This is where an innovation from Hellmann comes in: Smart Visibility is the name of the solution that goes beyond the mere monitoring of supply chains. Under the keyword "Connected Logistics", it brings together all sub-areas of the logistics chains, including the relevant procurement and transport processes, on a web platform for the customer and makes them visible at all times. Hellmann Smart Visibility thus offers real-time end-to-end transparency for containers, trucks, pallets and parcels. It is a comprehensive, customizable sensor suite that monitors the condition of deliveries, including door security, temperature, humidity, movement, shock and GPS tracking. With this tool, Hellmann improves the entire supply chain of its customers, and companies that do not (yet) handle their logistics via Hellmann also benefit from the Smart Visibility solution thanks to its free availability on the market.

More transparent processes facilitate savings
Thanks to transparency, new optimized processes can be implemented to save costs and higher quality standards can be generated when receiving goods. The system provides interfaces to the customer's ERP system or makes data available via a standardized platform. These automated processes contribute directly to increased efficiency in production. In the short to medium term, a further dimension is to be added to the tool - namely weather data. To this end, historical climate and weather data will be analyzed in order to predict possible disruptions to transport at an early stage and enable even more precise calculation of transport times. Hellmann Smart Visibility enables active action in real time through e-mail notifications in the event of deviations from the plan: for example, the tool has already generated considerable cost savings (around 200 dollars) per container for one customer, as temperature fluctuations were detected at an early stage. This meant that measures could be taken before the containers arrived, reducing the loss that would otherwise have been expected.

Monitoring right up to the destination
The Hellmann Smart Visibility device is easy to install: the postcard-sized tool is simply attached to the goods. After installation, all you have to do is press a button to activate it. The web-based dashboard and e-mail notifications allow customers to monitor their shipments from origin to destination without interruption. In addition, the pay-as-you-go approach makes the use of the device financially manageable and therefore particularly attractive for companies with fluctuating shipment volumes.

According to the company, the hardware used for monitoring is a revolution in the real-time tracking of consignments: With this, the returns process has been optimized to such an extent that the customer throws the device into the nearest letterbox after use. No additional outer packaging or label is required for this. Thanks to this new and uncomplicated returns logistics system, it is possible to guarantee companies increased flexibility so that an on-demand tracking service can be implemented.
Smart Visibility can also be integrated into the customer's supply chain within a very short time without IT or personnel costs. With the tracking data obtained, users are able to make fact-based decisions for their supply chain, making the aforementioned "black box" within the supply chain a thing of the past. The use of this tool is already noticeably improving the customer experience by expanding value-added services within the Hellmann network: real-time data access, on-time performance monitoring, cost reduction and continuous improvement are just some of the benefits the tool offers. In addition, insurance costs can also be reduced. Although the tool does not eliminate deductibles in the event of a claim, by working with the insurance companies, the deductible for goods fitted with the device can be covered or mitigated.

Henning Pottharst, Product Manager Smart Visibility,
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics