Page 20 - Sphere No.15 (Nov 2005)

In April 2005 HPH formed a joint venture called Savi
Networks with US-based Savi Technology Inc, a leading
provider of active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
supply chain solutions, to develop and operate an RFID-based
information network to track and manage containerised
cargoes.
Using active RFID “tags” located in each container, this net-
work provides shippers with real-time information about the
status of their cargoes from origin to final destination. The
available information includes location, regardless of whether
the containers are in transit on land, being held in a port
facility or at sea, environmental factors that might affect the
condition of the goods, such as temperature, light or humidi-
ty, and the integrity of the sealed container.
This information is easily accessed by all parties with a
legitimate interest in a shipment through a web-based appli-
cation. On a subscription basis, trading partners can obtain
and share data in a common format through an infrastructure
that can be integrated with existing enterprise systems.
Specific features of the system include automatic notifica-
tions of abnormal conditions during transit, warnings of tam-
pering with sealed containers, audit trails, a designated chain
of custody control at key hand-off points and customised
supply chain measurements and analytics.
HPH and Savi are building this network by installing active
RFID equipment in as many ports as possible – not just those
managed by HPH. Interested parties, including shippers,
transport companies and logistics service providers will be
able to connect to the network by installing compatible equip-
ment at their own locations. HPH and Savi will work together
SPHERE 18
>> an efficient cargo