H solutions Asset Tracking

Use Case

Smart labels and one-way tracking: the future of logistics and transparency

Single-use trackers based on smart labels offer an innovative solution for optimizing supply chains, reducing losses and increasing transparency. The energy-efficient LPWAN technology makes them cost-effective, sustainable and easy to integrate.

The increasing complexity of global supply chains: focus on transparency and communication

In an increasingly globalized world, supply chains are becoming ever more complex. Companies are faced with the challenge of transporting goods and products safely, efficiently and on time. The focus is not only on timely delivery, but also on minimizing losses, theft and inefficient processes.

In addition, customer expectations of smooth delivery and comprehensive transparency are increasing. Logistics processes must not only be flexible, but also sustainable in order to meet the growing requirements in terms of environmental protection and resource conservation. Managing these complex systems requires new solutions that are both cost-efficient and easily scalable.

Industrial robots in an automated production plant - without stable supply chains, there is a risk of downtime.
Industrial robots in production depend on functioning supply chains - any interruption can lead to expensive downtime.
A logistics employee scans parcels as he loads his trolley. Digital tracking technologies could automate this process and reduce errors.
Manual processes are a thing of the past - modern tracking technologies at load or even parcel level enable automated, error-free supply chains.

Challenges in modern supply chain management

Managing global supply chains poses numerous challenges. Losses due to theft, incorrect deliveries or damage are everyday problems that can cause considerable costs. Particularly with valuable or time-critical goods, a lack of transparency leads to inefficient processes and dissatisfied customers.

Another problem is the lack of control over supply chain partners. Companies often lack the necessary data to monitor how goods are handled or where they are in the supply chain. This lack of transparency can lead to disputes over responsibility and liability.

In addition, meeting environmental and sustainability targets is a challenge. Logistics companies must find ways to make their processes more environmentally friendly without losing efficiency or cost control.

The solution: one-way tracking with smart labels

A smart label (or smart tag) is an intelligent, digital extension of conventional shipping or product labels that can be equipped with technologies such as LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network), RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification), NFC (Near Field Communication) or barcodes. These labels are designed so that they can be easily integrated into existing logistics processes and provide valuable information for shipment tracking, temperature monitoring or tamper protection.

Smart labels based on Sigfox technology are a simple but effective solution for overcoming the aforementioned challenges – they enable cost-effective, energy-efficient and reliable tracking in a wide range of logistics applications.

Customizability and easy integration of smart labels

Smart labels can be designed ex works according to specific requirements or individually printed on site using standard label printers. They can be equipped with barcodes, NFC or RFID tags to ensure seamless integration into existing logistics and IT systems. Thanks to their versatility, they can be easily integrated into established processes and offer companies the opportunity to benefit from the advantages of digital shipment tracking without having to invest heavily in new infrastructure.

  • Ease of use and flexibility: The trackers can be applied like conventional labels and integrate effortlessly into existing logistics processes. The coverage of the Sigfox network can be condensed locally to ensure greater accuracy in distribution centers and transshipment bases.
  • Interfaces for network availability: Companies can use Heliot to query network availability along the routes or at the destination. This allows an automated decision to be made as to whether a shipment should be provided with a smart or a standard label.
  • Simple integration: The trackers are easy to integrate into existing systems and do not require any complex installations.
  • Cost efficiency: Inexpensive hardware and low connection fees make the technology accessible to companies of all sizes.
  • Energy efficiency: The long battery life of the trackers ensures maintenance-free use for weeks or even months.
  • Comprehensive coverage: Sigfox offers almost global network coverage, enabling companies to track goods even in remote areas.
A smart label with Sigfox technology enables automatic tracking in the supply chain without manual scanning.
Intelligent tracking without manual scanning - the Sigfox-based smart label ensures seamless transparency in logistics.
How does sustainability fit in? The ecological advantage.

Most of Heliot Europe’s disposable trackers use biodegradable batteries to minimize the environmental footprint. In addition, Heliot Europe offers a program for selected disposable trackers where used devices can be returned for refurbishment. Customers who take advantage of this program benefit from a discount on subsequent orders – a sustainable and economical solution.

  • Minimal electronic waste: Compared to GPS-based systems, which often consist of numerous components, Sigfox technology is designed for simple hardware with minimal electronic waste – ideal for large-scale applications.
  • Biodegradable batteries: The optionally available biodegradable batteries are a particular highlight for companies that value sustainability. They offer an environmentally friendly alternative that reduces the environmental impact to a minimum despite digitalization.

Concrete ideas - what are the benefits of smart labels?

The use of one-way trackers in logistics offers a number of practical benefits that help companies to overcome the challenges of modern supply chains. One of the key aspects is the creation of transparency in processes that are often difficult to keep track of due to their complexity. Smart labels also score points with their simple integration into existing processes. Like previous analog labels, they can be printed by standard label printers and are equipped with barcodes, NFC or RFID tags, which increases their versatility and compatibility with established systems. One-way trackers can be used to record information on shipments in real time, which not only increases efficiency but also improves communication between companies, logistics partners and end customers.

Independence from logistics partner data

These trackers can also make companies less dependent on external partners. The direct availability of data via the shipment status not only reduces the effort required for time-consuming reconciliations, but also saves costs. The flexible technical equipment of the labels makes it possible to fulfill a wide range of tracking requirements while continuing to use the familiar infrastructure. This technology ensures seamless communication and significantly increases customer satisfaction, especially in situations where customers constantly want to know the current status of their delivery. Especially in situations where customers constantly want to know the current status of their delivery, this technology ensures seamless communication and significantly increases customer satisfaction.

A logistics manager checks real-time tracking data on a large screen, while warehouses and transport vehicles can be seen in the background.

Independence from logistics partners

Digital smart labels and real-time tracking give companies full transparency over their supply chains without having to rely on logistics partners. The independent monitoring and control of goods movements reduces dependencies, improves efficiency and saves costs.

A logistics employee checks a consignment with smart labels while the real-time tracking of the goods can be seen on a screen.

Loss reduction

Real-time tracking with digital smart labels significantly reduces losses and theft in logistics. Precise location data and seamless monitoring prevent misallocations and give companies full control over their goods movements.

A logistics manager checks suspicious re-import movements on a tracking dashboard while customs officials inspect a container.

Monitoring of reimports

Through intelligent tracking, companies can prevent goods from returning uncontrolled to markets where they were sold at a lower price. Smart labels enable seamless monitoring of supply chains and provide information about unwanted re-import movements in order to protect pricing strategies and market positions.

Your benefit.

One-way tracking with smart labels offers companies a flexible, cost-effective and sustainable solution for overcoming the challenges of modern logistics processes. Many of these challenges – such as lack of transparency, loss of goods or inefficient communication – can be effectively addressed by this technology. In particular, the increasing complexity of global supply chains makes it necessary to use innovative solutions that enable real-time monitoring, independent data and easy scalability.

The combination of real-time monitoring and scalability enables processes to be designed transparently and potential risks to be identified at an early stage. Challenges such as a lack of control over logistics partners or the lack of traceability of goods are solved efficiently. End customers benefit from improved communication and increased reliability in the delivery of their goods, while companies can optimize internal processes and differentiate themselves from the competition.

Cost savings

Reduction of losses and lower operating costs.

Sustainability

Use of environmentally friendly materials and processes.

Simple integration

Compatibility with existing systems.

Innovative edge

Use of the latest technologies to optimize processes.

Customer satisfaction

Punctual and traceable deliveries increase trust.

Transparency

Real-time monitoring and better control over the supply chain.

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