Dutch IoT firm SkyLab has introduced a compact electronic door seal providing real-time insights into the opening of trailer and container doors and hatches, including location, time and additional information.

Called SkySeal, it was developed through the KvK Innovation Challenge, an initiative in cooperation with Transport en Logistiek Nederland (TLN) and Dutch Customs. The goal was to explore how technologies could be used to secure cargo, detect unauthorised tampering of seals, and reliably record and report desired and undesired access to transport vehicles.

“SkySeal is much more than just a smart seal,” said Remy de Jong, technical director at SkyLab. “It’s an intelligent IoT offering (patent pending) that combines real-time security, location intelligence and long-lasting battery life into a compact and scalable solution.”

With over 35 years of experience in ICT and specialised security for the transport and logistics sector, SkyLab developed this with Dutch Customs, TLN and the Chamber of Commerce. It addresses growing international demand for reliable control over goods flows, physical access control and sealing.

By using the latest technologies in IoT, telecommunications, AI and blockchain, it is possible to monitor vulnerable points in logistical chains on a scalable level and provide real-time insights into location, desired or undesired openings, and seal statuses. This innovation is said to complete the missing piece needed to improve security and transparency in complex logistical processes.

Unlike traditional offerings, which often rely on expensive SIM cards and limited infrastructure, SkySeal uses LoRaWan, an energy-efficient protocol enabling long-distance communication. Thanks to LoRa technology, sensors can function for up to ten years on a single battery, providing low costs and high reliability even under difficult conditions, such as onboard ships – including below deck – and in remote areas.

SkySeal uses the SkyNet IoT LoRaWan (www.skynetiot.io). SkyNet IoT simultaneously offers multiple private, commercial, public and DePIN networks such as TTN, TTI, Helium, Crankk and Netmore, and provides seamless roaming between these connected networks. With over a million connected gateways, SkyNet IoT offers global connectivity for SkySeal and other IoT offerings.

In addition to access control, SkySeal features hybrid location capabilities. Even without GPS signals, locations can be accurately determined via triangulation, wifi positioning and beacon technologies, enabling precise tracking of indoor locations as well.

With SkySeal, SkyLab IoT (www.skylabiot.com) sets a standard for organisations aiming to maintain complete control over logistical processes, enhance goods security, and stay ahead of increasingly stringent customs and compliance requirements.

SkySeal is available for businesses and organisations in the transport and logistics sector.