Locus Traxx Worldwide supplies real-time information regarding location and temperature to the fruit and veg sector. For high-value products, a unit with light sensors is available. Earlier this year, Jan-Willem Schrijver - who previously also worked for Vroegop-Windig - was appointed director for the EMEA region. "Most suppliers offer an old-fashioned logger system, or an old system in a new guise. These only do registration, and read-outs after the fact. With a portable unit, the SmartTraxx GO from Locus Traxx, the user has a direct view on temperature and location. This information is available in real time, and can be shared with all links in the chain as required."
"Locus Traxx offers a very inexpensive disposable solution. The users receive an e-mail and or text alert message in real time, in case the temperature value set beforehand is exceeded," Jan-Willem says. "Should there be a deviation in temperature, the system will send an alert, and immediate action can be taken. The fewer fluctuations in temperature during transport, the healthier and qualitatively better the product will remain, both for distributive trade and the end consumer. So this results in improved shelf life."
The device itself is connected to the mobile phone network, and data is exchanged through the Locus Traxx Worldwide software. "The combination of SmartTraxx GO for transport by road, by train or by boat, and the use of the supporting Locus Traxx Worldwide software means we offer a unique solution in the perishable and high value market. Information can be linked to the proprietary transport management and warehouse management ERP systems, through exchange based on EDI," Jan-Willem says.
"Demand is coming from the entire chain. Retailers wanting to have control over the entire chain, use Locus Traxx Worldwide products and services. Growers and importers who want to keep checking the products from harvest up to buyer(s), in order to supply a product that's as fresh and appealing as possible. Logistical service providers, third party (3PL) & fourth party (4PL) logistics, both for road transport, transport by train and freight by sea container. For maritime transport, Locus Traxx Worldwide also offers a Smart Traxx Portable real-time solution by satellite. For these transport companies, it is essential that the cooling or freezing chain remains unbroken, and that the products are transported properly during the period they carry responsibility for the product," the director explains.
Specifically for the fruit and veg sector, demand is the biggest for vegetables and (soft) fruit. "The consumer expects everything to be available year-round. That has a big impact on the entire logistical chain. Consumers often don't realize where products come from, and what's required from production to consumption, and the important role logistics fulfils," Jan-Willem says. He calls it a great challenge to serve customers globally by offering location and temperature information in real time. "That really is big data! Through their own overview system, our customers are provided personalized information online. So areas with limited mobile connectivity are the most difficult. Another challenge is real-time monitoring of data below -40 C temperatures. On the wishlist is the development of a BI tool for purchasers, so they can easily analyse the Big Data themselves. Our own engineers work hard on our clients' wishlists, these are bespoke pathways of system integration. So a part of this wishlist is also determined by the specific demands and wishes of our users in the market."
FreshPlaza readers who are not yet familiar with the Locus Traxx Worldwide Europe products and services, but who would like to give them a try, can make one-time use of the Buy One-Get One Free (BoGo) deal. Including customer service support and training. Box with 10 devices EUR 250 excluding shipping and VAT.
For more information:
Locus Traxx Worldwide Europe
2 Rue Devant les Hêtres
6890 Transinne, Belgium
+ 32 (0)61 86 00 71
Jan-willem.schrijver@locustraxx.com