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At Ecartes Technology Pvt Ltd, our journey has always been about innovation, adaptability, and creating lasting value. Recently, our Director, Shreyans B., had the opportunity to share this story on AIM’s latest podcast.

Listen to the full podcast here: AIM Podcast – Shreyans B.

In this insightful episode, Shreyans walks through:

• How he first stepped into the technology space
• The origin story of Ecartes Technology
• The milestones that shaped our 30+ year journey
• Lessons on leadership, innovation, and building resilience in a changing market

For over three decades, Ecartes has evolved from being a pioneer in smart card personalization systems to becoming a trusted partner in RFID, security, and e-governance solutions. The AIM Podcast captures the essence of our vision and values.

Don’t miss the opportunity to gain valuable insights into how Ecartes has built a legacy of trust and technology excellence.

🔗 Click here to listen now

At Ecartes, we believe our past defines our foundation, but our focus remains on future innovation. This podcast is a testament to the passion and perseverance that drives our journey.

RFID Solution for Indian Railways: How Ecartes Enabled Real-Time Tracking of Wagons & Coaches

Background

Indian Railways is one of the largest railway networks in the world. With more than 300,000 freight wagons and over 75,000 passenger coaches, managing, tracking, and maintaining these assets is no small task.

Before RFID was implemented, most of the data about these wagons and coaches was recorded manually — through papers or registers. This method was time-consuming, prone to human error, and gave little visibility into where an asset was or when it needed maintenance.

To solve this, Indian Railways partnered with Ecartes Technology Pvt. Ltd., a trusted name in RFID and smart card solutions. Their goal: to digitally transform how railway coaches and wagons are tracked, maintained, and managed.

Main Objectives

• Track every wagon and coach in real time
• Know when and where each one was last maintained
• Store complete digital history of each asset
• Plan preventive maintenance (before breakdowns happen)
• Eliminate manual errors and delays
• Improve safety and efficiency

What is RFID and Why Use It in Railways?

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology that uses radio waves to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects — in this case, wagons and coaches.

Instead of writing things down manually or relying on barcodes that need to be scanned up close, RFID tags can be read automatically from several meters away, even when the train is moving!

Why RFID is perfect for railways:

• It works in dusty, rainy, and hot environments
• It doesn’t require a battery (passive tag)
• It can be read without touching
• It stores important info like ID number, maintenance records, location, and movement history

How Ecartes Implemented RFID in Indian Railways 

1. Special RFID Tags for Wagons and Coaches

Ecartes provided specially designed RFID tags made of hard ABS plastic. These tags are:

• Extremely tough and unbreakable
• Weatherproof and waterproof
• Resistant to heat, dust, and shocks
• Designed to last more than 10 years
• Mounted securely using rivets or screws

These are passive UHF tags (they don’t need batteries), and can be read from up to 10 meters away using RFID readers.

Only this one rugged ABS tag is used across all Indian Railways coaches and wagons for standardisation. 

2. Installing RFID Readers Across Key Locations

Ecartes then installed RFID reader devices at important locations, such as:

• Train yards
• Major stations
• Maintenance depots
• Entry/exit points

These fixed readers automatically detect when a wagon or coach with an RFID tag passes by. They record:

• The tag ID
• Time and date
• Location
• Direction of movement

This information is sent to a central server.

3. Smart Backend System

All the collected data is sent to a central software system developed by Ecartes.

This system:

• Maintains a digital record of each coach and wagon
• Updates movement history and location in real time
• Sends alerts when maintenance is due
• Helps railway officials see everything on a dashboard

It is also connected with the Indian Railways’ main IT systems for better integration.

What Data is Stored on Each Tag?

Each RFID tag is linked to a digital profile that includes:

• Wagon/Coach ID number
• Date of manufacture
• Assigned depot or zone
• Last service date
• Next scheduled maintenance
• Total distance travelled
• History of any damage or repairs

This means no more searching for paper records — everything is available at the click of a button.

Main Use Cases and Benefits

1. Preventive Maintenance

The system alerts the railway team when a wagon or coach is due for servicing — based on distance traveled or time since the last service. This prevents breakdowns and improves safety.

2. Real-Time Tracking

Officials can see the live location of any tagged wagon or coach across India. This helps in planning train formations, rerouting, and ensuring optimal usage.

3. Digital Records

Every coach and wagon has a digital file with its entire history — making it easy to audit, plan, and manage.

4. Improved Safety and Compliance

The system checks if any asset has missed servicing or is overdue for repairs, reducing risk of accidents.

Technology and Components Used

Results and Achievements

• Over 100,000+ wagons and coaches tagged
• 200+ RFID reader points installed
• Significant reduction in manual errors
• Real-time tracking available across the network
• Maintenance planning improved by 30%
• Safer and more efficient operations

Conclusion

The RFID system implemented by Ecartes has completely changed the way Indian Railways manages its rolling stock. What was once a manual, paper-heavy, slow process has now become automated, real-time, and digital.

This project is a shining example of how RFID technology can modernize large-scale public transport systems, improve safety, and cut down operational costs.

With RFID, Indian Railways is not just running trains — it’s running smarter.

Contact Ecartes Today

Inventory and Warehouse Management

Ever wish your inventory could talk? With RFID, it practically does. This technology is a revolution for businesses to track and manage their stock, transforming inventory and warehouse management into a seamless, advanced process that reduces human errors.

Traditional inventory methods can be challenging—manual counts, misplaced items, and stock inaccuracies are common. RFID technology addresses these issues directly, converting your warehouse from a guessing game to an efficient, real-time inventory tracking system.

This guide explores RFID technology, its benefits, and how it can elevate your business operations. Whether you manage a large distribution center or a small stockroom, RFID can be a game-changer.

What is RFID?

RFID, or Radio Frequency Identification, is a modern tracking solution that involves attaching electronic tags to products and using specialized readers to identify and monitor them.

Here’s how it works:

• RFID Tags: Store product information electronically in a chip.
• Readers: Use radio waves to detect and read these tags, even without direct line of sight.
• Antennas: Facilitate communication between readers and tags.
• Software: Interprets data from the tags for inventory and warehouse systems.

RFID is a step up from barcodes, offering real-time stock data and location tracking. It streamlines processes, reduces manual labor, and improves accuracy.

How RFID Works

RFID systems consist of four key components:

RFID operates on multiple frequencies and offers superior tracking without manual counting. It improves efficiency, reduces labor, and enhances security.

Implementation of RFID in Inventory and Warehouse Management

1. Planning and Preparation

Evaluate your current processes, identify inefficiencies, and define where RFID will add the most value. Document your goals and pain points to guide implementation.

2. Choosing the Right RFID Technology

• Item Type: Materials like metal or liquids may require specific tag types.
• Warehouse Environment: Consider factors such as temperature or humidity.
• Reading Range: Do you need short-range or long-range tracking?

3. Installation and Training

• Site Surveys: Determine optimal placement for tags, readers, and antennas.
• Hardware Setup: Position all RFID components strategically.
• Software Integration: Link the RFID system to your inventory platform via APIs.
• Training: Ensure your team understands and can use the system effectively.

Benefits of RFID

Real-time Tracking and Visibility

RFID provides automatic, real-time updates on inventory. No manual scans are required, and it enables better forecasting, fewer stockouts, and fast decision-making.

Improved Accuracy and Productivity

Reduces manual errors with digital item-level tracking. Staff can focus on strategic tasks instead of manual counting, improving efficiency.

Advanced Stock Management and Security

Track items continuously and use trend data to forecast demand. In industries like pharma, RFID authenticates products and ensures secure delivery chains.

Streamlined Logistics and Supply Chain

Enhances just-in-time supply chain models by confirming timely arrival of goods and providing traceability from origin to delivery.

Enhanced Customer Service and Omnichannel Strategies

With real-time data, staff can quickly locate products, reducing customer wait times. It also synchronizes in-store and online inventories for better fulfillment.

Use Cases for RFID in Inventory & Warehouse Management

• Warehouse Automation: Used in large distribution centers (e.g., Walmart) to reduce shrinkage and improve availability.
• Pharmaceuticals: Guarantees product authenticity and traceability, preventing counterfeits.
• Retail Sector: Brands like Decathlon use RFID for instant stock visibility and fast inventory checks.
• Manufacturing: Companies like Ford use RFID to ensure the right parts are available on assembly lines.
• Logistics: DHL and Delhivery utilize RFID for shipment tracking and logistics transparency.

Conclusion

From boosting accuracy to streamlining supply chains and improving customer service, RFID is transforming business operations. Though it requires upfront investment, the long-term benefits—efficiency, cost reduction, and competitive edge—are substantial.

Ready to join the RFID revolution? Salvonic Technologies can help you implement this cutting-edge system to modernize operations and gain a competitive edge.

For businesses looking to optimize inventory management, RFID offers a scalable, intelligent solution to transform tracking and operations.