FAQ

 Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the benefits Packwise offers to the supply chain?

The Packwise solution creates transparent processes in the supply chain, starting with the production of your materials, through to their storage and transport, and finally to their use by the customer. Packwise records and analyzes supply chain processes and provides recommendations for action. New or optimized processes as well as use cases result for the following areas, among others:

  • Container logistics
  • Automatic reordering
  • Notification of deliveries
  • Quality tracking
  • Production planning
  • Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)
What does the Packwise solution consist of?

The Packwise solution consists of:

The Packwise Smart Cap electronic device (hand-sized sensor, captures data from your container and sends data to Packwise Flow).

The Packwise Flow software platform (web-based application and interface/API with third party systems).

What analysis options does the platform offer?

The Packwise solution monitors supply chain operations. It reports, for example, that your customer's stock levels of certain materials have fallen below a certain level, that deliveries are about to arrive at their destination, that product-critical temperature ranges have been reached, or that the quantity of emptied containers ready for collection has exceeded a certain number.

Can the analytics and data also be shared with my customers and supply chain partners?

Yes, you can easily provide your customers or partners with the data and let them share the benefits. Here, it is essential for you to know, that each customer only sees the data that you share with them.

Does sharing data with my customers cost additional fees?

No, our business goal is to enable our customers to offer an improved and data-driven customer service. Therefore, sharing data with your business partners is an integral part of our solution and included in the monthly fee.

Is a system interface required for sharing data and analysis?

No, each connected business partner gets their own Packwise Flow account where the shared data is visible.

How is the security of my data maintained?

Packwise maintains the highest security standards to protect your highly sensitive data. The data is transmitted encrypted ((D)TLS) and secured on European servers. 

Encrypted firmware storage and cryptographic protection against tampering secure the Smart Cap. Each device uses individual cryptographic keys valid only for one device to secure the connection.  The Packwise cloud is protected by firewall services, and access to the Flow app and API occurs over TLS-secured connections. Data access is subject to a role-based authorization system, and password-protected access can optionally be extended with 2-factor-authentication. 

Can I get to know the Packwise solution without any obligations?

You are welcome to get to know the Packwise solution without obligation. During a demo appointment, we will show you how the solution works and advise you individually on the company-internal implementation.

You can arrange a demo appointment here:

https://www.packwise.de/en/book-a-demo

 

How does the integration into my company's internal processes work?

Packwise helps customers integrate the solution into the workflows of various organizational units; including setting up the following processes: 

- Identifying and evaluating the most relevant use cases in your organization

- Demonstrating the physical deployment of the Packwise Smart Cap

- Integration of container, delivery, location and product data

- Set-up of desired actions (e.g. into the ERP system) or email notifications

- Logistic processes regarding container return / reuse Packwise Smart Cap

Can the data from Packwise Flow be integrated into my inventory systems (e.g. ERP, CRM, WMS)?

Data from external systems (ERP, CRM, etc.) can be integrated via an interface.

Does it make sense to use the Packwise solution when containers are used as one-way packaging?

To generate benefits for supply chain operations, it doesn't matter whether containers are used in open or closed loops. Packwise customers take a variety of approaches and use our solution in a wide range of applications. The uncomplicated application and removal of the Packwise Smart Cap also makes it useful for one-way packaging. Please contact us for more information.

In which countries can my containers be tracked?

The Packwise Smart Cap has international roaming and can currently be used in Europe. In the near future, containers can also be tracked in North America.

What happens to the Packwise Smart Cap if my container is damaged and needs to be replaced?

You can easily detach the Packwise Smart Cap from the container and use it on a new container.

Can I also safely give my customers and external partners access to our data?

Yes, as a user of the Packwise solution you can invite third parties to the Packwise platform and share targeted data.

How is the hardware attached to the container?

The bottom side of the Packwise Smart Cap is provided with an adhesive foil, which was developed for this application. To attach the Smart Cap to the container, peel off the protective film and place the Smart Cap on the top of the container. For more detailed information, please refer to our installation instructions. The Packwise Smart Cap is mounted on a carrier plate. This allows easy dismounting and repeated mounting of the Smart Cap.

Does the level measurement also work for stationary tanks?

Yes, the Packwise Smart Cap can be used for a wide range of container types and tanks in the liquid goods sector. We are happy to discuss the specific application with you.

What sensors does the Packwise Smart Cap contain?

The Packwise Smart Cap is a radar sensor for robust and accurate level measurement. In addition, the Smart Cap uses other sensors for temperature, motion and position measurement as well as for location tracking.

How does the transmission of data work?

Data is transmitted via the NB-IoT, LTE Cat M1 and GSM cellular standards, as well as via WLAN and BLE. The existing mobile networks are sufficient for data transmission. You do not need to make any further arrangements. NB-IoT and LTE Cat M1 enable very energy-efficient data transmission even deep inside buildings. GSM enables data transmission from more remote areas. In any country, the Packwise Smart Cap can dial into the networks of multiple cellular carriers to further increase availability.

What is the battery life of the Packwise Smart Cap?

The battery life is about 5 years and varies depending on the measurement and transmission interval.

On which container types can the Packwise Smart Cap be fitted?

The Packwise Smart Cap can be used with any all-plastic IBC and combi IBC (consisting of plastic inner container and steel cage). Regardless of the manufacturer and container size (600L, 800L, 1,000L), all functions are retained. The Packwise Smart Cap is currently also used for various other container types, such as stainless steel IBCs. Please contact us and we will check the application for your container as well.

Can the Packwise Smart Cap be used in hazardous areas?

An ATEX/IECEx certified variant of the Packwise Smart Cap for hazardous areas is in preparation for approval and will be available shortly. We are already discussing the use in hazardous areas with many customers. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Can the Smart Cap remain on the container during the cleaning process?

The IP 66/68 certification and high adhesion allow the Smart Cap to remain on the container during the cleaning process. Since cleaning processes vary widely among our customers, we are happy to assist you in evaluating your cleaning process.

If your question has not been answered,
please do not hesitate to contact us!
Thank you very much.

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