As part of this, the RFID-based “plug and play” RAMS will provide TecPlata with remote real-time reefer monitoring and control capabilities, allowing the company to safeguard the condition of chilled and frozen container cargoes transiting the terminal. Monitoring refrigerated containers automatically from a central location, rather than staff having to manually check equipment in the yard stacks, will also contribute to terminal safety.
Identec will initially supply 500 RFID tags, out of 1,020 reefer points deployed at TecPlata, plus associated RFID readers, to plug into the serial ports of reefer containers stored at the terminal, predominantly in rack locations. The tags will provide real-time temperature reports and alerts, interfacing via the readers with the terminal’s Navis ECN4 terminal operating system (TOS) to allow for continuous monitoring and rapid response to any incidents. As well as monitoring the condition of reefer containers, RAMS allows users to remotely adjust temperature settings and conduct pre-trip inspections (PTIs) either singly or in batch mode.
Argentina is the second-largest exporter of perishable produce from the east coast of South America, and refrigerated container traffic is therefore expected to make up a significant percentage of TecPlata’s throughput.
Deployment of the system is scheduled for the end of 2103, to coincide with the opening of the first phase of the terminal. For more details, go to www.identecsolutions.com.
