Smart Containers: XXI century logistics

1 - What are Smart Containers

"Smart containers" are shipping containers that are equipped with sensors, trackers, and communication devices enabling them to collect and transmit information in real time. This technology enhances the efficiency, security, and tracking of containerized goods, especially in supply chain and logistics operations.

90% of non-bulk cargo transported today by sea uses container boxes. Supply chains and logistics are being disrupted by the emergence of Smart Containers.


2 - Why do Smart Containers matter?


Logistics are mostly invisible! Maritime containers are managed by the cargo manifests and planned routes: we know where containers originate and their destination but, during the transportation we don’t know if containers are lost, stolen, or damaged. And this is for the containers, what about the inner cargo?

The solution is to add to the maritime containers sensor and tracker capability:

Containers + sensors + trackers + communications = Smart Containers

Using sensors, the captured data is automatic avoiding human errors or frauds.

This real-time data allows to:

  • update ETAs

  • routing points traceability

  • exception alerts such as:

    • unexpected door opening (possible theft?)

    • unexpected temperature (possible fire?),

Besides real-time, the collected and aggregated data allows for analytics insights such as:

  • container shortages

  • congestion at ports

With Smart Containers, logistic operators have worldwide door-to-door visibility!

3 - Onboarding

“Do I need to buy a special container?”

No!

Just add IoT technology to your regular container to transform it into a Smart Container!

4 - UX

Once communicated, the data is accessed with a simple web dashboard with the locations on a map and the important statistics.

All data is accessible by a REST API to be integrated into BI or ERP systems.

5 - Notifications

Alerts can be notified by SMS, E-mail, or smartphone or watch notifications.

With 4000+ smart containers monitored by Sensefinity’s platform, we have the expertise to help you. Bring us your use cases and pains and let’s have a conversation. Schedule a 1/2 hour here:

Learn more by reading the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe whitepaper.