UK asset tracking firm System Loco has selected the Aeris intelligent IoT network to provide connectivity to support and manage worldwide track and trace of smart pallets.

System Loco designs and produces IoT-enabled hardware and software tracking technology that underpins supply chains operated by smart pallet providers and accounts for tracking over hundreds of thousands of smart pallets in operation worldwide. The technology provided by System Loco is optimised for power usage and leverages Aeris’ intelligent eSIM for global coverage.

The growing emphasis on sustainable packaging and pallets is predicted to fuel the expansion of the smart pallets market, providing System Loco with global market opportunities. Most pallets in use today are made of wood, and they are one of the main contributors to municipal solid waste (MSW). Furthermore, the discarded wooden pallets are high in energy, which is typically lost during MSW disposal. Industries today are already implementing smart pallets made of recycled materials to reduce the environmental impact.

In addition, legislation in the USA, including the Food Safety Modernisation Act (FSMA) governing the delivery of food stuffs and healthcare products, has led to an increase in the popularity and demand for smart pallets made of plastic as they are more hygienic and easier to maintain and clean than traditional wooden pallets.

The availability of robust connectivity delivered by Aeris is vital for System Loco and its customers to ensure all items are reliably tracked and managed while in transit to conform to the regulations stipulated by the FSMA.

System Loco selected the Aeris intelligent IoT network, that includes LTE-M, NB-IoT, LTE, 2G and 3G coverage from 600 carriers globally to provide dynamic and flexible connectivity that ensures all demands from current and future networks are met. IoT sensor data are transmitted to the cloud via Aeris’ LTE-M network, making visible the pallet’s location and condition while in transit. Data that are captured from the device contextualise location, temperature, shock and event data, giving System Loco’s customers end-to-end supply chain visibility and clear, actionable insights in real time.

“For the success of our business, it’s all about connectivity and the Aeris intelligent IoT network delivers complete reliability for us in all our key markets and ensures that System Loco’s business is future-proofed,” said Souroush Honary, CEO of System Loco. “With 3G networks migrating to 4G in the USA, we needed an IoT partner that could ensure business continuity and deliver global coverage that supports battery life. In addition, the support and service we have received with Aeris has also ensured that we have been able to deliver robust solutions for our customers worldwide and will continue to support our growth.”

Mohsen Mohseninia, vice president of Aeris, added: “With Aeris global connectivity, System Loco is well-positioned for long-term global expansion as the number of providers of smart pallets operating around the world continues to grow. In addition to Aeris’ own cellular IoT networks, Aeris leverages its agreements with hundreds of carriers worldwide to deliver performance-optimised coverage for System Loco in order to deliver the highest performing networks that enable reliable connectivity to track System Loco’s sustainable smart pallets regardless of their location or movement.”

Founded in 1996, California-based Aeris is a global IoT provider with a history of helping companies unlock the value of IoT. For decades, it has powered critical projects for some of the most complex users of IoT services.

System Loco creates data gathering and management technologies for asset tracking and monitoring. Its technologies underpin smart factories, supply chain, worker safety, life sciences and other applications.