”
Source: 2014 DigitalGlobe Image

The AeroScout tagging system uses a stand-alone mapping program called
“MobileView.” The AeroScout smart tag utilizes a Wi-Fi network and GPS technology.
Smart tags have integrated GPS and use a battery source like an active RFID tag.
While this is an effective solution for the Air Force it may not be a viable solution
for many companies, especially since companies are more concerned about Return on
Investment (ROI). A warehouse study reported that only 15% of warehousing firms
adopted RFID technology while only 44% did not consider adopting it at all because of
25

concerns over ROI. (Liu et al. 2010). Components to the technology can be more
expensive than returns would warrant leading to long pay back periods.
As an example, AeroScout would not respond to multiple requests for
consultation. Additionally, there are no prices observed posted on any of their product
webpages and after requesting a quote there was also no reply. However, another
company, Wade Garcia & Associates, stated that GPS to track units costs approximately
$10 for each unit per month. This would greatly increase a project’s overhead cost. If
the XYZ Logistics Branch at Port of Long Beach had approximately 200 units (in
inventory), then this would increase their general administrative expenses to over $2,000
per month or $24,000 per year.
Serial IO can provide similar RFID/GPS solutions at a much less expensive rate
through the elimination of GPS services for each unit by using a single GPS receiver with
RFID-reading capabilities, and passive RFID tags. These type of solutions can provide
an ROI in just under two years and provide unforeseen value in the future. This new
method for inventory management offers reductions in costs, especially in terms of labor,
increased time efficiency, and other value-added potential than traditional inventory
methods.

26

CHAPTER THREE: PROJECT METHODOLOGY & COLLECTION
Chapter three describes the analytic methods and data sources used to complete this case
study on a new, improved inventory management system using RFID, GPS, and GIS
technology. The project consisted of a planning/requirements definition, implementation
& adaption, and simulation study phases.
The planning/requirements definition phase involved discussions with branch
managers on the traditional inventory method, assistance to conduct a traditional
inventory alongside an employee taking many hours over two days. It also included
research on various RFID/GPS solutions, how it could be adapted for fleet management,
and finding a pilot study site. The implementation & adaption phase consisted of
borrowing RFID/GPS tools and equipment, placement and collection of RFID tag data,
and consultation with Serial IO on how to streamline the process. Finally, the simulation
study phase consisted of a test run of the system from collection of all units in the storage
yard through generating reports and cost–benefit analyses. A milestone was achieved
before moving onto the next sections to include: secured a site, equipment, and definition
for pilot study, the second milestone was the successful completion of a full-scale
inventory using RAQGEO, and the final milestone was a cost-benefit analysis being
completed.

27

Figure 7: RAQGEO Collection Schema

Figure 7 illustrates the entire collection schema methodology of RAQGEO
including an employee, an RFID reading device, RFID tags on containers, GPS collection
from satellites, and the data transferred over Wi-Fi for report and map production by an
employee or management. RAQGEO provides two-dimensional data across a storage
yard in which can be used in a GIS.
28

The RFID tags were placed on the trailer hitch of most units, and for the steel
containers and configurable units the tags were taped to the corners under serial numbers
for demonstration purposes. The units on average are over two meters in width and there
is approximately one meter between most of the units. Therefore, a commercial grade
GPS or smartphone provides enough precision for this pilot study to differentiate between
different units. The tags were collected from approximately one meter away by holding
the Trimble T41 over the trailer hitch ball mount. With the Intermec IP30, the
smartphone could be held separately over the trailer hitch ball mount as the IP30 was
aimed at an RFID tag.
The chosen GIS mediums for this project were Serial IO’s Google map API and
Google Fusion Tables, however any GIS can be used with the data collected. Serial IO’s
map API can be adjusted to meet the needs of their customers. Google Fusion Tables is
currently free and offers basic GIS tools such as “select by attribute” filters, like those
found in ArcGIS Desktop 10.1 and more robust GIS software. Whereas GIS software
can be very expensive and need training to understand and use, many web – enabled
options are relatively inexpensive and easy to understand for new users.

3.1 Study Site- Port of Long Beach XYZ Logistics Branch Storage Yard
The Port of Long Beach XYZ Logistics Branch was the site chosen for the pilot
study because it is considered one of the larger inventory level branches nation-wide.
The branch had approximately 200 units in its inventory and over 1,000 units leased out
to a variety of customers over surrounding city areas during the study. The actual study
29

site is confidential, however the conditions and site was comparable to the Port of Long
Beach.

Figure 8: Port of Long Beach XYZ Logistics Branch Overview, Source:
2014©Google Imagery/Map Data, Annotations by Bradley Griffiths 2014.
30

Figure 8 displays a representational layout of the study site from an overhead
perspective. Outlined in green is the main office building. Outlined in black, to the right
of the main office building is the preparation bay. Outlined in red around the outside of
the fence surrounding XYZ Logistics is the entire branch. Most of its area is used for
storage area for the units. The storage area served as the grounds for the pilot study.
The study was conducted over a period of two days – August 28
th
-29
th
, 2014. The
first day was in the mid-90’s Fahrenheit with little to no cloud coverage. There was
cloud coverage the second day with a light rain in the morning. The humidity had
increased and the temperature was in mid-to-high 80’s Fahrenheit. There were no
apparent differences with the equipment or environmental concerns during the study. See
Appendix D for a breakdown of the study activities.

3.2 RAQGEO Data Flow Diagram
Figure 9 displays a data flow diagram for RAQGEO. RAQGEO begins with GPS
and RFID data collected by GPS satellites and RFID UHF tags, then received by a
RFID/GPS receiver (represented as an all-in-one device, however can be separate
devices). The data received is then queued into the Grid-in-Hand mobile app, which then
is uploaded over Wi-Fi to the iScanList Cloud service and saved in a geodatabase type
format. The data then can either be converted to KML using PHP website scripting
language which can be viewed in Google Map API. The Google Map API can then be
analyzed for specific data and maps generated using spatial queries such as a “Select by
31

Attribute” type function. Separately, data can be downloaded as a .CSV file and used to
generate inventory reports.

Figure 9: RAQGEO Data Flow Diagram (DFD)

3.3 RAQGEO Collection Schema
The United States Marines have used Serial IO’s services to RFID tag main battle
tanks and amphibious tractor equipment. The Dura 1500 tags with the standard adhesive
foam have lasted through countless training exercises and are used for managing the
equipment. A Dura 1500 tag is a proven tag to be used for asset management.
Two days of collection were made with various tags and equipment. The first day
was 28
th
August, 2014 and consisted of an Intermec IP30 with Bluetooth technology
coupled with a Droid Bionic with a 4.1.2 operating system, 10 one-inch flex tags and 15
two-inch flex tags. The Intermec IP30 has a read distance power of approximately one
32

meter which is similar to the read distance of the RFID flex tags. The Droid Bionic
viewed approximately 7 satellites all American NAVSTAR satellites with an accuracy of
10 feet according to a free downloadable app called “GPS Test” by Chartcross Ltd. The
reads were collected in WGS 84 datum which is also used by Google Maps and Google
Earth. Figure 10 shows a photo of the GPS Test application as seen from a user’s
perspective.

Figure 10: GPS Test Application

The Grid-In-Hand mobile application was fired up and tags were setup both inside
and on various units. The Droid Bionic sat on top of the Intermec IP30 and was a
33

handheld unit. Once the trigger was pulled it was held until it would collect the data and
location of each tag. The OMNI-ID flex tags used were non-commissioned and only
contained the manufacturer’s serial number. The mobile application would displayed a
“unlicensed” error to communicate to a user that the tags were non-commissioned. A
setting was applied to turn the unlicensed alert setting off. Figure 11 displays the
Intermec IP30, Droid Bionic, and tape measure used on the first day of the study.

