IoT and tracking technologies are pivotal to the intelligent management of modern logistics totes, with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) serving as a core application. By utilizing electronic tags mounted on the totes alongside reader subsystems, RFID technology is gradually replacing traditional barcodes, enabling end-to-end tracking and traceability for logistics units-ranging from individual items to bundled packages and pallets. Key characteristics such as long-range identification, rapid response, high data storage capacity, and robust environmental adaptability allow for dynamic, real-time, and transparent logistics management. Typical operational workflows encompass the installation and activation of RFID tags by packaging manufacturers, the recording of tote arrival data by suppliers, the verification of receipt details by manufacturers, and the return and circulation of totes via third-party logistics providers. To achieve efficient management, an RFID-based information platform (such as a Warehouse Management System) is required; this involves assigning unique identifiers to totes and linking them to a database, while ensuring data uniqueness and traceability through verification at each operational stage.
In the realm of cold chain logistics, the integration of RFID technology with temperature and humidity sensors offers a precise solution for tote management. The system architecture's sensing layer comprises UHF RFID tags mounted on the totes (featuring waterproof, dustproof, and temperature-resistant properties), temperature and humidity sensors, and either fixed or handheld RFID readers. The tags uniquely identify the totes and store logistics data, while the sensors monitor internal environmental parameters in real time. Operational workflows cover processes such as tote initialization, inbound and outbound management, in-transit environmental data collection, delivery confirmation, and inventory auditing.
