Plastic pallets with an integrated traceability system for greater transparency in the supply chain and improved asset management.

Abstract

A plastic pallet with an integrated tracking system, including: a pallet body made of durable plastic material; a tracking module that includes an IoT-based tracking unit embedded in the pallet body and configured to monitor and transmit location data in real time; an environmental monitoring module that includes environmental sensors integrated into the pallet body and configured to measure temperature, humidity and impact to monitor the condition of the transported goods; a power management module configured to power the tracking module and the environmental monitoring module, the power source being rechargeable and / or incorporating energy harvesting mechanisms such as solar panels to extend battery life; a data transmission module that is connected to the tracking device and environmental sensors and is configured to wirelessly transmit the collected data to a centralized data management platform; a data management and analysis module that includes a centralized data management platform configured to collect and process data from multiple pallets, thus providing real-time insights into the location, condition, and usage of the pallets.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to supply chain management and logistics and focuses in particular on plastic pallets with integrated IoT tracking systems for improved asset visibility, condition monitoring and efficient asset management.

[0002] In the logistics and supply chain industry, pallets are essential tools for the efficient handling, transport, and storage of goods. Traditionally, these pallets are made of wood or simple plastic and serve as static platforms dedicated exclusively to transporting products. Despite their widespread use, conventional pallets are limited in their functionality due to their inability to provide real-time information about their location, handling conditions, or usage across the supply chain. This lack of connectivity and intelligence in conventional pallet systems presents several critical challenges.

[0003] A major disadvantage of traditional pallets is the lack of real-time visibility. Without integrated tracking systems, companies cannot monitor the exact location of their goods at all times, leading to inefficiencies in inventory management and delayed deliveries. This limited visibility can cause supply chain disruptions as companies struggle to track the movement of goods, resulting in delays, misplacements, or errors in shipping.

[0004] Another key concern is the increased risk of loss and theft. Without traceability mechanisms, pallets and their associated goods are vulnerable to loss or theft, which can lead to significant financial losses and operational setbacks. This risk is particularly acute in industries that handle high-value or sensitive goods, where a failure to ensure security can have far-reaching consequences.

[0005] In addition, conventional pallets don't offer any way to monitor environmental conditions, making it difficult to maintain the quality of goods during transport. This is especially critical for temperature-sensitive products such as pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, and certain chemicals that require strict environmental controls. Without sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, or shock, companies cannot ensure that these goods are transported under the required conditions, which can lead to spoilage or deterioration in quality.

[0006] Another disadvantage of traditional pallet systems is the inefficient use of assets. Companies often struggle to optimize their pallet utilization due to a lack of data on pallet movements and usage patterns. This can lead to underutilization, where pallets are not fully utilized, or overstocking, where more pallets are held back than necessary, both of which increase operating costs.

[0007] Finally, reliance on manual tracking methods contributes to inefficiency. Traditional systems often require human intervention to capture and track the movement of pallets, a process that is not only labor-intensive but also prone to errors and delays. Manual tracking lacks the speed and accuracy required in today's fast-paced supply chain environments where real-time data is critical for decision-making.

[0008] To solve this problem, the present invention provides plastic pallets with an integrated tracking system for improved supply chain visibility and better asset management.

[0009] The plastic pallet with integrated tracking system for improved supply chain visibility and asset management can provide real-time tracking of pallet locations, enabling continuous monitoring across the supply chain to improve transparency and operational efficiency.

[0010] The plastic pallet with integrated tracking system for improved supply chain visibility and asset management, which can optimize the use of pallets by collecting and analyzing data on their movements and usage patterns, ensuring better inventory control and resource allocation.

[0011] The plastic pallet with integrated tracking system for improved supply chain visibility and asset management can reduce the risk of loss or theft of pallets and goods by integrating advanced tracking technologies that provide precise location data and timely alerts.

[0012] The plastic pallet with integrated tracking system for improved supply chain visibility and asset management can ensure the safe transportation of temperature-sensitive and fragile goods by embedding sensors that monitor environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and shock.