Figure 11: Equipment Used with Tags: From Left to Right- Droid Bionic with
Otterbox case, Intermec IP30 RFID Reading Device, Tape Measure

The Grid-in-Hand mobile application has special settings that can be applied so
that when a single tag of a specific ID is detected it cannot be collected more than once.
Bluetooth technology was used to communicate between the IP30 and the Droid Bionic.
Bluetooth operates at a spectrum between 2.4 GHz and 2.485 GHz and is used by
34

cellphones mainly to communicate at a short distance of about one meter with other
devices such as other cellphones or ear pieces (Bluetooth SIG, Inc. 2014). The Droid
Bionic did not have cell service. Cell service is not required for GPS on the device,
however to upload the collection to the server it must use Wi-Fi or cell service with
internet capabilities. Another personal phone was tethered to offer a Wi-Fi network for
the Droid Bionic to upload its data in spreadsheet form to the iScanList server.
Each type of unit at XYZ Logistics was tested. During the testing it was observed
that any metal in the walls would not allow the RFID signal to pass through. Linoleum
tiles, floors, and windows did not pose any obstruction to the signal. Aluminum along
the trim of an aluminum door could sometimes provide a signal however it would be at
different locations than right next to the tag i.e. toward the bottom of a door. See
Appendix A for the different units and placements tested.
29 August 2014 was the second day of testing. Dave Boydston provided
consultation services. He provided a Dura 1500 RFID tag, a ScanFob tag, and a Trimble
Juno T41 XGR-TGA-00. Immediately it was noted that a Trimble Juno T41 XGR-TGA-
00 was more durable and ergonomic than using a smartphone and the IP30 system. The
IP30 and smartphone used two hands because the phone was not mounted, whereas the
T41 could be used in one hand. The unit also has more durable construction including a
gorilla glass screen, weatherproof material, and shock resistance. Additionally, the T41
has the ability to take pictures with an 8 mega pixel camera as grids are collected along
with RFID data. It was able to connect to Wi-Fi by the use of a tethered phone to upload
the collection. Data plans can be purchased for the devices; however, it was unnecessary.
35

Different placements of the Dura 1500 RFID tag were tested and the best
recommendation was to place uniformly on all units, possibly next to where serial
numbers are already displayed. Recommendations for are available in Appendix B.

3.4 Geodatabase Design
For purposes of this pilot study, a geodatabase is a database that has the ability to
store and query data representing spatial information. The spatial data is provided
through the GPS data and the type of geodatabase in the pilot study is MySQL, a
database used for web applications using structured query language (SQL).
For testing purposes, three attributes were necessary: a unique identifier for each
RFID tag, a timestamp, and a location. The unique identifier was provided by the RFID
tag stock from OMNI-ID.
All RFID tags used for the study were noncommissioned which meant they were
not programmed with specific ID numbers. The noncommissioned IDs consisted of a
string of 24 characters. On the first test day with the IP30 and smartphone, the timestamp
was based on the smartphone’s time as the collected grid queued onto iScanList. On the
second test day using the Trimble Juno T41, the timestamp was based solely on the
device. The location data was provided by the smartphone on the first test day and by the
Trimble Juno on the second day. The location data was collected in decimal degrees
format “dd.dddddd,” WGS84 datum, Mercator projection format. The data shows six
decimal places which represents positional accuracy between 1.11 to .11 meters (Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality 2013). The data did not have differential
corrections applied to provide sub-centimeter accuracy, therefore the data could be two-
36

five meters off based on the Trimble T41 collection and three to nine meters off on the
Droid Bionic. However, all of the data will be collected in the same means and displaced
approximately the same as it would with corrections. Figure 12 displays the basic
collection attributes during the testing phase:

Figure 12: Basic RAQGEO Table

RAQGEO has the ability to be expanded out to include more attributes which
would be necessary as RFID tags were purchased and placed on units. A specific action
profile would need to be applied to the mobile application to allow for the ability to edit
or add data to RFID tags. As shown in Figure 13 the following attributes were added:
RFID Number, Serial Number (Serial_Num), Date/Time Stamp (Timestamp), Location,
Unit Type, Ready Status (Ready_Status), ADA-Compliant Restrooms (ADA_Restroom),
State Structure Codes (State_Code), Floor Composition (Floor_Comp), and the Number
of Offices (Number_Offices). The data collected from the RFID/GPS readers collected
only the Serial Number, Timestamp, and Location. ADA-Compliant Restrooms, State
Structure Codes, Floor Composition, and the Number of Offices were simulated data
added in Microsoft Excel 2010.
37

Figure 13: Ideal RAQGEO Attributes

3.4.1 iScanList & Grid-In-Hand Mobile Grid
Serial IO, LTD has a mobile application for both smartphones and Trimble or
Motorola RFID/GPS reading devices called “Grid-In-Hand Mobile Grid.” The
application can be operated without Internet or cellphone service until its data needs to be
posted onto the iScanList server. This is accomplished over Wi-Fi or using device data
plans; purchase of a device data plan is not recommended. Considering the business
model of XYZ Logistics, it is recommended to wait until the Trimble device is within the
branch’s Wi-Fi range, or tether a cellphone temporarily to provide the Trimble device a
means of sending its data to the iScanList server. Service is not necessary during the
RFID/GPS collection process and is needed only to upload to the iScanList server after
the inventory is complete.
38

Figure 14: iScanList Collections

Figure 14 displays how each collection shows in the iScanList site. At the end of
each collection there is a selection to “Upload Grid” and the collection is saved as a
Comma Separated Values (.CSV) formatted table-structured text document. This gives it
the ability to be quickly formatted into various other data types (including spreadsheets)
to be used with different mapping or database software. Please see Figure 15 which
demonstrates how the data appears:
39

Figure 15: 28 August Collection Data (.CSV Format) in Microsoft Excel 2013

Once the RFID tags are commissioned Column A would display the actual unit
serial numbers. Column B is a date and time stamp. Column C is a mixture of latitude
and longitude data within two meter accuracy. Columns D and E were user-added to split
the latitude and longitude from Column C using a “MID” function in Microsoft Excel
2013.
40

Figure 16: iScanList Map, Source: 2014 Google & data adapted by Bradley
Griffiths & Serial IO.

Figure 16 displays a map produced through iScanList that uses map API
through Google maps. It also shows the placement of all the units collected during the
second testing day. All the .CSV data is converted to a KML layer to be observed in the
map, by the use of a geodatabase using MySQL and translated by PHP, a scripting
language in iScanList. The .CSV data from the geodatabase is parsed and reinterpreted
into KML using PHP scripts. A user can toggle through map types to view the area with
satellite imagery. Since the data is collected in the same projection and datum as Google
Maps and Earth it provides an accurate illustration of the placement of each unit in the
shipping yard. Serial IO has shown that they can also create customer-specific
applications and events on their site. For example, Serial IO can create a “Mouse Hover”
event where as each of the pins is hovered over with the mouse pointer a balloon tip will
41

display showing a picture of the unit plus its affiliated information. See Figure 17 for an
example of the mouse hover event:

Figure 17: iScanList Mouse Hover Event, Source: 2014 Google, and data adapted by
Bradley Griffiths & Serial IO.

