A discreet new tracking label, developed by fleet management company Samsara, is set to offer a novel solution to the escalating problem of cargo theft and supply chain uncertainty. The business card-sized device, simply called the Samsara Tracking Label, integrates Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology within a disposable package, providing real-time location data for goods in transit.
The label, which can be affixed to various types of cargo, operates by leveraging Samsara's extensive network of customer devices already deployed across fleets. This existing infrastructure acts as a Bluetooth network, allowing the label to transmit precise location information at any given time. This approach aims to address a critical vulnerability in the logistics industry, where cargo often becomes untraceable between major checkpoints such as ports or distribution centres.
David Gal, Samsara’s Vice President of Connected Equipment, highlighted that this new product is an evolution of earlier, bulkier, and more expensive tracking solutions. Previous iterations, like the 'Asset Tag', offered real-time visibility but were not cost-effective or practical for single-use, one-way shipments. Feedback from customers, who sought a small, real-time, and disposable tracking option, led to the development of this latest label.
Customers will receive the Samsara Tracking Labels in a dormant state, which can last for up to nine months. Once activated, the label's zinc battery powers the Bluetooth radio for approximately 45 days. The design prioritises disposability, a key factor that influenced the choice of a zinc battery over more complex lithium alternatives.
While the label is expected to primarily benefit large companies handling 'critical shipments', its implications extend beyond just preventing theft. Real-time tracking empowers businesses to make swift, proactive decisions regarding delayed or re-routed shipments, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing potential losses. This shift from a reactive to a proactive operational model is anticipated to bring greater certainty to supply chains.