Tosca delivers supply chain visibility with flexible Asset IQ traceability solution

Tosca is using its Asset IQ traceability service to provide visibility into the movement, location and utilisation of reusable supply chain assets. Developed and refined over several years, the service combines active IoT-enabled tracking for high-value assets with passive RFID and barcode technologies for operations involving large asset populations. This dual architecture allows users to select different levels of traceability according to operational requirements while retaining a unified view of their assets.

Asset IQ can monitor reusable containers and pallets throughout their lifecycle. The service supports Tosca reusable products supplied through pooling, rental and direct sales models, and can also operate as a standalone system for third-party assets. It creates a digital record of asset movements and utilisation, providing data for inventory management, process optimisation and regulatory compliance.

"Tosca Asset IQ is the result of years of experience helping customers improve visibility and control across complex supply chains," said Eric Frank, CEO of Tosca. "Our dual active and passive architecture enables businesses to select the right level of traceability for their operations while maintaining a single view of their assets. The result is greater efficiency, improved decision-making and stronger supply chain performance."

Active and passive traceability

Asset IQ Active is intended for high-value assets requiring real-time location information and condition monitoring. Asset IQ Passive uses RFID and barcode technologies to provide lower-cost tracking for large numbers of assets in high-volume environments. The two options can be deployed according to the value of the assets, the required data granularity and the scale of an operation.

Tosca is also examining hybrid configurations for automated supply chains. In one example, an active-enabled pallet can carry several crates fitted with passive tags. This configuration provides information at pallet and crate level while allowing the operator to manage tracking costs. Data from active and passive technologies can be presented through a unified dashboard.

"We see significant potential in hybrid active and passive solutions, particularly in highly automated supply chains," Frank said. "For example, an active-enabled pallet may transport multiple passive-tagged crates, allowing businesses to gain visibility at different levels of the supply chain while managing costs effectively. Bringing these technologies together through a unified dashboard can help customers make faster decisions and optimise operations on a larger scale."

Operational and sustainability applications

Data on asset movements and utilisation can be used to identify process inefficiencies and bottlenecks, adjust inventory levels and improve route planning. It can also help organisations reduce unnecessary transport movements, product and asset losses, and underutilisation of reusable packaging. These functions support circular supply chain models by helping operators keep reusable assets in circulation and monitor them throughout their lifecycle.

The service is used in retail, food, beverage and consumer goods supply chains. Applications include monitoring reusable asset flows, improving distribution efficiency, supporting inventory accuracy, enhancing store execution programmes and increasing visibility across complex logistics networks. Asset records can also support compliance with internal procedures and external regulatory requirements.

Tosca continues to assess developments in sensors, chips, connectivity solutions and battery systems as these technologies become more accessible. The company expects closer integration of active and passive tracking to extend traceability within automated logistics operations while maintaining a balance between information requirements and deployment costs.

By maintaining a digital record for reusable containers and pallets, Asset IQ is designed to give operators greater control over asset populations and provide the information required to improve their use. Tosca positions this visibility as a means of supporting resource efficiency, reducing avoidable waste and responding to changing sustainability and regulatory requirements.