3.4.2 Google Fusion Tables
Google Fusion Tables is a free online application that provides the ability to
visualize spreadsheet data through a Google Map API interface similar to Serial IO’s
tool. The key difference is that it can generate heat maps and values can be added to the
data. First, the .CSV file needs to be downloaded from the iScanList site. Second, one
must register or have a Google account they can access. After signing into one’s Google
account they need to go to the Google FusionTables site accessible through this Uniform
Resource Locator (URL): https://www.google.com/fusiontables/data?dsrcid=implicit.
42

The spreadsheet then needs to be uploaded and the data is then ready to work with. See
the Figure 18 to see the uploaded spreadsheet in Google Fusion Tables.

Figure 18: T41 Collection Data in Google Fusion Tables, Source: 2014 Google &
data adapted by Bradley Griffiths & Serial IO.
43

Figure 18’s data shows the RFID tag ID, a time stamp for the collection, an X, Y
column representing Latitude and Longitude and then ADA Restrooms or “ADA-
Compliant.” The X, Y, and ADA-Compliant columns were all added to the spreadsheet
via Excel 2013 before being imported. The X, Y columns were mixed in a single column
by iScanList and then split into separate columns in Excel while the ADA-Compliant
column was created for testing purposes but represent the average amount of ADA-
Compliant buildings.

Figure 19: Google Fusion Table Feature Map, Source: 2014 Google & data adapted
by Bradley Griffiths & Serial IO.

Figure 19 displays the data in a Google Map similar to Serial IO’s map API
through Google Fusion Tables. It uses the same toggle features between satellite imagery
and a map with labels that is the same year and map data. The key difference is the
44

ability to filter data. Figure 20 displays how a user wants to find a specific unit
associated with the serial number “201101198438000A00000A30.”

Figure 20: Google Fusion Table Map with Filter Applied, Source: 2014 Google &
data adapted by Bradley Griffiths & Serial IO.

The filter tool can be used by management to quickly display where a unit falls
within a yard. This is a cost-effective and efficient way to quickly find a unit’s location
based on its collected data. Management can use this as a COP to maintain awareness of
where units exist in the yard. This solution eliminates the need for the whiteboard to be
maintained and it will be accurate.

45

3.5 Attribute Focus
Some of XYZ Logistics assets include installed Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA)-compliant restrooms. Managers can immediately locate all units with ADA-
compliant restrooms and provide the results to a sales representative that is requesting
fleet availability of restroom units.

Figure 21: Google Fusion Table Map displaying ADA-Compliant unit locations,
Source: 2014 Google & data adapted by Bradley Griffiths & Serial IO.

Figure 21 displays locations of all units that contain ADA-compliant restrooms.
The filter applied is “ADA-Compliant= ‘Yes’.” A balloon tip can be shown once a user
clicks onto one of the red dots (representing a unit) that will display the unit’s serial
number. This is a valuable addition that the traditional whiteboard does not offer.
46

Additionally, it takes less time to provide the information, eliminates searching, and helps
to dedicate more time to value-added tasks. The data would also provide unit serial
numbers.
XYZ Logistics management may want to visualize locations of units that are not
state-coded for Texas. State-coding is the structural integrity, occupancy ability, and
building requirement licensing provided by each state. One example is that some states
require a roof load to be able to hold 30 pounds per square foot whereas others are 20
pounds. If a branch in Oklahoma needs another unit quickly, the Port of Long Beach
branch manager can search their fleet to quickly find a unit that already meet state code
requirements for Oklahoma using GIS services.

Figure 22: Google Fusion Table Map displaying OK State-Coded Units, Source:
2014 Google & data adapted by Bradley Griffiths & Serial IO.
47

As shown in Figure 22, there are two units that are state-coded for Oklahoma. A
manager can direct forklift operators to the location to move the trailer and ready it for a
shipment to Oklahoma. The manager can also see its other attributes in a balloon tip.
Additionally, if there is a customer request for a unit that has four offices and
carpet, XYZ Logistics employees can quickly find a unit that matches this criteria using
the GIS. Figure 23 shows these results.

Figure 23: Google Fusion Table Map Displaying Units with Four Offices and Carpet
Flooring, Source: 2014 Google & data adapted by Bradley Griffiths & Serial IO.

There are three units with four offices, however, only one has carpet already
installed. A web-enabled GIS makes for quicker identification of a unit that contains
these attributes versus the traditional method of employees checking all the units for one
that meets this criteria or trying to use the whiteboard.
48

A GIS is an invaluable addition to inventory management within a SCM model.
Using RFID/GPS data through RAQGEO provides many benefits far beyond the use of
the traditional inventory method including the whiteboard.
49

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS
The following analysis provides an in-depth look at the added value that RAQGEO can
add to XYZ Logistics and ends with a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages
with the technology.

4.1 Traditional Method versus RAQGEO (Cost-Benefit Analysis)
Accountability of the units is a company requirement, therefore it is necessary
labor. At XYZ Logistics, employees are taken from their primary tasks to perform the
quarterly inventory, therefore it is important to note that employee positions are not
eliminated with RAQGEO and the analysis is based on time in terms of labor allotted
toward conducting the traditional inventory method versus RAQGEO. The metric used
for XYZ Logistics is minutes saved. According to branch managers in Oakland and Port
of Long Beach a traditional inventory currently takes approximately 3840 minutes (eight
hours over two works days quarterly throughout the year). RAQGEO is assessed to take
less than 240 minutes (one hour on one work day quarterly throughout the year) based on
Day 2’s study results.
Clearly, RAQGEO saves time, reduces costs, and provides increased productivity.
Employees are pulled from their main duties such as preparing a unit or sales operations
to conduct the inventory. The company is also discussing monthly or random inventories
which will increase the time allocated to conducting an inventory on units however
during the time of this study most branches were conducting inventories quarterly.
It is estimated that the labor alone for Oakland Branch’s quarterly inventory is
$3200 annually. This calculation is based upon an average salary found on Glassdoor of
50

$25 per hour over eight hours across two days over four quarters for two employees.
This average salary provided is suggested as the average “fully loaded” (including
benefits) package that includes a 401K retirement plan, comprehensive medical, and
other costs associated with an employee. The RAQGEO inventory process is
approximately $185.71 per year with $100 for employee salaries- based at $25 over one
hour on one day, quarterly for a single employee to process. The $85.71 would cover the
price to maintain cloud services with Serial IO distributed across multiple branches.
RAQGEO has several entry cost items which includes 5600 ABS – standard foam
– custom commissioning OMNI-ID Dura 1500 Passive RFID tags which will have a
combined cost of approximately $8640.00, a Trimble Juno T41XGR-TGA-00 at $3149, a
one-day training course of $2500 for selected personnel, plus travel and expenses
(lodging, gas, and per diem of about $200), and an action profile setup of $5,000.
Additionally, there would be an annual cost for mobile and cloud services of $600 which
Serial IO has cover three Trimble devices. For the purposes of this study, it will be
assumed that cost will be divided by 7 for an area for possible future expansion to two
additional devices. Figure 24 displays the branches and their respective areas in the
United States. Each area has an average of seven branches.
The initial entry cost may be undesirable to a manager; however, by Year 2 the
costs are already below the traditional inventory method, and there is an added value of
sales staff being able to dedicate more time toward their primary tasks. See Table 2
below for a side-by-side comparison of the methods and a breakdown of the RAQGEO
cost details.
51

The average lease term at some branches is 10 months for each unit. Each time a
unit is returned for the first 10 months of the program will need an RFID tag. It is
projected that an average of 30 units will return to each branch in the Mountain West
Area in 2015. The Oakland Branch has approximately 54 units projected for 2015. A
high number of 60 units is considered a high-volume scenario according to XYZ
Logistics management Therefore, an average branch would need approximately 800
RFID tags the first year to use on all its assets.
1200 Dura 1500 tags were priced at $8640.00 which is $7.20 per tag. Each area
has approximately seven branches and with approximately 200 units in inventory at each
branch and 600 units leased, 800 RFID tags would be needed within the first year to
cover units returning off of lease. 800 RFID tags * 7 branches is 5600. 5600 RFID
tags*$7.20 per tag is $40320. $40320/7 branches is $5760 per branch in Year 1.
Additionally, a Trimble T41XGR-TGA-00 is $3149.00 but can be shared between seven
branches of a given area with a shared cost of $449.86. The one-day training course of
$2700/7 branches is $385.71. The initial MGAP setup of $5000/7 branches is $714.29.
The employee salary expense per branch would be approximately $100 over a year with
quarterly inventories. The first year cost would be around $7409.86 per branch, however
the following year it would be $185.71 which includes $100.00 for employee salary
expenses, and $85.71 to maintain cloud services with Serial IO (which is $600 for three
devices but is divided between seven branches).

