RFID in railroads and public transport - records, maintenance and logistics
In railroads and public transportation, reliability, traceability and quick maintenance are key. RFID facilitates asset accounting, service and maintenance records, and parts and equipment logistics. The choice of technology (UHF or HF/NFC) depends on the process: inventory and group reading vs. precise confirmations in the field.
Where RFID produces the fastest results in transportation
RFID's greatest impact is in areas where asset IDs need to be quickly confirmed, surveys need to be performed and events need to be recorded. The technology reduces manual transcription errors and speeds up field inspections.
- Records of equipment, tools and resources (asset tracking).
- Inspection and maintenance: confirmation of work on the resource/vehicle.
- Logistics of spare parts: receipts, releases, warehouse inventory.
- Checking the completeness of vehicle kits and equipment.
On-metal tags and permanent infrastructure signage
A lot of metal and harsh environmental conditions are encountered in railroads. That's why you often need on-metal tags and designs that are resistant to temperature, dirt and operating mechanics.
- On-metal tags for metal parts and enclosures.
- Resistance to outdoor conditions and industrial environment.
- Selection of mounting (adhesive/mechanical) under the surface and life of the marking.
Reading in the field: NFC for confirmation and UHF for inventory
For inspections and confirmations at a specific facility, NFC is convenient (short range, precise reading point). For warehouses and quick inventory, UHF with group reading is better suited.
- NFC: inspections, confirmation of work, identification in the near field.
- UHF: inventory, scanning multiple tags simultaneously.
- Handhelds: mobile work of teams and fast inspections.
Integration with CMMS/ERP and event history
The ID from the tag maps to a resource record in CMMS/ERP. Readings create events (review, repair, transfer), and reports allow you to control completeness and exceptions.
- Mapping an identifier to a resource/part record.
- Event history and maintenance process audit.
- Discrepancy and data completeness reports.
FAQ
Most common questions about this RFID application — if you need help choosing tags or running pilot tests, write to us.
Do you have a similar project?
Describe the material (metal/liquid/textiles), working conditions and the expected read range. We’ll select RFID UHF or HF/NFC tags, propose the process and prepare a B2B quote.