This installation for automatic vehicle identification (AVI) enables visibility into the port administration system to see which trucks have entered the terminal at a specific time. Since RFID cards are linked to trucking companies, when the trucks pass through the auto-gates, photo footage is linked to that specific card/tag. This has significantly assisted the management of access authorisation and security for both the customers and the Port Operator as the level of information and confirmations has increased.

The Tagmaster LR-series long range RFID readers and the Combitag Classic tags being deployed are based on Tagmaster’s 2.45 GHz technology and were chosen for their quality and reliability. This dual tag contains both long range identification capability and proximity reading using HIDÒ eProx coils. For the Transnet terminals in South-Africa, both a short and a long range system were needed. The Tagmaster technology allows the trucks to be recognised upon arrival at the primary gates without having to stop or to slow down, and a photo of the truck is taken at the time of entrance through this primary gate. At the second stage of identification, the HID Global short range technology allows the driver to be validated at the Camco Technologies transaction kiosks further in the terminal. Both technologies are essential to ensure the steady throughput of cargo.

A domestic (central) database has been established that contains over 15,000 Tagmaster tags in two remote locations – Durban and Port Elizabeth, which are almost 1000km apart. With the use of the combination of RFID technologies, faster identification of trucks and drivers at both short and long distances has been achieved. The installation has resulted in an improved accuracy of data input and a higher level of security control, as tags are configured specifically in relation to the trucks, per trucking companies.

"By introducing the use of this tagging system we have provided the trucking community with the ability to accurately control their fleet. The system also prohibits any fraudulent activities in connection with truck access as each card is unique to each truck,” says Anton Bernaerd at Camco Technologies.

“We are pleased to support Tagmaster in the use of HID technology in the Combitag Classic tag,” said Diane Kehlenbeck, HID Connect partner programme manager with HID Global. “By combining technologies with two different purposes into a single device, the end-user ultimately experiences ease of use coupled with better security controls.”