A proof of technology trial of Bluetooth low-energy (BLE) beacons was undertaken in the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal, the airline's cargo hub in Hong Kong.
The trial included all three companies and focused on the practicality of using these wireless devices in the multi-storey, concrete surroundings of the cargo terminal. With the results successful, the airline can now move on to a proof of concept trial with actual shipments.
Cathay Pacific has said that next-generation track and trace is a part of its digital strategy, to help answer the industry's need for greater transparency along the supply chain. Their aim is to enable customers to track their cargo shipments in real time, with multi-dimensional readings. The use of BLE means this data can be captured automatically.
The image (left) shows the design of the pallet, which integrates the tracking device and batteries into the extrusion rail. The antennae is embedded into a red composite element, which attaches to the corner piece of the pallet.
Cathay Pacific General Manager Cargo Service Delivery, Frosti Lau, said: “It's important to explore technologies that work towards the air freight industry's aim of offering both customers and operators transparency and data accuracy throughout the entire supply chain."
Unilode Chief Executive Officer Benoît Dumont said: "Our recent field trial with Cathay Pacific proves that our approach to digitalisation, including benefit realisation and technology choices, is on the right track to provide the industry with sustainable and compliant unit load device tracking data and services. Unilode is committed to explore other digital initiatives for Cathay Pacific within 2018."