Giesecke+Devrient unveils ultra-thin Smart Label technology for enhanced supply chain visibility

Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) has launched the G+D Smart Label, a tracking solution that turns any package into an IoT device.

Ultra-thin and only slightly larger than a credit card, this has been jointly developed by G+D in conjunction with its hardware partner, Sensos to enable cost-effective, accurate location tracking for a range of applications. These include parcel delivery and shipping, fleet management and monitoring the movement of luxury goods.

G+D provides a solution that includes hardware, an iSIM, IoT connectivity, and an IoT platform that manages the connection and firmware updates. The Smart Label uses smart motion sensors that detect movement and acceleration, underpinned by GPS accuracy which has been tested to ensure sub-10m precision in ideal conditions.

Coupled with customisable reporting frequencies and cloud-based configurations, the Smart Label can adapt to specific business needs and allow users to manage, monitor, and ensure the integrity of their assets at every stage of their journey, whether stationary or on the move.

Additional features include an open-close sensor for tamper protection and automated proof of delivery, and a temperature monitor to ensure the integrity of perishable goods. Activation is triggered when the label is peeled and applied to an item. It is also reusable and certified for air travel.

Sharath Muddaiah, Head of Portfolio Strategy for IoT Solutions at G+D, comments: "G+D has been dedicated to designing robust and innovative solutions for the transport and logistics market, and is the market leader of solar powered trackers with over 180,000 connected devices in the field.””

“Following the launch of our award winning first generation Smart Label solution in 2023, we have been working on the development of an even more compact and highly accurate solution. The G+D Smart Label provides a single end-to-end solution, including dedicated service support and warranty from one source. Our industry has seen many a solution which, once sold, has limited support, and we are here to set a new trend."

The use cases for the G+D Smart Label range from simple parcel and shipment tracking, to shipping and tracking high value assets. For example, one early user of the technology - Track & Pay - has used the labels to help deliver on its mission of improving visibility into the status of shipments and payments.

In building what is pitched as the world’s first IoT powered B2B payment solution that integrates shipment tracking with payment processing, Track & Pay has been able to leverage the yecj to automatically trigger a payment upon a shipment’s arrival. 

Joerg Hoerster, Founder and CEO at TNP Global Trade, says: “We believe in Track & Pay’s ability to revolutionise the global finance supply chain, offering a much more secure and fraud proof solution than the common letter of credit. The Smart Label’s slick size and active tracking capacity makes it a competitive tracking solution which is why we chose to offer it to our Track & Pay clients.”

The G+D Smart Label is available to purchase directly from G+D and from its IoT Shop for German and US customers.

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Supply chain technology was a key focus area at the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Vista Technology Support, Scala, CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, Business France, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering.