Improving Supply Chain Visibility with RTLS-Enabled Returnable Packaging

In the complex world of supply chain logistics, visibility isn’t just a bonus — it’s a necessity. For companies that rely on returnable packaging like pallets, totes, containers, or kegs, the lack of real-time visibility can lead to inefficiencies, losses, and inflated operational costs. Enter Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS): a technology that transforms your returnable transport packaging (RTP) into trackable, intelligent assets.

The Problem with Untracked RTP

Returnable packaging is designed to be reused, making it both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. However, without proper tracking, these assets often go missing, sit idle, or take circuitous routes back to origin — undermining their intended value. Common issues include:

• Lost or stolen RTPs
  
• Overstocking due to inaccurate inventory data
  
• Manual tracking and reconciliation errors
  
• Delayed shipments due to unavailable containers
• Potentially huge expenditures ($1MM+) on one-time packaging as a stopgap solution

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What RTLS Brings to the Table

RTLS enables you to monitor the precise location of your returnable packaging in real time. Using a mix of tags (RFID, BLE, UWB) and location infrastructure (gateways, anchors, or GPS), RTLS gives logistics teams the power to:

• Know where every asset is, at any time
  
• Automate inventory counts and reduce manual scanning
  
• Track the full lifecycle of each container
  
• Identify inefficiencies in the return loop
• Eliminate extraneous costs associated with single-use packaging

Real-World Example: From Chaos to Clarity

Consider a manufacturer that ships components to assembly plants using custom returnable totes. Before RTLS, the plant often over-ordered containers due to frequent losses. After implementing RTLS, they saw:

• 25% reduction in container shrinkage
  
• Faster asset recovery cycles
  
• Better planning and load balancing across facilities
  

Visibility Isn’t Just Nice — It’s Strategic

RTLS doesn’t just show where things are. It delivers actionable insights. From identifying slow-moving loops to optimizing container reuse, this technology empowers smarter decisions and a more resilient supply chain.

Ready to take the next step in optimizing your business? Reach out to us at team@lamplightlogistics.com to learn more. 

Coming Up Next: We’ll take a deeper dive into the financial side of RTLS — and how it delivers measurable ROI.

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