Use of RFID technology for intelligent cross-border handling of transit goods

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Siror, Joseph K. | Kibet, Paul K.

Affiliations: Kabarak University, Kabarak, Kenya

Note: [] Corresponding author: Joseph K. Siror, Kabarak University, Private Bag – 20157, Kabarak, Kenya. Tel.: +254722847145; E-mail: josephsiror@gmail.com

Abstract: Demands for a more efficient clearance of human traffic and goods while addressing the ever increasing risks of terrorist, criminal and other illegal activities has become critical for government administrations especially in handling cross-border cargo and goods. Manual based methods are increasingly becoming overwhelming, ineffective and often lead to considerable delays. Thorough scrutiny in order to detect all violations often results in slower cargo clearance and pile-up of cargo. A compromise on the level of scrutiny has to be adopted so as to allow acceptable flow of cargo. Research therefore needs to be undertaken on solutions capable of addressing the twin problems of security and facilitation of faster flow of cargo. This paper proposes an intelligent border where RFID based cargo tracking solutions are used for transit cargo from port of entry to exit in order to facilitate passage without stoppage, checks or delays where no violations are observed during the trip. The business logic, design components and the requisite RFID infrastructure are discussed. Details of the simulations and simulation results that were used to test the design, business logic and work flow are provided.

Keywords: RFID, intelligent border, intelligent customs, transit goods

DOI: 10.3233/RFT-140057

Journal: International Journal of RF Technologies, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 1-15, 2014