Track and trace across logistics and supply chains
As distribution operations become increasingly complex, real-time, item-level visibility becomes ever more important. From picking and packing to transport and delivery, the ability to monitor the location and status of goods is essential for transparency and efficiency. But due to cost, track and trace has typically been reserved for high-value items.
Pragmatic is revolutionising track and trace with ultra-low-cost, flexible integrated circuits (FlexICs) that make it quick and easy to embed intelligence almost anywhere.
Enabling track and trace
Our technology creates new opportunities in track & trace by making individual packaging items connected and intelligent. Our low-cost, flexible and durable ICs enable traceability throughout the distribution chain, ensuring accurate logistics management at scale.
→ NFC & RFID tags enable automated tracking of individual process steps
→ Flexible ICs and tags make it possible to track items of any shape
→ Robust ICs remain secure and intact throughout transit
→ Stakeholders and customers can directly engage with items
→ Low-carbon ICs leave minimal environmental footprint
Providing item-level visibility
Our technology enables item-level visibility from the factory door to the end customer. This helps to improve accuracy of shipments and deliveries, reducing shrinkage and improving customer satisfaction. Find out more in the short animation.
Track and trace applications
Tracking items for distribution
THE CHALLENGE
Accurately tracking and tracing individual items in large scale logistics operations can be difficult, with a high chance of traditional bar code labels being damaged in transit and manual scanning leaving room for error.
THE SOLUTION
RFID identification tags enable automated scanning at scale at each stage of the process, ensuring reliable visibility of parcels and packages throughout delivery and return.
→ Item-level visibility from factory door to end customer
→ Reduced shrinkage
→ Improved customer satisfaction
Supply chain management
THE CHALLENGE
In an era of just-in-time deliveries, there is no room for supply chain errors – inventory must be carefully managed to ensure an efficient fulfilment process and to satisfy customer expectations.
THE SOLUTION
By providing insights into the condition and location of goods in transit, FlexICs allow prediction of supply deficits and operational bottlenecks, enabling accurate management of stock levels across the distribution chain.
→ Prediction of supply deficits
→ Streamlined return logistics
→ Inventory management at scale
Tracking medical samples and equipment
THE CHALLENGE
Hand counting surgical instruments and samples can be slow, affecting turnaround times and labour costs. Efficiency can further be compromised by incorrect instrument lists, untrained personnel, or time constraints.
THE SOLUTION
Unique, per-item RFID identification tags enable quick and accurate inventory tracking, and help avoid ‘never events’.
→ Tampering, diversion and counterfeiting prevention
→ Verification of origin and integrity
→ Reliable traceability at scale
Tracking product disposal
THE CHALLENGE
The Tyre Recovery Association processes over 40 million used tyres a year. But tracking tyres at end of life isn’t easy, so they may not be disposed of or valorised effectively.
THE SOLUTION
Adding NFC tags at the point of collection allows information to be digitally recorded at each stage of the tyre’s journey. The location and agent responsible for the waste management process can then be tracked.
→ Documented product history from manufacture to end-of-life
→ Compliance with regulatory requirements
→ Accurate recall of damaged or contaminated goods
