McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas is
implementing a baggage-tracking system that will use radio
frequency identification bag tags from Matrics to improve customer
safety.
The decision to implement the tracking system makes McCarran one
of the first airports to use the RFID technology airportwide. As
part of the deal, Matrics will supply the airport with 100 million
passive, nonbattery, disposable 900-MHz RFID tags over a five-year
period for $25m.
The entire project is expected to cost $125m, with $94m of that
amount being paid for by the Transportation Security Administration
(TSA). The airport will pick up the rest of the cost.
The TSA is partially funding similar projects at other airports,
including Denver International Airport and Los Angeles
International Airport. Florida's Jacksonville International Airport
has already implemented an airportwide in-line screening system for
checked baggage but has only partially implemented an RFID tracking
system.
The first phase of McCarran's new system, expected to be
operational in May, will track all checked-in passenger bags
automatically through in-line explosive detection and screening
equipment.
This phase will include use of a facility that screens off-site
baggage coming from hotels and car rental companies, as well as two
other screening facilities to handle baggage checked in at the
airport's main terminal. It will involve five airlines and around
40% of airport travelers.
The process starts at the check-in desk, where a baggage tag
with an RFID chip and antenna imbedded in it will be printed out
and attached to each bag. Each tag will carry a unique identifier
and will be read while the bag is transported on conveyors through
the appropriate explosive-screening machine and onto the plane. If
the bag fails to clear the explosive-screening machine, it will be
sent to a special facility to be checked by hand.
Information from the tags is passed to FKI Logistex's software
controls.
The tags are claimed to be 99.8% accurate and can be tracked
from a distance of up to 30 feet. Barcode tags now commonly used
must be in close proximity to a reader.
Gene Alvarez, an analyst at Meta Group, believed the RFID
technology will work its way into more and more airports, not just
for security but as a way to match bags with passengers and reduce
delays.
Linda Rosencrance writes for Computerworld