Introduction
Terna, Italy’s leading electricity transmission system operator, implemented a cutting-edge solution based on RFID technology and InfinityID software to ensure the traceability of cases containing technical equipment.
The project made it possible to overcome inefficiencies related to manual management, transforming the warehouse into an automated digital ecosystem. Thanks to the integration of UHF on-metal tags and intelligent reading kiosks, the company achieved complete real-time visibility over equipment movements, ensuring operational continuity and a significant reduction in costs associated with the loss of critical assets.
Real-Time traceability (100%)
Reduced asset loss
Low impact implementation
The client: Terna – Driving Energy
Founded in 1999 in Rome, Terna – Rete Elettrica Nazionale S.p.A. is a strategic pillar of the energy sector in Italy and worldwide. The company manages 98.6% of the national grid and is Europe’s leading independent transmission system operator.
With annual revenue of approximately €3.68 billion (2024) and more than 6,400 employees, Terna chose to digitize its internal logistics processes in order to support field operations with the highest standards of efficiency. The adoption of InfinityID’s RFID technology is part of this ongoing innovation strategy.
The challenges in managing technical equipment
Before InfinityID’s intervention, the management of cases containing precision and maintenance tools presented operational issues that affected intervention times.
Main operational challenges:
- Storage errors: difficulties in accurately monitoring incoming and outgoing items led to longer operational times for retrieving equipment.
- Equipment loss: the lack of real-time traceability resulted in the misplacement of costly assets, leading to increased operational costs.
- Manual management: there was a clear need for an automated system capable of supporting day-to-day operations without adding complexity to technicians’ work.
The RFID solution: outbound traceability
The solution implemented by InfinityID is based on a low-impact stand-alone infrastructure that did not require any changes to the systems already in use.
Technological Components of the Solution:
- RFID UHF On-Metal Tags: applied to each case, these tags are specifically designed to function properly on metal surfaces, ensuring unique identification.
- RFID Kiosk: an infrastructure installed at exit points for the automatic detection of assets.
- InfinityID Software Platform: the digital core of the solution, which automatically links the tag code to the ERP/master data system and centralizes all information in a dashboard.
Key features of the system
The solution transforms equipment retrieval into an immediate and digital process.
- Equipment retrieval and reading process: the operator simply places the case within the kiosk’s reading area. The system performs an automatic proximity reading, eliminating the need for manual barcode scanning.
- Unique identification: each movement (OUT/IN) is correctly associated with the product master data and the responsible operator.
- Analytics dashboard: a complete overview displays barcode, item description, and movement type, ensuring continuous information updates.
Measurable results: efficiency and control
The integration of RFID technology radically optimized Terna Driving Energy’s workflow.
KPIs and Success Metrics:
- Real-Time traceability (100%): immediate visibility into which equipment is currently in use and which items are available in the warehouse.
- Reduced asset loss: thanks to a complete reading history, accountability and equipment location are always clear and reliable.
- Low impact implementation: a fast deployment that delivered immediate results without disrupting ongoing productivity.
