On the Usage of RFID Tags for Tracking and Monitoring of Shipped Perishable Goods

This paper presents idea for solution to several recurring problems in shipping perishable goods, derived from the basic question-howcan one assess the status of the content of a sealed container without opening it. This problem is particularly important for contents than can be spoiled and/or otherwise diminished by opening the container outside a protected environment. The idea is to employ the RFID technology in conjunction with integrated sensors to build the system. Key elements of the system are identified and overall design proposed. The proposed system when fully developed can be useful for numerous situations, from routine customs inspections to robust transfer procedures between a producer and its end customer. Although the paper focuses on liquids used in the food industry, such as fruit concentrates, but the concepts presented here can be applied to a wide range of perishable goods that are to be shipped in strictly-controlled conditions. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.