MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Six companies have licensed California-based Savi Technology's radio frequency identification technology in an effort to better secure cargo containers.
Savi is a Lockheed Martin company. Its RFID-based total asset management solutions are incorporated into the new global standard, International Standardization Organization 18185, for electronic cargo seals as defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's U.S. SAFE Port Act of 2006.
ISO 18185 enables interoperability of products from multiple vendors. Officials say they are considered by DHS as an applicable container security standard. The U.S. SAFE Port Act of 2006 was enacted to define the voluntary use of container security devices in accordance with international standards.
Company officials say 90 percent of world trade now carries e-seals. The e-seals are an emerging class of active RFID devices with built-in security and tracking features that enhance visibility, security and efficiency of in-transit cargo containers.
E-seals combine mechanical locks with wireless RFID communication systems to automatically notify users about security breaches and container locations.
"Some 200 million containers flow through the world's ports each year, and the efficient and secure movement of cargo is a U.S. and global priority," Pat Burns, Savi's vice president of marketing and licensing, said in a statement.
Companies signing on as authorized licensees of Savi's e-Seal RFID patents include Axcess International Inc., Evigia Systems, Envotech Co. Ltd., Identec Solutions, KPC and SAVR.
