Understanding Asset Tracking and RTI Tracking in Supply Chains
What is Asset Tracking?
Asset tracking is the process of monitoring the location, condition, and movement of tangible assets, ranging from equipment and containers to tools and transport carriers, using identification technologies such as RFID.
It enables organisations to track the location of their assets, assess their efficiency, and identify when they require maintenance or replacement.
Advanced asset tracking systems offer real-time visibility and data-driven insights that improve operational efficiency, minimize losses, and support better decision-making.
Broadly, assets can be categorized into two types:
- Fixed assets – Items such as machinery, infrastructure that remain within a single location or facility.
- Returnable Transport Items (RTIs) – Reusable logistics assets like pallets, bins, drums, trolleys, and containers that move across suppliers, warehouses, distribution centers, and customers.
Because RTIs travel across multiple sites, their tracking and visibility requirements differ significantly from those of fixed assets.
What is RTI (Returnable Transport Item) Tracking?
RTI tracking refers to the continuous monitoring of returnable assets such as pallets, containers, trolleys, or bins as they circulate through the supply chain. These items are not consumed during operations, but they circulate between suppliers, warehouses, manufacturing plants, and customers as part of ongoing operations.
BCI’s Asset Intelligence Platform enables enterprises to achieve real-time RTI tracking through RFID technology, ensuring complete transparency and control over the movement and utilization of returnable assets.
Why an RFID-Based RTI Tracking System Matters
For enterprises managing large volumes of returnable assets, RFID-based RTI tracking delivers several critical advantages:
1. Ensures Asset Availability and Prevents Production Delays
By providing real-time visibility of all RTIs across supply chain locations, BCI’s Asset Intelligence Platform ensures that returnable pallets, crates, or containers are always available where they’re needed.
2. Improves Turnaround Planning
With accurate insights into how long each RTI remains in transit or at a customer site, operations can optimize circulation and reduce idle time.
3. Enforces Accountability Across Vendors, Plant Operations, and Customers
Digital audit trail ensures transparency at every check point making each stakeholder accountable for asset custody and timely returns.
4. Reduces Hidden Costs from Lost or Idle RTIs
Continuous tracking reduces the chance of loss or theft. This prevents organizations from incurring unplanned expenses due to frequent asset replacement or inefficient inventory cycles.
Download Case Study: How BCI helped a German Automobile Company to stop hidden losses with real-time pallet visibility
How RFID Enables RTI Tracking
Traditional RTI tracking relied on spreadsheets or manual scans methods that were slow, error-prone, and lacked real-time accuracy.
RFID overcomes these challenges through automated data capture and non-line-of-sight scanning.
Here’s how an RFID-based RTI tracking setup functions:
1. Tagging
Each RTI is tagged with a durable RFID tag containing a unique identification code.
2. Data Capture
RFID readers installed at key process points automatically capture the tag information as assets move in and out.
3. Data Transmission and Recording
The captured data is sent to BCI’s Asset Intelligence Platform, where it’s consolidated into a central database for visibility and analysis.
4. Visualization and Reporting
Managers can access dashboards, alerts, and analytics that display real-time asset locations, movement patterns, and utilization rates.
RFID Technology: The Ideal Choice for Returnable Asset Tracking
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is especially suited for RTI tracking because it offers:
- Non-line-of-sight identification
- Bulk reading capability
- High data accuracy
- Automation readiness
These characteristics make RFID ideal for FMCG manufacturing, pharmaceutical, automotive, and logistics environments where returnable assets are constantly in motion.
Why Businesses Choose BCI for RFID-Based RTI Tracking
BCI (BarCode India) is a proven leader in RFID-enabled asset management and RTI tracking solutions. BCI’s Asset Intelligence Platform provides a comprehensive framework combining technology, and real-time analytics for providing end-to-end traceability.
Key advantages include:
1. Seamless RFID Integration
BCI’s Asset Intelligence Platform connects directly with RFID hardware like readers, antennas, and tags for accurate asset identification and movement capture.
2. Scalable, Flexible Architecture
The platform supports modular deployment across single-site or multi-site operations, adapting to enterprise requirements.
3. Extensive RFID Implementation Experience
BCI brings 30+ years of expertise in deploying large-scale RFID systems across manufacturing, logistics, retail, and automotive sectors.
4. Real-Time Visibility and Actionable Dashboards
BCI’s Asset Intelligence Platform offers intuitive dashboards and reports, empowering decision-makers with clear, real-time insights into RTI movement and utilization.
5. Sustainability and Operational Efficiency
By maximizing RTI reuse and reducing waste, BCI’s RFID-enabled solutions support sustainable, circular logistics practices.
Conclusion
As supply chains become faster, leaner, and more interconnected, RFID-based RTI tracking is no longer optional—it’s a strategic cornerstone of operational excellence.
BCI’s Asset Intelligence Platform, powered by advanced RFID technology, enables industry leaders to achieve complete track and traceability of returnable assets, helping prevent shortages, reduce losses, enhance accountability, and promote sustainable supply chain operations.
With BCI, enterprises can turn every returnable asset like container, pallet, or bin into a digitally visible and optimizable asset, ensuring the precision and control required for modern-day supply chain performance.