[0013] The plastic pallet with integrated tracking system for improved supply chain visibility and asset management can facilitate informed decision-making by providing a centralized platform that collects real-time data from all tracked pallets and offers actionable insights and analytics.

[0014] The plastic pallet with integrated tracking system for improved supply chain visibility and asset management can streamline logistics operations by automating the tracking process, reducing reliance on manual methods and minimizing errors and delays.

[0015] The plastic pallet with integrated tracking system for improved supply chain visibility and asset management can create a sustainable and durable pallet system that uses high-quality plastic materials that are resistant to environmental stress and designed for long-term use.

[0016] The plastic pallet with integrated tracking system for improved supply chain visibility and asset management can ensure that the tracking system is seamlessly integrated into the pallet design, protects equipment from damage, and maintains the structural integrity of the pallet. The plastic pallet with integrated tracking system for improved supply chain visibility and asset management can ensure that the tracking system complies with industry standards and regulatory requirements for data security, environmental safety, and material handling.

[0017] The plastic pallet with integrated tracking system for improved supply chain visibility and asset management can provide a scalable solution that can be easily adapted to different industries and tailored to the specific needs of the supply chain.

[0018] In one embodiment, a plastic pallet with an integrated tracking system is provided to improve supply chain visibility and asset management. The system is designed to improve supply chain visibility and optimize asset management. The system utilizes IoT-based tracking devices and environmental sensors embedded directly into the pallet structure. The integration of GPS, RFID, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology enables real-time tracking of the pallet position, while environmental sensors monitor temperature, humidity, and shock to ensure the safe transport of sensitive goods. The system is supported by a centralized, cloud-based data management platform that collects real-time data from the pallets and provides a comprehensive overview of the supply chain.This platform enables supply chain managers to track pallet movements, monitor environmental conditions, and access historical data for analysis. The tracking system reduces the risk of loss and theft, improves inventory management, and ensures better asset utilization by providing insights into pallet usage patterns. Furthermore, the tracking devices are powered by long-life batteries, with options for energy harvesting technologies such as solar cells extending battery life. The invention offers a sustainable and durable solution through the use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for the pallet construction, which is lightweight yet resistant to environmental stress.

[0019] By integrating tracking and environmental monitoring capabilities directly into the pallets, this invention transforms conventional pallets into smart, connected assets that deliver unparalleled efficiency, safety, and data-driven insights that provide significant advantages over traditional pallet systems.

[0020] The invention is explained again below with reference to the figure. It shows: Fig. : a plastic pallet with an integrated tracking system for improved supply chain visibility and better asset management.

[0021] Fig.Shows a plastic pallet with an integrated tracking system for improved supply chain visibility and asset management. The plastic pallet with an integrated tracking system includes a pallet body, a tracking module, an environmental monitoring module, an energy management module, a data transmission module, and a data management and analytics module. The pallet body is made of durable plastic material. The tracking module includes an IoT-based tracking unit embedded in the pallet body. The tracking module is configured to monitor and transmit location data in real time. The tracking module includes GPS, RFID, or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology for precise location tracking. The environmental monitoring module includes environmental sensors integrated into the pallet body.The environmental monitoring module is configured to measure temperature, humidity, and shock to monitor the condition of the transported goods. The energy management module is configured to power the tracking module and the environmental monitoring module. The energy source is rechargeable and / or includes energy harvesting mechanisms, such as solar panels, to extend battery life. The data transmission module is connected to the tracking device and the environmental sensors. The data transmission module is configured to wirelessly transmit the collected data to a centralized data management platform. The data management and analysis module comprises a centralized data management platform. The data management and analysis module is configured to collect and process data from multiple pallets, providing real-time insights into the location, condition, and usage of the pallets.The tracking module incorporates GPS, RFID, or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology for precise location tracking. The environmental monitoring module includes temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and shock sensors to monitor the environmental conditions of the transported goods. The data transmission module transmits data via wireless communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, cellular, or Bluetooth. The tracking module and environmental sensors are protected by a robust housing within the tracking module and the environmental monitoring module to prevent damage during handling and transport. The energy management module incorporates a rechargeable battery that is charged via solar cells integrated into the pallet body or a combination of a rechargeable battery and energy harvesting technologies.The data management and analytics module provides a user interface that displays real-time location data, environmental conditions, and usage statistics for each pallet in the supply chain. The pallet body is constructed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or a similar durable, lightweight plastic material that withstands environmental impacts, shock, and wear during transport and handling. The tracking module is configured to trigger an alert upon predefined events such as exceeding temperature thresholds, detecting impacts, or losing connectivity.

