Site Search

Revolutionizing the logistics industry! What is the highly functional monitoring system "Macnica Tracks™"? [Exhibition Report]

The International Logistics Exhibition 2024 was held at Tokyo Big Sight for four days from September​ ​10th to 13th, 2024. The event was a great success from the first day, with many logistics-related hardware and software exhibited with the aim of promoting trade, improving technology, providing information, and encouraging human exchange. In this article, we will introduce the events and exhibits at Macnica booth.

▲This time, there was a booth where you could experience product demos and watch presentations.

Demonstration salesman's presentation

At Macnica booth, a sales demonstration was held to explain the current state of the logistics industry and Macnica 's exhibits. The presentation was so passionate that it caused passersby to stop in their tracks. First, let me introduce the content of the actual presentation.

▲The presentation in progress.

Overview of the logistics industry

The global logistics market is expanding rapidly and is predicted to reach 620 trillion yen in 2026. Furthermore, the average annual growth rate from 2023 to 2028 is 4.5 %, meaning it will continue to grow steadily every year. The domestic market size in 2026 is also expected to be large at 26.2 trillion yen, with an average annual growth rate of 3.6 %, continuing its upward trend.


Within the logistics market, there is one sector where the average annual growth rate is exceeding 16 %. This is cold chain monitoring for frozen foods and pharmaceuticals. This is because national guidelines have been established in this sector, such as GDP (Good Distribution Practice for Pharmaceuticals) for pharmaceuticals and HACCP for food. However, the demand for monitoring transportation and storage is not limited to these two sectors; it is also growing rapidly in many other sectors.


However, the logistics industry is faced with a mountain of challenges, and the reality is that it is not possible to simply "introduce monitoring starting tomorrow." There are many different issues, but these can be broadly divided into three categories: "workload on field staff," "real-time data monitoring," and "reporting and storage of acquired data." Even if something could be dealt with on the day, it can be difficult to fix the next day. These issues are thought to be caused by analog management by field staff.


While we understand the importance of monitoring to solve problems, it is costly to undertake it. In one survey, it was found that more than one-third​ ​of companies invest more than 300,000 yen in monitoring one truck. To install it on 100 trucks would cost 30 million yen. That's an outrageous amount of money.

Exhibits

You want to do something about this situation, don't you? Sorry to keep you waiting!
Finally, from Macnica, a low-cost, easy-to-install, high-performance monitoring system "Macnica Tracks ™" has appeared! Let's take a look at this in an easy-to-understand and simple way.

▲Macnica Tracks™ is a cloud service that can be used in conjunction with Qualcomm's transportation/storage condition monitoring and tracking devices, "Qualcomm®QTS110" (photo left) and "Qualcomm®QTS112."


There are many different types of monitoring, including trackers, loggers, and multi-sensing. For example, some are good at capturing location information but cannot capture temperature or impact data, and many types of data can be captured but are expensive. Macnica Tracks ™ combines the best of both worlds. In this article, we will focus on the three key points of the product: simplicity, high functionality, and low cost.


First of all, it's "simple." Simply put, it's ready to use just by placing and carrying it. The main unit is equipped with LTE communication capabilities, so no wiring, construction, smartphones or gateways are required. In other words, delivery personnel do not need to operate a smartphone or computer to report; all they need to do is carry the Macnica Tracks ™ main unit.


Next, let's talk about its high functionality. Macnica Tracks™ can obtain location information using Wi-Fi, GNSS, and LTE 2G. Location information is generally obtained using only GNSS (GPS), but in some areas, this alone may not be sufficient. However, Macnica Tracks ™ obtains location information using countless Wi-Fi access points and LTE 2G, i.e., mobile phone company base stations, all over the world, which dramatically increases accuracy.

Furthermore, the compact body is equipped with sensors that detect temperature, humidity, air pressure, position, illuminance, and impact, and all acquired data is automatically stored in the cloud.

For example, there was a sad incident in the past where a Christmas cake ordered from a certain store arrived in a crumbled state. The people involved investigated the cause, but were unable to find out because the cake was being managed analogically. The following image shows the temperature change of the package being checked. If the Christmas cake had been monitored with Macnica Tracks ™, the people involved might have noticed the abnormality in temperature along the way and prevented the accident.

If the target vehicle is involved in a traffic accident, the driver will be contacted to check that the vehicle is safe, but if the driver suddenly brakes, the driver may not notice the condition of the cargo. If there is a sway on a route that you frequently use, it may be better to take a different route. With Macnica Tracks ™, you can detect this information and take measures.

▲Macnica Tracks™ allows you to set values for each sensor item to trigger an alert. Blue points on the map indicate normal values, yellow indicates warnings (approaching the upper limit), and red indicates deviations (exceeding the upper limit).


