Rich Kilmer, chief executive officer of CargoSense, brings us up to date on the technology that enables shipment visibility — including the internet of things and digital twins — and what shippers are really looking for in that department.

When it comes to shipment visibility, “different customers have different needs,” Kilmer says. Some just want to know where their trucks are, while others demand more frequent updates about the progress of a trip, along with the status of the trailer’s contents. In the case of the latter, internet of things (IoT) devices are proving to be invaluable tools for acquiring item-level visibility on an ongoing basis.

IoT technology has evolved “pretty dramatically” over the last decade, from its original application for early cellular devices, to its current use in reading 3D barcodes and functioning in a power-efficient manner on the mobile side of the 4G LTE frequency band. Battery technology has improved to the point where devices retain power for up to four months without need for recharging or replacement, and can be globally deployed.

IoT devices today are “always on” and capable of transmitting at frequent intervals, integrating with GPS technology to relay accurate location data to within four or five meters. “They can solve a lot of visibility problems that [were not possible] before, with battery-consumption levels lasting the length of a trip,” Kilmer says. They can also talk to Bluetooth devices, further lowering the cost of operation.

The technology is especially effective for high-value products such as pharmaceuticals and other items that require temperature-controlled environments. In such instances, the relatively low cost of IoT devices means they’re affordable even if they’re only used once and disposed of. 

Digital twin technology, which creates a virtual representation of physical objects and systems, is also of help in enhancing visibility, Kilmer says.