400,000+ active SIMs connected and counting
IFCO's smart trackers running on NexCon global IoT connectivity today, in the first phase of a multi-year rollout.
Global IoT connectivity for 400,000+ IFCO smart trackers, and counting
How IFCO's smart trackers stay online across borders, and what it took to get there.
Products used
Global IoT connectivityCustom hardware developmentConnectivity management
- Geography
- Global, 31 markets live
- Segment
- Enterprise
- Connected SIMs
- 400,000+ and counting
What NexCon delivered for IFCO
31 markets live
At least two networks in each. No single-operator dependency anywhere in the fleet.
18 months from PoC kickoff to first production shipment.
Including custom hardware co-development and validation through industrial cleaning cycles. On existing hardware, a new deployment starts in weeks.
“NexCon.io hasn't just been a vendor; they have been a technical partner. Their ability to tailor their connectivity and hardware expertise to our specific development was the key to unlocking our Tracking-as-a-Service vision.”
Daniel Schlüter
Director of Hardware & Innovations, IFCO
IFCO at a glance
IFCO is a leading global provider of reusable packaging solutions for fresh foods. Its reusable packaging containers help protect freshness and quality while lowering costs, food waste and environmental impact compared with single-use packaging.
Explore IFCO’s digital solutions ↗50+
Countries
400M+
Reusable packaging containers (RPCs)
2.5B+
Shipments per year
1B+
Digitally tracked trips
Based on aggregated tracking data from IFCO's digital initiatives. The figure reflects activity across the ecosystem, not availability in every customer deployment.
Case Overview
Challenge, solution and customer benefit
Connect hundreds of thousands of containers across 31 markets, on hardware that survives industrial washing, without asking a single customer to install or manage local infrastructure.
An innovative "plug-and-play" Tracking-as-a-Service (TaaS) platform supported by custom-engineered hardware and NexCon's global cellular IoT connectivity.
Data-driven visibility into asset movement helps reduce asset loss and improve utilization, while temperature and transit monitoring support quality assurance and IFCO's sustainability objectives.
Connectivity: global multi-roaming IoT, cell tower location.
Platform: connectivity management, API integration.
Services: PoC consulting, technical tailoring, OEM integration.
Development & Proof of Concept
From vision to purpose-built hardware
The journey began with IFCO's ambition to create the next generation of smart trackers for its RPCs. In this development phase, NexCon.io contributed specialist technical expertise to support IFCO's innovation roadmap. Moving beyond off-the-shelf components, IFCO worked with NexCon and its OEM partner to refine the hardware performance and connectivity setup.
Through a rapid and robust Proof of Concept, IFCO validated the technology in real-world conditions.
18 months from PoC kickoff to first production shipment.
- Optimised connectivity and power draw for multi-year battery life
- Validated device survival through industrial cleaning cycles and long lifecycles
- Carried the design from prototype to production shipment
Supply Chain & Tracking as a Service
Near real-time visibility with Tracking-as-a-Service
IFCO developed a Tracking-as-a-Service (TaaS) solution powered by NexCon connectivity, designed to give selected customers near real-time supply-chain visibility without requiring customer-side infrastructure investment.
Flexibility as a Foundation
NexCon supported IFCO with tailored connectivity solutions that could integrate into IFCO's unique pooling system across a high number of markets and networks. This included:
- Adjusting data intervals to match IFCO's operational requirements
- Customizing the dashboard interface for growers and retailers
These are platform settings, not custom development, which is why IFCO's setup changes in days rather than release cycles.
Asset Protection
BLE, GNSS, Wi-Fi and cellular tracking help reduce losses of crates and pallets.
GNSS-based location tracking with cellular positioning as a fallback supports robust traceability across different supply-chain environments.
Quality Assurance
Integrated sensors monitor temperature-sensitive goods to prevent food waste.
Operational Efficiency
Data insights allow for the optimization of reverse logistics and transport routes.
Global Connectivity
Connectivity across borders
For a global leader like IFCO, “almost connected” is not an option.
IFCO's reusable packaging crosses borders, from rural farming regions to dense urban retail centres. Reliable global connectivity supports IFCO's digital ecosystem and enables data capture across different regions.
With NexCon's IoT connectivity, IFCO's smart trackers can switch between networks worldwide, supporting near real-time access to location and condition data across different operating environments.
At least two mobile networks are reachable in every one of the 31 markets, and permanent-roaming restrictions are handled market by market rather than left to the device.
Customer reference
Hear about IFCO's IoT setup first-hand
Tell us about your IoT project. If it's a relevant fit, NexCon can coordinate a reference call with IFCO.
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