Whitepaper Digital Logistics: The Right Technology for Maximum Visibility & Efficiency

In today’s fast-paced global supply chains, real-time visibility and operational efficiency are more crucial than ever. Logistics, once a simple movement of goods, has evolved into a highly complex ecosystem of interconnected networks. Digital transformation plays a key role in addressing modern challenges. The choice of the right technology depends on various factors such as the level of automation, investment in infrastructure, and operational scope.

While RAIN RFID enables real-time tracking with minimal per-unit cost, SubGHz is particularly suited for continuous asset monitoring across large areas. NXP Semiconductors presents pioneering solutions for smarter logistics in its latest whitepaper titled “Digital Logistics: Choosing the Right Technology to Increase Visibility and Efficiency”.

Logistics is not a one-size-fits-all industry – the requirements for tracking technologies vary significantly depending on the application scenario. The NXP white paper categorizes logistics processes into three key environments: parcel and e-commerce services, enterprise supply chains, and circular economy logistics.

Each of these environments has specific tracking technology requirements. Choosing the right solution determines how efficiently, transparently and cost-effectively logistics processes can be managed.

Logistics is not a one-size-fits-all industry – the requirements for tracking technologies vary significantly depending on the application scenario. The NXP white paper categorizes logistics processes into three key environments: parcel and e-commerce services, enterprise supply chains, and circular economy logistics.

Each of these environments has specific tracking technology requirements. Choosing the right solution determines how efficiently, transparently and cost-effectively logistics processes can be managed.

The whitepaper defines three key technology categories that drive modern logistics and provides detailed insights into the pros and cons of each technology to enable informed decision-making.

1. Optical Systems (Line-of-Sight Tracking)
   • Traditional barcodes and QR codes remain widely used but require direct visibility and manual scanning.
   • Machine vision enhances tracking accuracy through AI-powered image recognition but requires significant computing power.
2. Passive Radio Technologies (Battery-Free Contactless Systems)
   • HF RFID, including NFC: Short-range tracking for secure user interactions – ideal for individual product authentication.
   • UHF RAIN RFID: A preferred solution for logistics, offering high-speed scanning of large volumes over long distances – without requiring direct line of sight.
   • Ambient Bluetooth tags: Bluetooth tags are considered part of the Ambient
     IoT, where connected devices harvest energy from naturally available energy sources.
3. Active Radio Technologies (Battery-Powered Contactless Systems)
   • Active RFID: Enables continuous tracking with a range of several hundred meters – ideal for monitoring high-value assets.
   • SubGHz Systems: Used for large-scale logistics and circular economy applications, providing kilometer-range tracking without requiring extensive infrastructure.

Choosing the right tracking technology can be a game-changer for logistics efficiency. But not all solutions fit every scenario—different logistics environments require different approaches.

Parcel & Enterprise Logistics: Speed, cost-efficiency, and seamless tracking are key. RAIN RFID excels in these areas, offering high-speed scanning of thousands of items at once, without the need for direct line-of-sight. Its ability to track shipments in real time across multiple checkpoints makes it the ideal choice for fast-moving supply chains and large-scale logistics operations.

Circular Economy Processes: When it comes to tracking reusable, high-value assets, SubGHz and RAIN RFID form a powerful duo. While RAIN RFID ensures precise identification of items at key checkpoints, SubGHz technology enables continuous monitoring over vast areas. This combination allows businesses to optimize asset management, prevent losses, and maximize sustainability.

By leveraging these advanced technologies, companies can transform their logistics operations, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and cost savings at every stage.

Download the whitepaper for free today!