[0022] Improving supply chain management using a plastic pallet with an integrated tracking system involves the following steps: embedding an IoT-based tracking device and environmental sensors into a tracking module and an environmental monitoring module within a plastic pallet; monitoring and collecting real-time data regarding the pallet's location and environmental conditions; wirelessly transmitting the collected data to a data transmission module connected to a centralized data management platform; analyzing the transmitted data to optimize asset utilization, monitor the condition of goods, and improve supply chain efficiency; and generating alerts based on predefined conditions, such as abnormal temperature, humidity, or shock detection, using a warning and notification module.The data management and analytics module is configured to provide historical data and analytics to facilitate decision-making regarding asset management, logistics optimization, and risk mitigation. The pallet is also equipped with an RFID tag as part of the tracking module to facilitate tracking during handovers and at supply chain checkpoints. The tracking module and the environmental monitoring module can be integrated with existing supply chain management software and hardware for seamless deployment. The data transmission module transmits data at regular intervals, ensuring continuous tracking and monitoring of the pallet without manual intervention. The alert and notification module notifies designated users when predefined environmental limits, such as temperature or humidity, are exceeded.The tracking module and the environmental monitoring module are configured to send real-time location and condition data to the central data platform, providing live updates on the pallet's status throughout its journey through the supply chain. The environmental monitoring module also includes vibration sensors to detect sudden impacts or mishandling during transport or loading / unloading operations. List of reference symbols 100 systems

Claims

[1] A plastic pallet with an integrated tracking system, comprising: a pallet body made of durable plastic material; a tracking module containing an IoT-based tracking unit embedded in the pallet body and configured to monitor and transmit location data in real time; an environmental monitoring module containing environmental sensors integrated into the pallet body and configured to measure temperature, humidity and impact to monitor the condition of the goods being transported; a power management module configured to provide power to the tracking module and the environmental monitoring module, wherein the power source is rechargeable and / or includes energy harvesting mechanisms such as solar panels to extend battery life; a data transmission module connected to the tracking device and the environmental sensors and configured to wirelessly transmit the collected data to a centralized data management platform; a data management and analytics module that includes a centralized data management platform configured to collect and process data from multiple pallets, providing real-time insights into pallet location, condition, and usage. [2] Plastic pallet with integrated tracking system according to claim 1, wherein the tracking module comprises GPS, RFID, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology for precise location tracking. [3] A plastic pallet with integrated tracking system according to claim 1, wherein the environmental monitoring module comprises temperature sensors, humidity sensors and impact sensors for monitoring the environmental conditions of the transported goods. [4] The plastic pallet with integrated tracking system of claim 1, wherein the data transmission module transmits data using wireless communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, cellular or Bluetooth. [5] A plastic pallet with integrated tracking system according to claim 1, wherein the tracking module and the environmental sensors are protected by a durable housing in the tracking module and the environmental monitoring module to prevent damage during handling and transportation. [6] A plastic pallet with integrated tracking system according to claim 1, wherein the energy management module includes a rechargeable battery charged via solar cells integrated into the pallet body or a combination of rechargeable battery and energy harvesting technologies. [7] The plastic pallet with integrated tracking system of claim 1, wherein the data management and analytics module provides a user interface that displays real-time location data, environmental conditions, and usage statistics for each pallet in the supply chain. [8] A plastic pallet with integrated tracking system according to claim 1, wherein the pallet body is made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) or a similar durable, lightweight plastic material that can withstand environmental stresses, shocks and wear during transportation and handling. [9] A plastic pallet with an integrated tracking system according to claim 1, wherein the tracking module is configured to trigger an alarm upon predefined events such as exceeding temperature thresholds, detecting shocks, or losing connectivity.

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