Pairpoint, the blockchain-based trading venture jointly owned by Vodafone and Sumitomo Corporation, has partnered with Sensos, a pioneer in smart label technology spun-off from Sony Semiconductor Israel, to combat supply chain fraud. Their collaboration integrates Pairpoint’s Economy of Things platform with Sensos’ IoT tracking solution, with the joint solution currently being tested by US-based logistics operator Unilog at various sites in the US and Europe.
Foundations of the Partnership
In 2023, Vodafone and Sumitomo Corporation announced an 80/20 joint venture aimed at providing automated IoT transactions leveraging blockchain technology, operating under the banner of ‘Economy of Things’. Vodafone contributed its blockchain-based Digital Asset Broker (DAB) IoT trading platform, while Sumitomo injected capital into the venture. Pairpoint, supported by a €60 million investment from both companies, now employs 50 staff across the UK and Portugal.
Sensos: Innovating Smart Label Technology
Sensos, established in 2023 as a spin-off from Sony Semiconductor Israel, emerged as an early innovator in smart label technology, integrating printable labels with IoT sensors. Originally deployed in a prototype at German pharmaceuticals firm Bayer in collaboration with Kigen, Murata, and Vodafone, Sensos’ iSIM-based smart-label solution has gained traction, attracting partnerships with DB Schenker and others. Notably, Sensos closed a Series A funding round worth $20 million in February, with support from Sumitomo Corporation.
Evolution of Sensos’ Solution
Since its inception in 2020, Sensos has evolved its smart label solution into a proactive supply chain management tool, featuring a unique AI-powered control tower. This ‘control tower’ gathers and analyzes data, issuing alerts to detect anomalies in supply chain operations. Sensos targets applications in cold-chain logistics, mission-critical shipments, and high-value goods, with ongoing collaboration and commercialization efforts supported by Vodafone.
The Pairpoint-Sensos Collaboration
The collaboration between Pairpoint and Sensos marks a significant advancement in supply chain security. By integrating Sensos’ cellular tracking labels and AI-powered control tower with Pairpoint’s digital identity and transactional platform, the joint solution ensures the secure and immutable recording of goods movements. Leveraging blockchain technology and smart contracts, the solution enables automated payments for logistics transactions, enhancing transparency and resistance to tampering.
Testing and Future Prospects
Unilog, a subsidiary of ICL Group, is currently piloting the joint solution at multiple sites in the US and Europe. Osi Tagger, CEO of Unilog, emphasizes the importance of technology in elevating supply chain management, highlighting the seamless integration of services facilitated by the Pairpoint-Sensos alliance. Jorge Bento, CEO of Pairpoint, and Aviv Castro, CEO of Sensos, express enthusiasm for the collaboration’s potential to transform supply chains, emphasizing its role in enhancing security, agility, and cost-efficiency.
In summary, the collaboration between Pairpoint and Sensos represents a significant milestone in the journey towards resilient and trustworthy supply chain ecosystems. By combining blockchain technology with IoT innovation, the partnership promises to revolutionize supply chain management, empowering businesses with unprecedented security and operational efficiency.