DHL uses cellular technology to monitor sensitive shipments
DHL has revealed a new high-tech sensor device it says will improve the monitoring of highly sensitive shipments, particularly in the life science and healthcare segments. The SmartSensor GSM can measure temperature, humidity, shocks, brightness and location, with its data accessible through a web-based interface.
The device is packed inside a DHL shipment and can send real-time information to the web portal without any need to open the shipment.
The system can send email or text message alerts if problems arise during transport, for example a change in temperature or the premature opening of a parcel, DHL said.
Martin Wegner, vice president of DHL Solutions and Innovations, which developed the device, said being able to control highly sensitive and valuable goods such as medications and other pharmaceutical goods from start to finish was “invaluable”.
He said: “With our new expanded solution, both the sender and the recipient have complete transparancy, 24/7 – we make this control especially easy for our customers.”
DHL said the system is an advanced version of its SmartSensor RFID, which is still in use in the DHL network and was also developed by DHL Solutions and Innovations.
The GSM device can send real-time information from its mobile cellular telecommunications system in road or ocean transport.
When used in air transport, the system’s GSM antenna is automatically switched off before take-off so that it doesn’t affect aircraft controls – it continues monitoring the shipment, but does not send data until the aircraft is back on the ground.
