The Power Behind Active Asset Tracking Solutions Improving the Standards of Traceability
What Is An Active Asset Tracking Solution?
An active asset tracking solution can be defined as a near real-time monitoring solution whereby data is received and then transmitted to a secured cloud portal. The asset tracker enables this by different types of networks such as cellular or Wi-Fi which is dependent on the capabilities of the device in order to send the data wirelessly without the need for intervention.
Predominantly, industries that utilise passive data loggers are beginning to move away from these types of solutions due to greater capabilities of connected asset tracking solutions, sustainability offerings and low cost of implementation.
Current Challenges Experienced Due To The Use Of Passive Data Loggers Today
While the exact challenges experienced will largely depend on the solution that is utilised, this can change rapidly due to advancements in technology. The below are some common challenges that can occur. Passive data loggers can lead to siloed data between stakeholders across the supply chain whether that be receiving raw materials, manufacturing, storing finished products or throughout distribution.
This often occurs as data from passive solutions cannot be viewed until the USB of the device is inserted in a computer to obtain the data. This is dependent on the end receiver inserting the device once the trip is completed, in some cases the data may become available via a server to other concerned stakeholders however data sharing capabilities can be manual and limited.
One of the most common challenges experienced is the ability to only discover violations after the trip has been completed and the USB from the device is inserted to retrieve the report. The only other way that violations are visible is from the front of the device which requires someone to physically check the device. This is not necessarily possible when the device itself will often physically be packed inside the box to ensure accurate temperature of the consignment is monitored rather than the outside temperature.
This not only leads to greater difficulty of pinpointing what may have triggered violations and when they have occurred in turn leading to delayed decision making. Not to mention the end result when products are then no longer viable for use, the product then has to be sent back resulting in higher emissions and costs associated with re-distributing the product altogether.
Some challenges that can occur with perishable goods include piercing of packaging, tempering, cold chain breaches and mishandling of products resulting in them no longer being able to be sold and inferior quality due to presentation of product. Thereby utilising active asset tracking solutions can allow intervention to occur at the earliest possible time resulting in lower product damage and waste.
How Are Active Asset Tracking Solutions Improving Standards Of Traceability For Perishable Products?
There are many benefits of utilising active asset tracking solutions to improve traceability throughout the supply chain particularly throughout distribution. Near real-time asset trackers allow products to be located at any point of time enabling cold chain logistics companies and their clients to have a greater understanding of vital metrics on their products. By receiving near real-time alerts based on set parameters this enables stakeholders to easily identify if products have remained compliant even before the product has reached its final destination. This enables early intervention to occur when parameters are broken leading to reduced product damage.
An active asset tracking device is simply only one part to the complete solution, with dashboard access playing an important role in how data can be viewed. Technology is continuously being improved so much so that multiple stakeholders can receive alerts while at the same time different access levels can be determined enabling stakeholders to only receive the data which is necessary to them. The value lies within the data itself allowing for greater analysis and ability to identify trends leading to improvements of current processes throughout the supply chain.
Greater transparency can be facilitated with active asset tracking devices on a regional and global scale with a number of solutions today being able to be used globally. This enables the same solution to be utilised across borders and simplifies traceability for all parties involved. Active solutions enable greater traceability due to near real-time notifications helping to reduce contaminated and spoiled products making it to the end client and helps to easily identify what products have been affected. This aligns closely with greater sustainability efforts by reducing damage and waste of products due to proactive action that can be taken.
IoT enabled solutions can feature a number of capabilities including location tracking, temperature & humidity monitoring, tampering detection, automatic flight mode and even geofencing. This works to improve current traceability processes in place allowing stakeholders to understand when & where products arrive, the condition and how products have been handled throughout. This is of significance when companies want to take proactive steps to make changes to current processes, improve sustainable practices and ensure products remain 100% compliant throughout the supply chain. With continued regulations set out by government bodies and associated departments globally, active asset tracking solutions are assisting companies to securely track pharmaceutical consignments and other perishable products. Essentially the regulations and compliance measures set by government bodies are helping to facilitate a set standard globally for tracking temperature-sensitive products to make sure they remain safe for use.
By utilising active tracking solutions, visibility can significantly be enhanced throughout operations. Furthering this many companies have implemented the notion of control towers which acts as an all in one comprehensive solution for their clients furthering benefits of implementing such solutions allowing greater control and proactive measures to take place. Utilising near real-time data not only allows for decisions to be backed by data but for greater agile actions to take place when disruptions occur. Implementing active asset tracking solutions ultimately digitalises supply chains and creates a connected ecosystem allowing all stakeholders whether this be internal or external have greater oversight of vital metrics surrounding products and their movements allowing for a more intelligent supply chain to be developed. With the cold chain making up a significant portion of food supply chains, projected to be worth
USD $340.3 billion by 2025 consider the power that data can unlock for this segment of the cold chain alone.
Bringing Active Asset Tracking Solutions To Market.
Adapt Ideations has innovated a range of innovative active asset tracking solutions for the global market. Along with our ecosystem partner Intellistride we are bringing our asset tracking solutions to the South East Asian market. Our strong sense of partnership has fostered a collaborative approach to the market allowing us to jointly take the cold chain sector from passive data loggers to innovative asset tracking solutions within the region.
Enquire to find out more about our innovative solutions and how they can be utilised at enquiries@adaptideations.com
Powerful and reliable, asset tracking and monitoring solutions.
Innovative monitoring solutions for high-value & temperature-sensitive assets.
Share Our Post.
Awards & Recognition
Best Temperature Monitoring Solution Provider
Awarded by India Biologics & Vaccines Outstanding Industry Awards 2022
Adapt Ideations Recognised As A Supply Chain Leader
by Alcott Global on Supplify's Supply Chain Tech Map 2.0
Related Articles.
Our Guides.
Sign up to our monthly newsletter!
H.No.1-89/G/36, 3rd Floor, Plot No.36, Mindspace, Shilpi Valley, Madhapur, Hyderabad – 500081, India