Tech start up Packwise has designed a new smart sensor that will cut costs, improve efficiency and boost safety and green credentials for Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) users in the chemical, food, and logistic sectors. The new hand-sized attachment, developed over three years, will be tested by 25 businesses across Europe over the next five months with the aim of starting full-scale production next year.The sensor, which does not require specialist instalment, provides users with track and trace capabilities, automatic reordering, automated damage notifications, demand forecasting, theft protection via digital alarm, best-before date surveillance, and the avoidance of cross-contamination. “There are an estimated 10 million IBCs in Germany alone and up to 300 million across the globe, which means the impact of improved logistical capabilities will be huge for the chemical, liquid and food industries, plus a great benefit for the environment,” said Packwise CEO Gesche Weger. “Smart Cap users are able to increase service levels to their customers because fill levels and overall stock can be observed, monitored and replenished in line with demands while benefiting from optimised distribution and recovery routes.”Smart Cap technology reduced expensive IBC losses, she said, which meant the manufacture of more IBCs – a carbon-intensive process – was diminished, while optimised transport logistics reduced fuel, storage and idle unit costs. “Our technology enables businesses to enhance pay-per-consumption business models and makes the whole chain far more transparent by creating a digital twin,” said chief technology officer René Bernhardt. “We have been able to reduce the administrative burden with a greatly improved communication system that can be tailored to each business.”Container and product data for each user is encrypted and transmitted to the Packwise Flow web application where it can be analysed, set to trigger notifications/alarms, and interfaced with a pre-existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system upon request. According to Bernhardt, the smart cap can be mounted to combination IBCs of any type, including steel IBCs. Once the device is attached it is immediately ready for use where it will monitor fill level, location, temperature and movement. If the IBC can no longer be used, it can be removed without leaving any residue and then reattached to a new IBC.Smart Cap battery life is guaranteed for five years if it is set at a transmission interval of once a day and it can be tracked in more than 170 different nations.
