Liquid in IBC

The Packwise Smart Cap measures the level in an IBC to within 5 to 10 litres. The sensor box is attached to the outside of the container and sends the value together with location, temperature and movement data to Packwise Flow. There, users see the content of each container and can automatically trigger an order in their ERP system via an interface when the level is low.

During transport, an IBC tote tracker provides location, level, temperature, movement and position of the container. The Packwise Smart Cap also detects whether the IBC is tilted or exposed to strong acceleration and reports critical temperatures. Movements are transmitted at defined intervals. The connection runs over a 1NCE SIM, which works in warehouses as well as outdoors.

Tracking pays off because IBCs are expensive and may legally be used for only five years. After that, they are disposed of or, if they did not carry hazardous substances, reconditioned and sold. Knowing exactly where each container is and how full it is during that time means moving the same volumes with fewer containers, planning routes better and losing fewer IBCs to theft or damage.

The Packwise Smart Cap locates an IBC indoors and outdoors to within 3 metres. It sends its position via a 1NCE SIM that uses the best available radio technology, preferably NB-IoT or LTE-M. According to the source, both networks are energy-efficient and allow battery lifetimes of several years. In Packwise Flow, users see the location of individual containers and entire container groups.