Pod Group, in partnership with SODAQ and Lufthansa Industry Solutions (LHIND), has introduced a paper thin tracking device in the form of a Smart Label, which allows tracking of small and lightweight items.
The Smart Label uses the low-power cellular 5G connectivity standard (LTE CAT-M) to send data regarding device location and temperature back to a centralized dashboard, enabling logistics companies to track valuable goods which could be as small and light as an envelope containing important documents or as large as a full-sized oil painting. The middleware platform provided by LHIND enables the use of geofences with notifications that can be set to alert the user when the package enters or leaves key points along the supply chain.
The printed battery keeps the label as light as possible, while the use of low-power connectivity ensures that battery life is optimized and can last up to six months. The label could be used multiple times, depending on the frequency of the transmission. The alkaline battery is also more environmentally friendly than traditional lithium batteries, and the materials used are recyclable.