52

Table 2: Traditional Inventory Method vs. RAQGEO Costs
Year
Traditional
Method RAQGEO RAQGEO Details
1

$3,200

$7,409.86
Entry Cost (Divided Among 7 Branches) +$100 for
Employee Salary
2 3,200 185.71
Annual Fee (Divided Among 7 Branches) + $100 for
Employee Salary
3 3,200 185.71
Annual Fee (Divided Among 7 Branches) + $100 for
Employee Salary
4 3,200 185.71
Annual Fee (Divided Among 7 Branches) + $100 for
Employee Salary
5 3,200 635.57
Annual Fee (Divided Among 7 Branches) + $100 for
Employee Salary+(Possible) T41 Replacement
6 3,200 185.71
Annual Fee (Divided Among 7 Branches) + $100 for
Employee Salary
7 3,200 185.71
Annual Fee (Divided Among 7 Branches) + $100 for
Employee Salary
8 3,200 185.71
Annual Fee (Divided Among 7 Branches) + $100 for
Employee Salary
9 3,200 185.71
Annual Fee (Divided Among 7 Branches) + $100 for
Employee Salary
10 3,200 185.71
Annual Fee (Divided Among 7 Branches) + $100 for
Employee Salary
*Values in US Dollars

Table 2 shows the yearly costs associated with each system. The traditional
method consists of a fixed cost of $3200 per year based on a quarterly inventory system.
By the second year the cost is lower than the current method. In Year 5, there is a
possible need to replace the T41. This is based on the extended warranty by Trimble.
Trimble has a two-year standard warranty plus a two-year extended warranty on top of
that with an additional purchase. Therefore, it is assumed that the warranty is made to
match the expected lifetime of the device. After Year 10, it is assumed that the T41 will
be replaced with newer technology that will likely be faster and cheaper. This is based
off smartphone technology (since it is the primary platform for app development). The
53

first smartphone was first sold August 16, 1994 by IBM for $899 on a two-year contract
(Nick 2014). Just over ten years later, a Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone with much
more power and capabilities is sold for $199.99 at AT&T for a two-year contract (AT&T
2014). Therefore, this example alone suggests that costs associated with technology
decreases over time and new technology will be introduced.
In addition to Table 2, Line Chart 1 illustrates the cost savings alone in adopting
RAQGEO.

Chart 1: Line Chart Showing Cost Savings (Traditional Inventory Method vs.
RAQGEO)

The Return on Initial Investment is made by the second year as observed in Table
3. By Year 3 the cost is completely covered and there is savings observed with less labor
allocated toward inventorying the units.

-
1,000.00
2,000.00
3,000.00
4,000.00
5,000.00
6,000.00
7,000.00
8,000.00
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Traditional Method RAQGEO
54

Table 3: RAQGEO Savings
Year Difference Net Exchange Savings
0 $ (4,209.86) $ (4,209.86) -
1 3,014.29 (1,195.57) (3,014.29)
2 3,014.29 1,818.72 623.15
3 3,014.29 4,833.01 6,651.73
4 3,014.29 7,847.30 12,680.31
5 2,564.43 10,411.73 18,259.03
6 3,014.29 13,426.02 23,837.75
7 3,014.29 16,440.31 29,866.33
8 3,014.29 19,454.60 35,894.91
9 3,014.29 22,468.89 41,923.49
10 3,014.29 25,483.18 $ 47,952.07
*Values are in US Dollar.

Table 3 reflects the savings in labor from the traditional inventory method versus
RAQGEO. Each year the original cost of RAQGEO is subtracted by the year to year
differences between each inventory method. For example, it is Year 1’s net exchange
plus the difference of the next year as calculated from Table 2.
A cost associated with RAQGEO that is unaccounted for in this cost-benefit
analysis is the cost associated with the initial placement of the UHF RFID tags.
However, the task of placing the tags can be covered while conducting the first inventory
of RAQGEO because the time is assessed to take about the same amount of time as it
would conducting a traditional inventory. Another issue is that XYZ Logistics
employees may decide they want to customize iScanList cloud services more. For each
new idea they can have Serial IO create a new MGAP which for a basic one costs
$299.00 (Serial IO 2014). This is still easily covered within the savings.
55

Dave Boydston stated that the Dura 1500 RFID tags are expected to last beyond
the life of a unit. The average unit has a lifespan of 20 years according to Port of Long
Beach’s manager.
According to the Oakland Branch manager, XYZ Logistics once had a training
event where key personnel attended a training on operating forklifts, and since then have
continued training personnel on forklift operation and have not needed retraining. It is
assumed that XYZ Logistics will not need to be retrained in using the Serial IO
equipment.
Note that if all XYZ Logistics branches conducted a monthly inventory that
would drive the traditional method up to $12,800. $3,200*4 quarterly inventories each
year.

4.1.1 Discounted Cash Flow
The savings found above does not reflect the time value of money. Table 4 shows
a discounted cash flow illustrating that XYZ Logistics will value cost savings earlier in
the project than later. A present value interest factor percentage must be used to
represent a discounted value of RAQGEO. A present value interest is calculated from a
company’s total capital sources which may include short and long term debt and stocks.
Then before tax calculations are required to arrive at a before tax weight. The sum of the
before tax weight must be exceeded for a company for an investment to exceed debt and
equity investors (Schmidt 2013). A present value interest of 6% was arbitrarily selected
to provide an example of a discounted cash flow for this project and does not represent
the actual number (which may possibly be a higher interest value).
56

Table 4: Discounted Cash Savings of RAQGEO

*Values in US Dollars

The costs represented in Table 4 are associated with RAQGEO’s inventory
method. The benefits observed is the difference between RAQGEO and the traditional
inventory method for each year. Cash savings is the difference of the cost of the
RAQGEO system investment (Costs) and the benefit of using the system through cash
savings (Benefits). The discount factors are used from a present value interest factor
table for six percent found in the publication Contemporary Financial Management by
Moyer et al. 2014. The discounted cash savings is found by multiplying the cash savings
by the discount factor and the total of $12,733.57 is only 47% of the total benefits after
being discounted. The important factor is the discounted cash savings total still exceeds
the cost of the RAQGEO inventory method by more than 31% calculated from the
difference of the discounted cash savings and total costs divided by costs.
This table still reflects a quarterly inventory. If XYZ Logistics moved to a
monthly inventory RAQGEOs benefits would be much more per year. Table 4 does not
factor employee salary raises however the benefits would likely increase proportionately
57

to costs because the benefits are calculated from the difference of the traditional
inventory costs.
Table 4 is also displayed in Appendix E: Discounted Cash Savings of RAQGEO.

