Dube invests R5.4m in security system

The Dube TradePort Cargo Terminal at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport is in the process of implementing a new ultra-high radio frequency identification (UHF RFID) system. The terminal is investing R5.4 million in the project – which is planned to be completed later this financial year. This is in an effort to uphold its record of 0% cargo loss since opening for business in 2010, Petko Atanassov, senior manager (cargo development, operations and security), told FTW. The new system, he added, is also designed to improve on the terminal’s operational efficiencies in processing cargo. “In the future the new RFID system will allow for the live tracking of cargo from departure to delivery, as well as tracking any specific movements the cargo makes within the cargo terminal itself. Once it is integrated with the current cargo spot system, which manages air cargo, the system will provide an integrated physical handling, documentation and messaging real-time solution.” As far back as 1991 the airline industry considered RFID technology a very interesting innovation. But adverse cost factors prevented the technology’s adoption. However, in recent years, the price of individual RFID tags has fallen dramatically to a price point under R1.35 each. This has made their use viable. Already British Airways has executed an International Air Transport Association (Iata) trial of the competing technologies. “The trial aimed to prove that RFID improved the read rate for bar codes,” said Atanassov. “It was a success, with read rates of over 97% in a live environment – and proof that RFID could work for identification.” The new tracking system has also been recommended by Iata, and this has set the stage for the real possibility of the introduction of UHF RFID throughout the airline industry. “From a Dube Cargo Terminal perspective it provides a solid backbone for the integrated tracking of cargo for the airlines and freight forwarders,”Atanassov added. “This will greatly improve the security of cargo, as well as the operational efficiencies of logistics, by identifying any bottlenecks in the system of processing of cargo in real time.” INSERT & CAPTION In the future the new RFID system will allow for the live tracking of cargo from departure to delivery. – Petko Atanassov