How Returnable Asset Management Drives Measurable Supply Chain ROI (RTI Optimization & Traceability)
Returnable Transport Items (RTIs) — trays, dollies, bottles, pallets, and reusable containers — are essential assets in every extended supply chain and modern logistics network. Yet, for many manufacturers and distributors in high-volume industries, these assets remain largely invisible. Without the ability to track their movement through digital traceability tools (RFID, smart labels, barcodes, and IoT sensors), companies face significant losses, operational inefficiencies, and sustainability setbacks that directly affect supply chain ROI.
Every year, U.S. companies spend an estimated $1.5 billion replacing lost or stolen reusable containers. For high-volume industries such as food and beverage, RTI losses of 15–30% are common. Antares Vision Group’s Returnable Asset Management solution transforms this challenge by delivering total traceability, real-time visibility, and data-driven optimization — turning returnable assets into measurable ROI and stronger ESG performance.
A $10M Problem: The Baking Company Case Study
One of the largest multi-national baking companies in the United States was experiencing chronic RTI losses. With more than 8 million trays and dollies circulating across 11,000 distribution routes, the company was replacing over $5M worth of assets every year — without knowing where, when, or why items disappeared.
Key Challenges
- Zero visibility into the location and status of millions of reusable trays and dollies across the extended supply chain
- No tagging or tracking mechanisms (RFID, barcodes, GPS, IoT) to understand shrinkage patterns
- Annual losses exceeding $5 million, directly impacting productivity
- Sustainability compliance risks and increased carbon footprint
The Solution
In 2023, Antares Vision Group implemented Returnable Asset Management across the company’s entire distribution network.
Each RTI was uniquely identified with RFID tags and barcodes, connected to the ACSIS Cloud Platform for real-time monitoring.
Seamless ERP integration enabled a single source of truth across systems and stakeholders — improving supply chain optimization and forecasting accuracy.
The platform also introduced:
- Configurable KPIs and automatic alerts
- Predictive analytics to identify shrinkage points
- Granular tracking across every route and handoff
The Results
The impact was immediate and measurable:
- 33% reduction in annual RTI costs
- Several million dollars saved in the first year
- Projected savings exceeding $10 million over five years
- 100% visibility across the extended supply chain ecosystem
- Full alignment with ESG and sustainability reporting requirements
The transformation showcased how transparency — powered by RFID, cloud analytics, machine learning and ERP integration — redefines RTI performance.
How Returnable Asset Management Delivers Measurable Supply Chain ROI
Why Returnable Asset Management Matters for Modern Supply Chains
RTIs are more than transport items: they’re reusable supply chain assets with financial, operational, and environmental value. Yet, most organizations still lack the visibility needed to manage them effectively.
Without traceability:
- RTIs go missing or sit idle
- Companies overspend on replacements and buffer stock
- Shipping delays and downtime multiply
- ESG performance suffers
- Audit risk increases
Returnable Asset Management addresses these problems by delivering real-time, end-to-end traceability.
Companies gain full visibility of each asset’s movement, status, and condition — enabling them to act early and optimize continuously and strengthen supply chain resilience.
How the Returnable Asset Management Solution Works
Antares Vision Group’s platform provides an integrated, cloud-powered ecosystem that connects RTIs, data collection devices, and business systems in a unified environment for supply chain optimization.
1. Tag: RFID, Barcode & IoT Identification
Each RTI receives a unique identifier (RFID, barcode, or IoT sensor) enabling 24/7 traceability and accurate data capture.
2. Track
Real-time data flows from readers, handhelds, vehicles, and facilities into the cloud platform, supporting advanced analytics.
3. Analyze: KPIs, Machine Learning & Shrinkage Detection
Built-in analytics, KPIs, and machine learning reveal shrinkage, abnormal usage patterns, and maintenance needs.
4. Optimize
Companies can:
- Recover assets faster
- Reduce replacement costs
- Lower carbon footprint (supporting ESG goals)
- Streamline logistics routes and transportation efficiency
- Improve partner accountability
- Enhance audit readiness and compliance
This creates a circular, efficient RTI lifecycle — maximizing ROI and minimizing waste.
Proven Business Impact Across Industries
Organizations using Returnable Asset Management typically achieve:
- 20–30% reduction in annual replacement costs
- 15–30% fewer RTIs required through better utilization
- 100% compliance with ESG and safety standards
- Significant reduction in downtime, delays, and unplanned shipments
- Improved demand planning, predictive maintenance and supply chain forecasting
These benefits deliver substantial financial returns while strengthening environmental performance — making the solution indispensable for industries such as food & beverage, chemicals, manufacturing, and life sciences.
RTI Visibility as a Strategic Supply Chain Advantage
Returnable Asset Management is no longer a “nice-to-have”: it is a strategic necessity for modern supply chains. By transforming RTIs from invisible cost centers into fully traceable, high-performing assets, companies can dramatically reduce losses, strengthen operational efficiency, and meet rising sustainability expectations.
As the baking company’s case study proves, real-time visibility, predictive analytics and data-driven insights unlock millions in savings while supporting a more circular, resilient supply chain. With the right technology in place — RFID, cloud platforms, ERP integration, and IoT-driven traceability — returnable assets can deliver measurable value — repeatedly.
Read more: Italian Government Rolls Out AI-Powered Made-in-Italy Protection