4.2 Benefits in Reducing Waste
After observing the side-by-side comparison it is conclusive that RAQGEO is a
technology that will pay for itself over time plus provide a more ergonomic environment
for employees.
One reduction that will be observed is less mistakes. According to Dave
Boydston, RFID tags have a similar read accuracy as bar codes and may have one error in
two million scans versus a typist that averages about one substitution made every 300
character entries on a keyboard. Similar studies reveal the same numbers, and one study
also reveals that costs for the barcodes are recovered within the first year of
implementation (Barcode Label Consultants, LLC 2010).
Additionally, the traditional inventory method takes roughly half a minute per
unit. The process consists of reading over multiple pages of printouts, then searching for
a serial number on a unit. Depending on the unit, it can be a lengthy process.

58

Figure 24: Side-by-Side of Serial Number Tag Falling/Showing.

As observed in Figure 25, this unit’s serial number is a piece of close-off tape on
the hitch. The paper was folded over and about to fall in the image to the left, and the
image to the right shows the serial number being held up to be read. Most of the units do
not have a uniform placement for serial numbers. This causes a waste of time and can
cause further issues such as the identification of the units. See Figure 25 which shows
another issue among many others:

Figure 25: Unit Serial Number Unknown.

59

On first glance Figure 26’s unit displays a serial number that is either a 27 or
possibly a 26. The only tool to help figure out that this was more likely 27 was a power
supply box that had “T27” on its label possibly suggesting this is a 27. No unit serial
number could be located (units are occasionally returned from customers with this issue).
Dura 1500 UHF RFID tags have permanent adhesive and can also be bolted to a surface.
The RFID tag is indiscrete, relatively flat, and a deliberate action would need to be taken
to remove it.
The RFID tags could also be stamped with a unit serial number, eliminating the
need to stencil serial numbers onto each trailer. Stenciling serial numbers onto a trailer is
a task that takes time away from other preparation processes.
RAQGEO can have RFID tags uniformly placed on the outside of all the units.
With the permanent adhesive it can easily stick and even be bolted to the trailer hitches of
each unit or in uninterrupted sections along the configurable units and storage containers.
During a practice collection from unit to unit it took approximately 8-15 seconds between
each RFID collect with the entire yard being covered within one hour. That included the
time it took to identify each unit’s actual serial number, take pictures, and figure out how
to traverse over a place that was unknown to an outside person. An employee that
regularly uses the equipment and is trained on quickly collecting from unit to unit could
average 5-10 seconds (walking time) between each unit plus a second of collection and
have a spreadsheet with all the units and locations in the yard within half an hour. The
next half hour could be used cross-referencing last reports for reconciliation.
As a note, some of these costs can be reduced; one method to exercise cost control
could be established by sending all key leadership to one location to learn the RAQGEO
60

system from the Serial IO consultant. Another exercise to reduce expense is to share tags
between branches as needed. One additional expense for entry that is not reflected but
may be important is the cost in labor as employees bolt or apply (with permanent
adhesive) Dura 1500 RFID tags to each unit, however this process can easily be covered
during the time the employees are conducting their last traditional-style inventory as it
would be a quick process. As units came back from customers they could be outfitted
with the tags or they could be installed on a site visitation, if deemed necessary.
However, this method would increase expenses and is not recommended.

61

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION
This study investigated the utility of employing RFID technology with a spatial
component in a company where supply chain management is critical. RAQGEO
produces a spreadsheet that can be used to generate reports, heatmaps, and a COP for
management among other products. The ability to eliminate non-value added movement
through the yard has employees more focused on readying units and working with
customers.

Figure 26: Military Vehicles with OMNI-ID 1500 RFID Tags, Source: OMNI-ID.

Figure 27 has yellow arrows pointing directly at OMNI-ID 1500 RFID tags. The
RFID tags are fixed to each military vehicle with an adhesive foam and painted over to
match the camouflage of each vehicle. These vehicles are highly mobile and are subject
to training and use in deserted locations and rugged terrain. This tag is highly
recommended for XYZ Logistics’ operations.

62

5.1 Discussion
There are advantages and disadvantages of the RFID and GPS technology.
Someone familiar with GPS technology would say there may be atmospherics that could
affect the exact coordinates such as excessive amounts of metal, power lines, and
possibly weather conditions. RFID collection is affected by metal and liquid. Today,
OMNI-ID has developed RFID antenna technology that has better resistance to metals,
however, if it is enveloped in metal or a liquid substance radio waves are not able to pass
through these mediums. There are also other risks associated with the technology (see
section below).

5.1.1 Disadvantages in Security
While testing RFID tags at XYZ Logistics it became clear that if someone else
had an RFID reader they could also gather the information from the units. This poses a
security risk as it is known that anything that emits a frequency is unsecure if left
unencrypted.
Since RFID technology is based on radio waves, there is a potential for unintended
listeners. Even the lowest powered RFID tags can have their signals intercepted at much
farther distances than its usual read distance using various instruments. This security issue
was demonstrated at the DecCon 13 security convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, in July
2005, as consultants collected RFID data over 69 feet away from a tag designed for a read
distance of less than 10 feet (Lindstrom & Thornton 2005).
Websites such as hacknmod.com, Bishop Fox provide information on hacking
RFID technology. YouTube videos provide step-by-step instructions of how to clone RFID
63

technology with different equipment. RFID Security books that can be purchased online
or at bookstores worldwide provide in-depth descriptions of how to hack the technology
so a person can take preventive measures.
Rfidvirus.org provides in-depth instructions on how to write RFID viruses and
worms. The site was created and is managed by the Vrije Universiteit VU Amsterdam
University Faculty. They state that while they have hesitation by providing query lines of
code online however they hope companies will benefit from it as they realize the threat is
not theoretical (Vrije University 2006). A query is a statement used in database
applications to call specific lines of data i.e. Select * where ID = 10 from Table. The
asterisk stands for “all records,” which is treated as rows of data. The word “table” is used
in place of any named table where the data is stored and is similar to a spreadsheet.
They explain the process of creating an RFID virus is by affecting a database by
having an RFID reader read a tag that is reverse engineered and query lines are applied to
it. As the reader is used on other tags it begins to corrupt them. Additionally, the site also
provides information on how to defend against RFID attacks.
One method is to conduct code reviews to find programming bugs in middleware
software. Another is to use databases such as Oracle and MySQL that don’t allow certain
queries to be used. On the web-end PHP or Java website development languages can be
used instead of HTML to provide more security (Vrije University 2006). XYZ Logistics
has their yard fenced in which would help protect the unit’s RFID tags from being bugged.
The threat does exist however and as the technology increases there may be more risks.
However, XYZ Logistics would have to determine if they would be a target and what, if
64

any, value would the information be to an outsider. For example, an outsider would not
benefit from knowing if a unit has ADA-compliant restrooms.

5.1.2 Disadvantages in Data Collection
GPS locations are based on the Trimble RFID/GPS reading device or a
smartphone communicating with an Intermec IP30 not the RFID tag itself.
65

Figure 27: Diagram of RAQGEO Collection, Source & Annotations: Bradley
Griffiths, 2014.

