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Blogs on Artificial Intelligence and Container Port

RFID Vs. OCR | What Solution Is Best For Terminal Gate Automation

  • Posted On: July 22, 2022
  • Post Comments: 1

If you work at a port, you are probably familiar with the RFID tags, an integral part of port operations. When trucks and containers enter and exit ports or container depots for that matter, they need to be tracked, identified, and checked. RFID tags allow port authorities to perform this process in an easier manner, without manually checking each container. But despite being automated, RFID systems do have their cons.

What if you need to check the condition and health of port equipment or containers? And what about ensuring that all containers have RFID tags that are functioning accurately? If you want to eliminate the delays and gaps in port entry and exit processes, you need to look at AI-powered gate automation OCR systems. Sorta like dOCR. But more on that later. First, though, why should you shift from existing RFID systems? We explore the RFID vs. the AI-powered OCR gate terminal automation systems in this story.

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How does the RFID system work?

The RFID system is pretty simple. It has 4 main components: the tag, the antennae, the reader, and the host PC or computer. Each RFID tag comes with an antenna. When a truck or container bearing an RFID tag enters the port entry and exit gates, a tag reader picks up information and shares it with the host PC.

There are various types of RFID systems. For instance, low-frequency RFID systems have a very short range. High-frequency systems also have a range of up to around 5 inches. Meanwhile, the UHF or ultrahigh-frequency RFID operates in a larger area. This is the system most for container tracking.

So, what are the limitations of the RFID system

One of the biggest limitations of using an RFID system is interference. Liquids, metals, and many other materials may limit the range of an RFID transmission. In this case, the accuracy of data gathering is affected, and sometimes, it may not be possible to even glean data through tags. As a result, ports have to resort to manual container tracking and identification.

Another issue ports using RFID tags face includes environmental factors. RFID tags might get affected by conditions like rain, hail, or snow, affecting accuracy in readings. It is also difficult to glean the condition of the containers with these RFID tags alone.

Finally, the RFID system requires that all containers be outfitted with correct transponders in the form of working tags or stickers. If a container is to be reliably identified when in motion, one tag must be attached to each side of the container or the RFID reader should be installed at both sides.

How to plug these RFID gaps then?

What if we tell you that it’s now super simple to plug the gap that RFID systems leave in port processes? What’s more, you don’t have to install any new hardware or make large tech changes. All this is possible with dOCR, an AI-powered terminal gate automation system.

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shipping-container-in-a crane-vector-image

How does an AI-powered OCR system differ from an RFID system?

OCR or optical character recognition is a technology that converts any kind of image with written text into machine-readable text data. No matter what image your camera grabs, OCR systems can convert them into data that other systems can use.

When using an AI-powered terminal gate automation system like dOCR, there are several benefits, like:

  1. The first thing of note is that no extra tags or devices need to be installed. An OCR system relies on cameras at the terminal exit and entry points.

  2. These cameras can capture information on the containers in most weather conditions accurately. They can also get a visual of container health and condition.
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  3. Whether the vehicle is moving or at a stop, the cameras can capture information accurately.

  4. The key to this system though is the artificial intelligence-powered software that is installed in port computers. It takes all the image data from the camera feeds and accurately breaks it down into container code, ISO size, type, tare, and gross weight, among other factors.

An OCR system at terminal gates ensures savings in terms of time and money.

So what’s the dOCR benefit?

dOCR, as we mentioned, is an AI-powered OCR system that can be deployed immediately in ports and container terminals. It has some benefits that fill the RFID gaps quite impactfully:

  • Using dOCR by DockerVision can help ports reduce their manpower costs by 1/3rd.
  • The AI-powered system is already able to track and identify containers with 95% accuracy. And being a smart system, it’s always learning.
  • dOCR also syncs with existing transportation management and other systems through APIs. Finally, using dOCR is extremely hassle-free as ports can use existing cameras to deploy it.

So what should you use - RFID or dOCR?

Most ports in India already use RFID systems extensively. Many stakeholders may have invested in some type of gate or terminal automation OCR systems as well. But it’s important to know which system is more beneficial.

We believe that warehouse managers tracking each SKU probably need to use RFID tags for accuracy and to avoid errors. But ports, rail ferries, and other gate terminals can benefit from both RFID and OCR systems. While RFID tags can help gather data, OCR systems like dOCR can help verify this data and its accuracy.

It’s important for port authorities to ask questions about existing systems and audit their operations costs. In order to move to a seamless, hassle-free experience at gates, the OCR systems offer more versatility and real-time information.

How can I use dOCR?

Curious about dOCR? Learn more about it here. We are offering a launch discount that you can get started with! Fill out the form below to book a call with us.

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    Comments

    RTLS, RFID or Vision: Choosing Container Positioning Tech : Docker Vision,

    15 Oct 2026

    […] That distinction is worth holding onto. Identity at a choke point and position in open space are different problems, and technologies that are strong at one are often weak at the other. The client compares the identity side in its piece on tags against optical recognition. […]

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