Sharath Muddaiah on Why Real-Time Asset Visibility Is Transforming Modern Logistics

Global supply chains are under increasing pressure from rising cargo theft, tighter operational demands, and growing customer expectations for real-time visibility. As businesses look to strengthen security while improving efficiency, asset tracking technology is becoming an essential tool for monitoring goods, optimizing logistics, and making data-driven decisions across the supply chain. In this conversation, Sharath Muddaiah, Head of Customer Success & Business Strategy, IoT Solutions at Giesecke+Devrient, discusses why end-to-end visibility matters more than ever, how connected tracking solutions are evolving, and the broader role they play in creating more resilient and intelligent logistics operations.

Why is knowing exactly where your cargo is, at every moment, more critical today than ever before?

The prevalence of stolen and damaged goods, cargo and industrial equipment is a big problem for companies across the spectrum of sectors within the cargo industry, costing companies significant amounts of money each year. 

Recently, we’ve seen crime rings targeting U.S. supply chain technology at record levels, according to CNBC. Just last month, a shipment containing nearly 11,000 bottles of bourbon valued at more than $500,000 was stolen in broad daylight near Philadelphia.

The biggest challenge to resolve in combatting widespread cargo theft is the lack of visibility at both the container and asset levels, across operations and during movements of the goods through the supply chain. Asset tracking technology, like our IoTgo® Track-Solar products, can step in to provide real-time asset tracking so companies can stay aware of their assets at all times. It will also alert shippers and logistics companies if goods move when they shouldn’t, giving teams the chance to act before a theft escalates. Or, in the worst case, help follow the assets while being stolen.

Additionally, the tracking devices generate data and this enables more informed decision making. By analyzing usage patterns, route efficiency, and dwell times, businesses can continuously optimize operations and be in complete control.

What types of cargo can asset tracking technology be leveraged for?

Asset tracking technology is remarkably versatile, covering everything from non-powered cargo objects right through to high-value goods. On the cargo side, it can be leveraged for container fleets, rail cargo assets, airport equipment, and shipment and parcel tracking. A real strength is that it can connect non-powered assets, like swap bodies, sea containers and push barges, turning static equipment into connected infrastructure with no external power supply needed. For high-value carrier objects, the focus shifts to the inventory itself, so it works equally well for warehouse assets, pallets and intermediate bulk containers.

The type of goods inside also matters. Solutions like Smart Label are built for high-value and perishable cargo, including pharmaceuticals, high-end jewelry, electronics, art, and medical and industrial equipment, where monitoring conditions like temperature and shock is just as important as knowing where the shipment is.

Perhaps most importantly, the technology now holds up in places where tracking has traditionally broken down. With latest WiFi positioning, assets can be tracked for location and condition even when GPS is limited or unavailable. That matters because blind spots such as indoor locations, warehouses, hubs and ports are where a lot of theft occurs. Add in the new light sensor for breach detection, which flags unauthorized opening, the result is continuous visibility and security across complex, indoor and enclosed logistics environments alongside open road or sea.

Is theft protection the main driving force behind the adoption of asset tracking devices?

While theft protection is creating a sense of urgency around asset tracking, it is far from the only reason companies are adopting the technology. For example, a major feature of asset-tracking devices is their ability to help prevent damage. With motion and shock detection capabilities, these devices can provide alert notifications and instant reports to act on incidents immediately.

A great example came as part of our work with one of our customers Wackler in Germany, a transport and logistics company with a wide portfolio ranging from warehousing to full-service logistics and e-commerce solutions. Their challenge was the lack of visibility over truck shipments of dry and reefer containers carrying temperature-sensitive and time-critical goods. Particularly, they struggled with excessive standstill times, late arrivals, damage to the cool chain cargo, and resulting penalties.

Track-Solar Advanced provided the perfect solution, granting short-cycled movement tracking of container assets and 24/7 monitoring thanks to self-sustaining devices via solar charging and state-of-the-art global connectivity in combination with the Track-Fleet platform, which allowed for central management of location and status.

Based on your previous response, it sounds like asset tracking has a more fundamental role to play in broader operations. What other ways is it supporting the logistics industry?

Asset tracking devices like the Track-Solar range can be integrated into wider operations in a variety of ways, depending on what best suits its respective users. A big one is around scheduling, as the automated tracking of inventory allows for more precise scheduling and planning, reducing delays and increasing overall operational efficiency.

Asset tracking supports regulatory compliance and reporting by providing accurate, automated records of asset movement and usage. This is particularly valuable for industries with strict audit requirements, helping them with digital non-tampered data and reducing any manual errors.

Another operational benefit of tracking devices is their cost-savings capabilities, as they make it possible to identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks within the supply chain. This helps to reduce operational costs, such as fuel expenses, warehousing costs, and inventory carrying costs. In one concrete case for example, we saw a 12% cut down of untracked fleets 

Another area of benefit is around supply chain agility, as Track-Solar enables faster response to market changes, on both the demand and supply sides, along with customer needs. That’s because Track-Solar can act on incidents immediately, resulting in significantly reduced costs and optimized asset allocation.

How well does asset tracking hold up in tough conditions?

Many of the technical and environmental challenges that once held tracking technology back are no longer a barrier.

Asset tracking devices, like Track-Solar, offer durable, maintenance-free performance without the need for an external power supply, as well as extended longevity. These devices can work in operation for more than 10 years and are complemented by trusted services which are guaranteed to perform throughout the entire expected lifespan.

The devices can be attached hassle-free on swap body units in as little as five minutes and, critically, can withstand harsh weather conditions. There are also magnet mount solutions that can be clipped on in a second and get you started. This is especially useful for seasonal fleet extensions or to provide flexibility if you are using rental containers that do not belong to your own enterprise. So, whether it’s blazing hot sun in the Arabian desert or the cold winds of Scandinavia, the device can withstand any weather, even if it’s covered with snow for weeks.

This is because of the durability of Track-Solar. Features like its flat integrated solar panel, rugged housing and IP69K-rated protection (the highest level of ingress protection that completely seals the device against dust and protects it against high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns) protect the device from the harshest conditions.