PHY Wireless and Surfact are collaborating to improve real-time tracking of temperature-sensitive goods, combining edge-based cellular positioning with intelligent logistics tracking devices for cold-chain and food transportation operations.
The companies said the collaboration will focus on increasing location-update frequency, extending battery life and improving visibility across supply chains. The initiative comes as logistics operators seek more detailed shipment information while managing power constraints and operational costs.
Cellular Positioning Addresses Tracking Challenges
Traditional GPS-based tracking can consume significant power and may perform inconsistently inside shipping containers, warehouses and other environments where satellite signals are blocked or weakened.
PHY Wireless uses cellular network signals to calculate a device’s location directly at the edge. Because cellular networks are designed to provide coverage inside buildings and other difficult environments, the technology is intended to provide positioning while using less power than conventional approaches.
The companies said edge-based positioning can support more frequent location updates and longer battery life, potentially reducing the need for battery replacement across large fleets of connected tracking devices.
Surfact develops ruggedized tracking devices designed to monitor the location, condition and integrity of perishable goods throughout the supply chain. Its platform is aimed at logistics operations where temperature, shipment condition and location visibility are critical.
Higher-Frequency Tracking for Cold Chains
For perishable goods logistics, more frequent location updates can provide operators with greater visibility into shipment movements and help identify exceptions earlier. The companies said this can support faster operational responses while reducing the maintenance burden associated with tracking devices.
Tom Horgan, CEO of PHY Wireless, said the company’s edge-based technology can reduce power consumption while enabling more frequent updates and longer battery life compared with traditional GPS and cloud-based positioning approaches.
Surfact was founded by logistics professionals with experience managing complex food supply chains, including military and humanitarian logistics operations. The company is expanding its tracking platform across Europe and North America.
Per Magne Helseth, CEO and founder of Surfact, said customers are seeking greater visibility into the movement and condition of perishable goods without adding operational complexity. The company expects the collaboration with PHY Wireless to support more frequent location updates and improve the economics of large-scale tracking deployments.
Expansion Into North America
The collaboration will also support Surfact’s expansion into North America, where the company is evaluating deployment opportunities for cold-chain and perishable-goods tracking.
The companies expect the combination of edge-based cellular positioning and ruggedized tracking hardware to address the requirements of logistics operators managing large numbers of connected assets across complex transportation and storage environments.
