FedEx unveiled a gadget called SenseAware that tracks a packages temperature, location, light exposure and other data and integrates it into a Web collaboration portal.
SenseAware is billed as a way to better track life sciences shipments—at least initially. The tracking will be available in the spring of 2010.
The company said in a statement that it had to get approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to use SenseAware during flights. The package tracker will aggregate:
- Location;
- Temperature readings;
- Whether a shipment is opened and the contents exposed to light;
- And real-time alerts about the vital signs of a shipment.
For instance, a hospital could get critical supplies for a surgical team and know if the packages are harmed, opened and order replacements as needed. The hospital would also know the package’s whereabouts each step of the way. In another scenario, Pharmaceutical firms would also be able to better track active ingredients.
The general idea is to use SenseAware to share sensor data as a package is en route. The device can be used on packages or pallets.
According to FedEx, the device has been beta tested by healthcare and life science customers.
