.svg){kind=small}
Containers are more than just transport units
Containers have become indispensable in many industries. They are used as mobile offices, storage facilities, living spaces or supply centers and offer flexible solutions for construction sites, events or disaster relief operations. Despite their versatility, however, the management and monitoring of these valuable resources present companies with considerable challenges. Especially when it comes to decentralized use and collaboration with partners, problems arise that are difficult to solve without innovative technologies.
The demands placed on containers are high: they must be robust, reliable and ready for use at all times. At the same time, it is crucial to avoid losses, detect damage at an early stage and ensure efficient deployment planning. There is also the need to create transparency about usage throughout the supply chain in order to clearly assign responsibilities in the event of incidents such as damage or loss.
This is exactly where our solution based on Sigfox technology comes in. It offers a reliable, cost-efficient and easy-to-integrate way of tracking containers, monitoring their operating conditions and thus sustainably increasing the efficiency and security of container projects. The technology opens up new opportunities for companies to optimize their processes and conserve resources at the same time.
Challenges in container management
The effective management of containers requires dealing with specific challenges:
-
Loss or theft
Containers used in remote or obscure areas are particularly susceptible to theft or loss. Without reliable site monitoring, such incidents can cause considerable financial damage. -
Mechanical loads and environmental influences
Containers are often exposed to extreme conditions: heavy machinery, vibrations or extreme weather conditions can cause damage that impairs their use. -
Maintenance and availability
Unplanned downtime due to undetected damage or inadequate maintenance can delay projects and drive up costs. Continuous monitoring is crucial to keep containers operational on time. -
Transparency in the supply chain
It is often difficult to clarify responsibilities in the event of damage, particularly in transportation and partner projects. A lack of data on location, time and cause makes it difficult to settle claims and leads to uncertainty.
The solution: Sigfox technology for container tracking
Our solution uses Sigfox technology to efficiently track containers and monitor their condition. It combines GPS positioning with the recording of sensor data such as vibrations, temperature or humidity, which allows not only the position but also the operating conditions of the containers to be recorded.
Thanks to their robust design, the trackers are ideal for demanding areas of application. They can withstand extreme loads, such as those encountered on construction sites, and have been tested under the toughest conditions – from vibrations on demolition hammers to being driven over by heavy machinery. This robustness ensures durability, even with intensive use.
A key advantage of Sigfox technology is its low energy consumption. This enables a battery life of at least four years – even longer for stationary containers. As a result, the solution not only reduces maintenance costs, but also contributes to sustainability thanks to the lower battery consumption.
The trackers are easy to install and can be attached using screws, rivets or adhesive. Data is transmitted via the comprehensive Sigfox network, which offers a range of up to 60 kilometers even in remote regions. The secure transmission protects against data loss and manipulation.
In addition to location monitoring, the solution enables precise documentation of damage caused by impacts or extreme environmental influences. This information can clarify responsibilities in the supply chain and simplify claims settlement.
Overall, Sigfox technology offers a low-maintenance, cost-effective and scalable solution that helps companies to manage their containers more securely and transparently. Whether for construction sites, disaster relief operations or long-term stationary use – the solution increases efficiency and safety in equal measure.
How the solution works
- GPS tracking and data transmission: The trackers record the location of the container via GPS and transmit the data to a central platform via the energy-efficient Sigfox network. Alternative positioning methods, such as radio cell data, can be used for areas with weak GPS reception. The transmission is secure, resistant to interference and has been specially developed for resource-saving operation.
- Flexible data frequency: The transmission intervals are customizable. Stationary containers, for example, send weekly “vital signs”, while more frequent updates are possible for transported containers. This flexibility ensures precise and efficient monitoring, tailored to the respective requirements.
- Intelligent event detection: Trackers can be programmed to trigger automatic alarms in the event of certain events such as strong vibrations, inclinations or unforeseen movements. This increases safety and reaction speed in the event of incidents.
- Extended sensor technology: In addition to GPS positioning, sensors for temperature, humidity and vibrations can be integrated. They enable a detailed analysis of the operating conditions, allowing damage to be detected and documented at an early stage.
- Easy integration: The trackers can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems. Standardized API interfaces enable connection to ERP systems or other asset management platforms so that companies can make optimal use of existing infrastructures.
- Cloud-based data analysis: The collected data is analyzed centrally in the cloud. Dashboards provide companies with an overview of trends, status forecasts and optimization potential in order to make data-based decisions.
- User-friendly installation: The trackers are easy to install – either by screwing, riveting or with industrial adhesive. Once installed, they are maintenance-free and maximize battery life thanks to energy-optimized transmission algorithms.
These comprehensive functions offer a flexible and efficient solution that can be optimally adapted to the requirements of modern container projects.
Success stories and use cases
The innovative technology opens up a wide range of possibilities for the efficient management and monitoring of containers in a wide variety of projects. Whether on construction sites, in logistics or for long-term stationary operations – the solution offers practical and measurable benefits that help companies to reduce costs, make optimum use of resources and at the same time create transparency in their processes.
From precise location monitoring to damage documentation, the Sigfox-based solution has proven itself in practice. It not only enables owners to manage their containers more efficiently, but also offers added value for insurance companies and partners in the supply chain. Specific use cases illustrate the flexibility and benefits of this technology.
Increased efficiency in container management
A construction company was able to use Sigfox technology to better organize containers on construction sites and monitor movements. This led to a reduction in losses and better use of resources.
Loss allocation in the supply chain
A potential use case shows how the solution can help insurers: Damage caused by vibrations, moisture or extreme temperatures can be assigned to a specific location and time. This makes it clear which player in the supply chain is responsible.
Optimization of maintenance and deployment planning
Long-term residential containers could be monitored through regular status reports without on-site inspections. This significantly reduced maintenance costs and downtime.
Your benefit.
Our solution based on Sigfox technology offers companies an efficient way to reliably monitor and manage their containers. With robust hardware that can withstand even extreme conditions, precise location tracking and advanced sensor technology, the solution enables damage to be detected, conditions to be monitored and responsibilities to be clearly assigned. The energy-efficient technology also ensures long battery life and reduces potential e-waste, which both lowers operating costs and promotes sustainability.
Thanks to the comprehensive coverage and simple integration into existing systems, the solution is not only versatile, but also quickly scalable. Whether to prevent losses, optimize maintenance processes or as a basis for insurance claims – the solution increases transparency and efficiency, enabling companies to use their containers in a resource-saving and cost-effective manner.
Optimized use of resources
Regular location monitoring and status reports give companies control over their container fleet. Containers can be used more efficiently and downtimes can be avoided.
Damage documentation and allocation
The integrated sensor system detects and documents damage caused by impacts, vibrations or environmental influences. This data enables damage to be precisely assigned to a specific time, location and actor, which makes it easier to clarify responsibilities.
Cost-efficient
The robust and maintenance-free technology reduces maintenance costs and extends the service life of the containers. The maintenance-free battery life of at least four to six years ensures additional savings.
Scalable for large projects
The solution is easily scalable and can provide thousands of trackers within a few weeks to efficiently support even large projects.
Simple integration and low maintenance
The trackers can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems and are virtually maintenance-free once installed, ensuring long-term reliability.
Transparency in partner projects
For companies working with partners, the solution provides clear insights into the use of the containers. This ensures that the containers are used properly and deviations can be detected at an early stage.