As shown in Figure 28 the GPS data is based on the position of the receiver, not
the RFID tag. Therefore, an employee must stand where they would like the point to
appear on the map API or in Google Fusion tables. The Trimble Juno T41 is going to be
66

more accurate than the IP30 mixed with a smartphone. However, it still is affected by
atmospherics such as powerlines, surrounding containers, and sky conditions according to
Dave Boydston.
What if containers are stacked? Both container’s tag data would be collected at
the same time. The data is collected in two-dimensional form, however the Trimble T41
can also provide height if a customer required this information. Another solution is the
T41 is able to take a picture as the RFID tag is collected. Therefore, management will be
able to discern between two tags at a point.
The maps in Google Fusion tables or the API through iScanList both use the same
imagery base from Google. Since the XYZ Logistics branches are usually near or in
major cities the imagery is more current, however it will not accurately display what is
there because units are constantly being moved. Instead it can be used as a reference
point. In the future, XYZ Logistics potentially could invest for Serial IO to design a layer
displaying the outlines of branches and use a basic map layer instead of imagery so it
doesn’t cause confusion. It is basic however it provides a cheap, effective way to see
where units are within the yard.
One limitation for Google Fusion tables is the ability to only display 100,000
rows or 250MB of data (Google 2014). This will not pose an issue for XYZ Logistics
because most branches have approximately 150-300 units while they have approximately
another 800-1000 units that are on lease to customers. If management want to collect
grids on units out at customer sites they can still view all units since it’s under 100,000
rows. Plus the .CSV file of the collection data on 128 units in the shipping yard was only
13.8 kilobytes.
67

Another disadvantage is RFID tags cannot be placed inside most of the units.
They must be mounted on the outside because even the thinnest of metals can block a
radio signal. It was observed that aluminum could even pull a radio signal to a different
position when a tag was placed along the inside of aluminum doors. Specific tags must
be used that are weather and wear proof. The OMNI-ID Dura 1500 RFID tags fit the
needs for XYZ Logistics. Recommendations for placement on the different types of units
can be found in Appendix B.
Barcodes could have given a similar result; however, RFID technology offers the
ability for further technology expansion and additional sensors to track movement. Other
advantages RFID technology has over barcodes according to Liu et al. (2010):
 No need for line-of-sight readings
 Can hold more data than barcodes
 Can be password-protected
 Can be modified or have data added
 Effective even in harsh environments
 Can be read instantaneously by the same device
Barcodes are also cheaper; however, RAQGEO provides many more advantages
to include the potential for growth such as an addition to sensors and web services. For
instance, at a later point sensors can be installed in the yard to email management when a
unit goes in and out of the preparation bays. Additionally, drivers can tag locations of
units as they drop them off with a device such as an Intermec IP30 that can communicate
via Bluetooth with a smartphone to send the data directly to a manager for safekeeping.

68

5.1.3 Advantages
RAQGEO has much potential beyond this initial study. For example, a T41 can
be held in an employee’s hand as they drive a golf cart around the yard and hold the
trigger, instantly collecting the data and covering the entire yard within minutes. The
opportunities in RFID and GPS data collection can provide much value-added to
management especially for its use in GIS projects. It can help managers redesign the
layout of their yards and provide a more ergonomic approach to tracking down specific
units.

5.2 Conclusion
This study compared the traditional inventory methods in supply chain
management to a new inventory method using RFID and GPS technology, and how GIS
can be used from this data to provide even greater potential. The pilot study’s results
revealed that RAQGEO is a superior method of supply chain management for mobile
units that continuously are moved across a storage yard and to/from customer sites. It is
due to its demonstration of reduced costs, primarily in the form of labor, increased
efficiency in time, and ability to quickly generate reports and identify locations of
specific units throughout the yard. The cost-benefit analysis results showed that the
savings in man hours and labor will easily cover the costs of the initial investment within
the first three years. Again, the costs will not be as much for additional branches as key
leaders can make site visits to train other branches eliminating consultation fees. The
Dura 1500 RFID tags prove to be the most effective choice for XYZ Logistics and can
69

even have a label added to them with a serial number for visual identification in a
uniform position as well.

5.3 Future Research
RFID technology provides an abundance of future opportunities. As society
moves toward the IoT concept, sensors and devices for tracking items will become more
affordable and companies will invent new services for data capture. Companies that are
early adopters of IoT type technology will have easier transitions and will see even
further cost reductions as processes become automated.
In a meeting with an XYZ Logistics manager, a question was asked what if all the
RFID tags are together in one bundle and collected at the same time. As demonstrated,
all of the RFID tags were read by an RFID reading device at the same time and posted the
same location for each row of data created. In theory, an RFID reading antenna with a
far enough read distance can collect all of the RFID tags in the yard to instantly generate
inventory reports within minutes. However, the location data would not be collected. To
maintain the location data a solution would need to be developed that could provide
communication between GPS technology and the RFID tags. One possible future
solution would be exploring laser rangefinders such as the ones produced by Trimble.
They can be pointed at an object to get its location data from afar. An investment of time
and funds could possibly create a system with multiple laser rangefinders throughout a
yard that collect RFID location and their ID through an automated collection algorithm
throughout the storage yard. An automated collection algorithm could be a movement
action.
70

Another possibility is using a small robot or drone to collect the RFID tag data by
navigating along pre-programmed pathways. Figure 29 displays an RFID collecting
robot in a study by an Intel Research team to test how a robot can be used to collect
passive RFID tags.

Figure 28: RFID Collecting Robot, Source: Philipose et al. 2003

Using IoT technology, a small robot or drone could potentially conduct
inventories before management by using predictive analysis or being alerted by keywords
from emails and other methods.
Smart tags offer a similar solution of providing both types of data without the
need of an antenna or advanced system throughout a yard, however it is too expensive for
most companies to use. Over time however the prices may drop presenting this as a more
viable solution.

71

REFERENCES

114 Adams Communications. 2013. "Answers to General Bar Code Questions." Bar
Code FAQ Answers. http://www.adams1.com/faq.html (accessed 9 October
2014).
AeroScout. 2009. "AeroScout T6 GPS Tag Datasheet."
http://www.aeroscout.com/files/AeroScout%20T6%20GPS%20Tag%20Data%20
Sheet.pdf (accessed 8 August 2014).
AeroScout Industrial. 2008. "AeroScout Wins Contract for New GPS and Wi-Fi
Visibility Solution with 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group."
http://www.aeroscout.com/amarg-081104/aeroscout-wins-contract-new-gps-and-
wi-fi-visibility-solution-309th-aerospace-m (accessed 8 August 2014).
Barcode Label Consultants LLC. 2010. "Barcodes." Barcode Labels.
http://barcodelabelconsultants.com/?p=22 (accessed 9 October 2014).
Bluetooth Technology. 2014. "A Look at the Basics of Bluetooth Technology."
Bluetooth Technology Website. http://www.bluetooth.com/Pages/Basics.aspx
(accessed 8 August 2014).
Bolstad, P. 2008. GIS Fundamentals: A First Text on Geographic Information Systems.
AtlasBooks.
Chiu, M., Loffler, M., and Roberts, R. 2010. "The Internet of Things." McKinsey &
Company.
http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/high_tech_telecoms_internet/the_internet_of_t
hings (accessed 24 October 2014).
72

Christopher, M. 2012. “Key Challenges of Supply Chain Management: an Urgent
Message for Business.” http://www.som.cranfield.ac.uk/som/p17318/Think-
Cranfield/2012/March-2012/Key-Challenges-of-Supply-Chain-Management-an-
Urgent-Message-for-Business (accessed 9 October 2014).
Dooley, F. 2006. “Logistics, Inventory Control, and Supply Chain Management.”
http://www.choicesmagazine.org/2005-4/supplychain/2005-4-14.htm (accessed 9
October 2014).
Environmental Protection Agency. 2011. "Kanban | Lean Manufacturing and the
Environment | US EPA." EPA.
http://www.epa.gov/lean/environment/methods/kanban.htm (accessed 8 August
2014).
Gaukler, G.M. 2005. RFID in supply chain management. Ph.D. diss., ProQuest, UMI
Dissertations Publishing.
Glassdoor. 2014. XYZ Logistics Review [Company Confidential].
http://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm (accessed on 10 September 2014).
Grant, T. "Intermec Technologies Corporation." 2005. In International directory of
company histories, 190-192. Detroit, MI, St. James Press, 2005.
Greg Goebel. "[2.0] Longwave Radar At War / Early American Radar Efforts." 2013.
Vectors. http://www.vectorsite.net/ttwiz_02.html#m2 (accessed 8 August 2014).
Günther, O, Kletti, W., and Kubach, U. 2008. RFID in manufacturing. Berlin: Springer.
Google. "Keeping your account secure." 2014. Google Accounts Help.
https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/46526 (accessed 8 August 2014).
73

