Patent ID: 10339619

Abstract:
A smart tracking device, such as a cellular M2M device, is attached to a plastic pallet for monitoring, recording and reporting the location, condition and manifest record of the pallet as it moves through a supply chain for shipment of products from a manufacturer to a consumer. The cellular M2M device has a subscriber identification module (SIM) to uniquely identify the pallet with which it is associated in a cellular network. The M2M device receives and transmits data about the products on the pallet, as the pallet moves through the supply chain. Actionable data allows supply chain managers to mitigate risks and losses in the supply chain. The supply chain data is also used to provide an electronic supply chain pedigree for a product shipped on the pallet. The product supply chain pedigree is made available to a consumer in a structured format, in order to influence the consumer's purchasing decisions.