Theft is also a big issue that needs to be solved both in Japan and overseas. Recently, leaving parcels at the door has become popular, but if the parcel is stolen, it becomes a question of responsibility. In a foreign country, there was an incident where the driver of a truck transporting certain goods was a fake, and all the goods were stolen from the truck. If you lose not only money but also the trust of your customers, the impact will be enormous. Macnica Tracks ™ can detect any abnormalities in the movement route of the parcel by detecting detailed location information, and can find out where the parcel was opened by using a light sensor, so it is possible to track it even if it is stolen.


Macnica Tracks
™ can be integrated with API, so you can use it with the system you are currently using. With a built-in global SIM, it can be used in over 200 countries, the battery lasts up to 100 days, and it has a flight mode, so there is no additional cost for international shipping.

Finally, about the "low cost". Macnica Tracks™ is equipped with so many functions, so you may be wondering about the price... Please contact us! However, customers who are already using similar services are very satisfied! 

There are many use cases, such as efficient quality control for pharmaceuticals, food, frozen foods, and international transportation. Check out Macnica Tracks ™, which can be used in the cold chain industry right away! (End of presentation)

Learn more about Macnica Tracks™

Here we'll tell you more about Macnica Tracks ™.

▲At the site, we were able to view real-time monitoring data provided by Macnica Tracks™ on a computer and monitor.


As mentioned above, Macnica TracksQualcomm The company's monitoring terminal "QTS Series (※ In this article Qualcomm® QTS110 It is a transportation and storage status monitoring and tracking service that is used in conjunction with the Cold Chain Monitoring System (CCS). It is particularly effective when it is necessary to be cautious about changes in the status during transportation, such as for products related to the cold chain, such as medicines and food, as well as precision equipment and luxury goods. Specifically, it can meet the following needs depending on the user's situation.

[When a logistics system needs to be introduced]
·position / Temperature and Humidity / We want to "improve the efficiency of quality control" through impact detection, etc.
·"theft / "Avoid the risk of losing your card"

[If a logistics management system has already been introduced]
·cost / System Features / Operational Efficiency / Support issues
・Want to manage logistics for international transport?


Macnica Tracks™ uses the QTS Series' built-in sensors to monitor changes in parcels in real time, including temperature, humidity, air pressure, light intensity, tilt, drop, motion, light and dark, and shock. For example, the image below shows the change in "tilt," and the line graph goes up and down significantly, indicating that the parcel tilted significantly at a certain point. If the sender or recipient of the delivery can check this information, parcels can be handled more safely.

▲ According to a person involved, "We received many requests from users to be able to immediately tell when there was an abnormality, so we focused on making the dashboard easy to use and read." By the way, the dashboard data remains for two months and can be downloaded in CSV format.


The location of the package is displayed on a map and recorded at regular intervals along with the various data mentioned above. Any abnormalities can be identified by the color of the pin on the map, with yellow indicating a warning (approaching the upper limit) and red indicating a deviation (exceeding the upper limit). In other words, when the pin turns yellow, the driver is contacted and measures can be taken to have them immediately check if there are any problems with the package. In addition, the "arrival prediction function" can be used to find out the approximate time when the package will be delivered to the recipient.

Although it was not shown on the screen shot, Macnica Tracks ™ also allows flexible permission settings, such as allowing the sender to allow the recipient to view the same information. This function will be important in terms of increasing information transparency.

To summarise, Macnica Tracks The features of ™ are as follows:

・Information is visualized so that anyone can understand the management status at a glance
・Real-time monitoring possible from remote locations
・Simple terminal + cloud centralized management
・Additional features such as arrival prediction function for efficient work UP

There are few options for products and services that are available worldwide, including international shipping, and even if there are, they require a lot of cost. Macnica Tracks ™ overcomes many challenges with its extensive database and advanced technical capabilities.

As explained in the presentation, QTS The series also supports international shipping, making it a global SIM For overseas 200 It is available in over 100 countries. GNSS Positioning using only GPS has the disadvantage that it is difficult to use in some areas and the sensor consumes a lot of power, making it difficult to use when traveling long distances.

on the other hand, QTS The series is about obtaining location information. GNSS but also Wifi and LTE 2G (cell phone base stations) are also used. 70 It is said that there are billions Wifi By performing positioning via access points, the power consumption of the device is reduced, and 100 A major feature is that it can operate continuously for about days (※). 15 Minute measurement & 1 (When sending data every hour). Wifi There are other products that use access points to determine positioning, but customers have said, Macnica Tracks ™'s accuracy is considerably higher than others."

▲Although it is compact, it is packed with a variety of sensors and powerful performance. It is also waterproof and dustproof (IP65), so you can use it with peace of mind.

Summary

This time, Macnica Tracks™ and QTS exhibited at the International Logistics Exhibition 2024 We have introduced the series. I was specially allowed to operate the screen, but I got the impression that it was easy to use, such as being able to switch between various information with just a click, and the information on the screen was refreshing and easy to see. It can be used simply by placing (including) a terminal, so it is ideal for those who want to start managing the cold chain anew in the future. If you are interested in the cost, please contact Macnica!

Inquiry

If you have any questions regarding this article, please contact us below.

Macnica Tracks™ Manufacturer Information Top