Google Earth Help. 2014. "Google Earth Projection."
https://support.google.com/earth/answer/148110?hl=en (accessed 8 August 2014).
Google Fusion Tables. 2014. "Google Maps JavaScript API v3." 2014. Fusion Tables
Layer.
https://developers.google.com/maps/documentation/javascript/fusiontableslayer
(accessed 8 August 2014).
Impinj. 2014. "The Different Types of RFID Systems." Impinj Resources.
http://www.impinj.com/resources/about-rfid/the-different-types-of-rfid-systems/
(accessed 8 August 2014).
Institute of Physics. 2014. “How Does GPS Work?” http://www.physics.org/article-
questions.asp?id=55 (accessed 8 August 2014).
Lean Enterprise Institute. "Principles of Lean." 2009. What is Lean.
http://www.lean.org/WhatsLean/Principles.cfm (accessed 7 March 2014).
Liu, L., Chen, Z., Yan. D., Lu, Y., and Wang, H. 2010. RFID in supply chain
management. 2010 International Conference on E-Business and E-Government:
3279-3282.
Maselli, J. 2003. “Logistics Gets Cheaper by the Yard.”
http://www.rfidjournal.com/articles/view?617/ (accessed 14 November 2014).
MiTAC Intl.. "History of GPS." 2014. Mio Technology.
http://www.mio.com/technology-history-of-gps.htm (accessed 8 August 2014).
Montana State University. "NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (GPS) Facts." 2014.
NAVSTAR GPS Facts. http://www.montana.edu/gps/NAVSTAR.html (accessed
8 August 2014).
74

Moyer, C., McGuigan, J. Rao, R. 2014. Contemporary Financial Management. Cengage
Learning. Canada. p. T-3.
NHHC. 1943. "IFF--Identification Sets- US Radar: Operational Characteristics of Radar
Classified by Tactical Application [FTP 217]." The Navy Department Library.
http://www.history.navy.mil/library/online/radar-13.htm (accessed 8 August
2014).
Nick, T. 2014. “Did You Know What Was The First Smartphone Ever?” PhoneArena.
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Did-you-know-what-was-the-first-smartphone-
ever_id58842. (accessed 8 August 2014).
NOAA. 2013. "Selective Availability." GPS.gov.
http://www.gps.gov/systems/gps/modernization/sa/. (accessed 8 August 2014).
OMNI-ID. 2013. "OMNI-ID Dura 1500 Datasheet." http://www.omni-id.com/pdfs/Omni-
ID_Dura_1500_datasheet.pdf (accessed 8 August 2014).
OMNI-ID GEN2. 2014. "Omni-ID Flex Tag - GEN2 UHF RFID Datasheet." Serial IO
Products. https://serialio.com/products/rfid/rfid-tags/omni-id-flex-tag-gen2-uhf-
rfid (accessed August 8, 2014).
Parkinson, B. 1994. GPS Eyewitness: The Early Years. GPS World, p. 42.
Philipose, M., Fishkin, K., Fox, D., Hahnel, D. 2003. “Mapping and Localization with
RFID Technology.” Intel Research.
http://edge.rit.edu/content/P12015/public/Referenca%20Materials/RFID%20REA
DER%20SKYTEK%20M9%20Module/Mapping%20and%20Localization%20wi
th%20RFIDs.pdf. (accessed 01 November 2014).
75

Ramírez, J. 2012. Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for academic,
logistics and passenger transport applications. Ingeniería e Investigación. Vol. 32,
No. 3., 2012, p. 58-65.
RFID Journal. 2014. "RFID Frequently Asked Question."
http://www.rfidjournal.com/faq/show?68 (accessed 8 August 2014).
Schmidt, R. 2013. "What You Should Know About the Discount Rate." PropertyMetrics.
http://www.propertymetrics.com/blog/2013/09/27/npv-discount-rate/. (accessed
on 5 November 2014).
Serial IO. "About Serialio." 2014. Serialio.com. https://serialio.com/about-serialio
(accessed 8 August 2014).
SkyRFID, Inc. 2014. "RFID Tag Maximum Read Distance." SkyRFID Website.
http://skyrfid.com/RFID_Tag_Read_Ranges.php (accessed 8 August 2014).
Song, J., Haas, C., and Caldas, C. 2006. ”Tracking the Location of Materials on
Construction Job Sites.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage., 132(9), 911–918.
Sony. "GLONASS." 2014. Developer World GLONASS.
http://developer.sonymobile.com/knowledge-base/technologies/glonass/ (accessed
9 October 2014).
Swedberg, C. 2014. "Air Force Base Deploys Wi-Fi/GPS RFID System Across 2,500
Acres." RFID Journal. http://www.rfidjournal.com/articles/view?4441/2
(accessed 9 April 2014).
Serial IO. 2014. "Serialio.com." LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/company/serialio-
com (accessed 8 August 2014).
76

Stuart, L. E. 1947. "Identification, Friend or Foe- Radar's Sixth Sense." Tele-Tech
Electronic Industries, January 1947, 60-67.
Technovelgy. 2014. "What is RFID?." Technovelgy.com.
http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/technology-article.asp (accessed 8 August 2014).
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. 2013. “Horizontal Accuracy Standards for
TCEQ GIS Positional Data.” https://www.tceq.texas.gov/gis/geocoord.html.
(accessed 20 August 2014).
TransFreight Inc. 2009. "What is Logistics?." Logistics.
http://www.transfreight.com/Lean_Logistics_Overview/What_Is_Logistics.aspx
(accessed 1 March 2014).
Toyota. 2014. "Philosophy of complete elimination of waste." Just-in-Time.
http://www.toyota-
global.com/company/vision_philosophy/toyota_production_system/just-in-
time.html (accessed 1 March 2014).
TutorialsWeb. 2011. "RFID Frequencies." RFID: A Beginner's Guide.
http://www.tutorialsweb.com/rfid/rfid-frequencies.htm (accessed 8 August 2014).
United States Army. 2014. “ADP 3-0 Unified Land Operations.” Army Doctrine and
Publications. Department of Defense.
University of San Francisco. 2014. "RFID Technology Boosts Walmart’s Supply Chain
Management." Supply Chain Management.
http://www.usanfranonline.com/resources/supply-chain-management/rfid-
technology-boosts-walmarts-supply-chain-management/#.VEmKTfnF_Uh
(accessed 8 August 2014).
77

VK2DYM. 2014. "Radio Identification Systems- Identification, Friend or Foe I.F.F"
VK2DYM's Radio and Radar Information Site.
http://www.qsl.net/vk2dym/radio/iff.htm (accessed 8 August 2014).
Vrije Universiteit VU Amsterdam University. 2014. "How to Write an RFID Virus."
RFID Viruses and Worms. http://www.rfidvirus.org/ (accessed 8 August 2014).
Wi-Fi Alliance. 2014. "Who We Are." Wi-Fi Alliance. http://www.wi-fi.org/who-we-are
(accessed 8 August 2014).
Woodford, C. 2007. RFID tags. http://www.explainthatstuff.com/rfid.html (accessed 8
August 2014).
Work Site Alliance. 2000. “Chapter 5: GIS and Decision-Making.” Institute for
Geospatial Research & Education- Eastern Michigan University.
http://igre.emich.edu/wsatraining/TManual/chap.htm (accessed April 9, 2014).
Zeidan, H. 2009. “Supply Chain Management (SCM): The Inter-Organizational
Network.” The Certified Accountant. 2
nd
Quarter 2009. Issue #38.
Zelbst, P., and Sower, V.E. 2012. RFID for the supply chain and operations professional.
New York, N.Y.: Business Expert Press, 2012.

*XYZ Logistics is referenced however the actual company name is protected in
confidentiality using the APA Publication Manual; 6th ed., § 1.11, p. 16; APA Ethics Code,
Standard 4.07. The actual company was exposed to Serial IO and the thesis committee
with an understanding that their name and association in the study is confidential.

78

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: OMNI-ID FLEX RFID TAG TESTING
*All photos were taken from an iPhone 5s by Bradley Griffiths. RFID tags were placed
along different types of material and units.

Test One: RFID tag was sat on the trailer hitch.
Result: Easily detectable by IP30 RFID reading device.

Test Two: RFID tag was sat on the West window on outside (not shown in picture)
Result: Easily detectable by IP30 RFID reading device.

79

Test Three: RFID tag was sat inside defect along sheet metal.
Result: The RFID tag was undetectable unless the IP30 RFID reading device was
held along the open defect portion of the sheet metal.

Test Four: RFID tag was sat on outside trim of unit.
Result: Easily detectable by IP30 RFID reading device.

80

Test Five: RFID tag was placed inside unit with door closed.
Result: IP30 could not read through aluminum door. However, if the IP30 was held
underneath the unit it could read through the floor boards and linoleum.

Test Six: RFID tag was placed inside plastic sleeve on inside of conex door.
Result: Once the door was closed the IP30 could not read through metal.

81

ccccc
Test Seven: RFID tag was taped to wall inside a configurable unit.
Result: The IP30 could not read the tag directly through the wall, however it could
pick up a signal along the trim of the door through the aluminum. Conclusively,
this is not reliable to have a tag inside these type of containers.

82

APPENDIX B: RECOMMENDED RFID TAG PLACEMENT
*These recommendations are for the OMNI-ID Dura 1500 RFID tags that are ideal for
XYZ Logistics ’ operations. All photos were taken from an iPhone 5s by Bradley Griffiths
and Dave Boydston helped provide expert advice on where the RFID tags should be
placed.

Configurable Unit

Description of Placement: The RFID tag can be placed on a section that does not
change. The configurable unit has walls that can be interchanged with walls of
different arrangements such as multiple windows.

83

Single-Wide Trailer

Description of Placement: The tag can be placed next to where a serial number is
supposed to be displayed or possibly along the trailer hitch section.

84

Steel Container/Conex

Description of Placement: The tag can be placed just below the serial number on the
outside of the container.

85

Section Modular Building

Recommendation of Placement: The tag is displayed here right above the serial
number.

86

APPENDIX C: RFID PRODUCT DATASHEETS

OMNI-ID Dura 1500 RFID Tag

87

Source: http://www.omni-id.com/pdfs/Omni-ID_Dura_1500_datasheet.pdf
OMNI-ID Flex RFID Tag

Source: https://serialio.com/sites/default/files/pdf/Omni-ID_Mid-
Range_RFID_Tag_Flex_DS.pdf

88

Trimble Juno T41XGR RFID/GPS Receiver

89

Source:
http://sdgsystems.com/download/Marketing/Datasheets/Trimble/Juno%20T41/Juno
T41_Datasheet_2014_LowRes.pdf

90

APPENDIX D: PILOT STUDY SCHEDULE

91

APPENDIX E: DISCOUNTED CASH SAVINGS OF RAQGEO

Abstract (if available)

Abstract New supply chain management methods using radio frequency identification (RFID) and global positioning system (GPS) technology are quickly being adopted by companies as various inventory management benefits are being realized. For example, companies such as Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) Logistics use the technology coupled with geospatial support systems for distributors to quickly find and manage freight containers. Traditional supply chain management methods require pen-to-paper reporting, searching inventory on foot, and human data entry. Some companies that prioritize supply chain management have not adopted the new technology, because they may feel that their traditional methods save the company expenses. ❧ This thesis serves as a pilot study that examines how information technology (IT) utilizing RFID and GPS technology can serve to increase workplace productivity, decrease human labor associated with inventorying, plus be used for spatial analysis by management. This pilot study represents the first attempt to couple RFID technology with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in supply chain management efforts to analyze and locate mobile assets by exploring costs and benefits of implementation plus how the technology can be employed. ❧ This pilot study identified a candidate to implement a new inventory management method as XYZ Logistics, Inc. XYZ Logistics, Inc. is a fictitious company but represents a factual corporation. The name has been changed to provide the company with anonymity and to not disclose confidential business information. XYZ Logistics, Inc., is a nation-wide company that specializes in providing space solutions for customers including portable offices, storage containers, and customizable buildings.

Linked assets

University of Southern California Dissertations and Theses

Asset Metadata

Creator Griffiths, Bradley Joseph (author)

Core Title Radio frequency identification queuing & geo-location (RAQGEO): a spatial solution to inventory management at XYZ Logistics, Inc.

School College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Degree Master of Science

Degree Program Geographic Information Science and Technology

Publication Date 01/16/2015

Defense Date 12/14/2014

Publisher University of Southern California (original), University of Southern California. Libraries (digital)

Tag active tag,antenna,barcode,Boneyard,British Royal Air Force,cloud services,common operating picture,electromagnetic spectrum,EPCglobal,friend or foe,fusion,geodatabase,geographic information systems,geospatial,GIS,GIST,global positioning system,GLONASS,GNSS,Google,Google Fusion Tables,Google Maps,GPS,Grid-in-Hand,identification,IFF,inventory,iScanList,logistics,Map,Mobile,mobile assets,mobile offices,NAVSTAR,near field,OAI-PMH Harvest,passive tag,radar range,radio frequency identification,RAQGEO,remote sensing,RFID,RFID tags,satellites,SCM,semi-passive,Serial IO,smartphone,spatial,Spatial Sciences Institute,supply chain management,supply chain tracking,Technology,tracking,traditional inventory method,transceiver,transponder,Trimble,UHF,ultra-high frequency,Uniform Code Council,UPC label,Wal-Mart,Web GIS,Web-enabled

Format application/pdf (imt)

Language English

Contributor Electronically uploaded by the author (provenance)

Advisor Ruddell, Darren M. (committee chair), Chiang, Yao-Yi (committee member), Vos, Robert O. (committee member)

Creator Email bjgriffi@usc.edu,griffbrad12@gmail.com

Permanent Link (DOI) https://doi.org/10.25549/usctheses-c3-522192

Unique identifier UC11297873

Identifier etd-GriffithsB-3119.pdf (filename),usctheses-c3-522192 (legacy record id)

Legacy Identifier etd-GriffithsB-3119.pdf

Dmrecord 522192

Document Type Thesis

Format application/pdf (imt)

Rights Griffiths, Bradley Joseph

Type texts

Source University of Southern California (contributing entity), University of Southern California Dissertations and Theses (collection)

Access Conditions The author retains rights to his/her dissertation, thesis or other graduate work according to U.S. copyright law. Electronic access is being provided by the USC Libraries in agreement with the a...

Repository Name University of Southern California Digital Library

Repository Location USC Digital Library, University of Southern California, University Park Campus MC 2810, 3434 South Grand Avenue, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, California 90089-2810, USA