One of the biggest hurdles for companies renting industrial lumber mats is tracking their inventory. Mats are loaded onto massive trucks, delivered to job sites and used for the duration of a project. Once the job is complete, the mats are collected, cleaned and prepped for the next rental.
Key challenges include:
- Quantity Discrepancies – Ensuring the number of mats delivered matches the number returned
- Time-Intensive Tracking – Manual counting and recording can be slow, error-prone and labor-intensive
- Asset Visibility – Difficulty locating and managing mats across various job sites and yards
To overcome these challenges, a leading provider in the industry turned to RFID technology.
The Solution: Custom RFID Tags Embedded in Mats
The mat rental company collaborated with the HID team to develop a custom RFID solution tailored specifically for lumber mat tracking.
Key Features of the EXO 500P RFID Tag:
- Durability – Built to withstand harsh environments, heavy loads and the rigors of industrial use
- Recessed Installation – Mats are designed with a recessed area where the RFID tag is securely bolted, ensuring protection from damage during operation
- High-Performance Scanning – Tags can be read reliably in a variety of conditions, including wet mud and snow, enabling seamless data capture
Each lumber mat is embedded with an EXO 500P RFID tag during manufacturing or maintenance. The yards are equipped with RFID portals. Trucks loaded with mats simply drive through these gateways, and the tags are automatically scanned—capturing data on the mats’ movement. The system verifies that the correct quantity of mats is leaving or returning to the yard, eliminating manual counting errors. RFID technology provides immediate access to inventory data, allowing for better management and allocation of assets.
RFID technology is a transformative solution for companies managing high-value, high-volume assets like industrial lumber mats. By automating and streamlining the tracking process, businesses can improve efficiency, reduce costs and deliver superior service to their customers.
Lisa Moore, Sales Manager, U.S.A.
The Benefits of RFID Tracking
By implementing RFID technology, the company has revolutionized the way it tracks and manages its rental mats. The integration of the EXO 500P RFID tag and portal gateways has:
- Reduced tracking errors to nearly zero
- Improved operational efficiency by cutting down manual processes
- Enabled the company to provide more reliable and transparent service to its clients
- Enhanced Inventory Accuracy
Automated scanning ensures that the mats shipped out match the mats returned. This minimizes losses and discrepancies, saving time and money. - Time Savings
RFID eliminates the need for manual counts and paperwork. Loading and unloading operations are streamlined, allowing for faster turnaround times. - Better Asset Utilization
With real-time visibility into mat locations and statuses, companies can optimize the allocation of mats across projects and reduce idle inventory. - Improved Customer Satisfaction
Accurate and efficient tracking translates to better service for customers, as mats are delivered and picked up on time, every time.
