TrackOne and ATLAS: smart logistics with GS1 standards
FRANCO MACIARIELLO
Introduction
Traceability in the supply chain is no longer an option but a strategic necessity. With the expansion of e-commerce, the internationalization of markets, and the rise in customer expectations, companies are required to monitor every phase of logistics in real time. In this scenario, technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and GS1 standards become fundamental allies for intelligent and sustainable logistics flow management.
The TrackOne Case in the ATLAS Project
A concrete example of advanced application of these technologies is TrackOne, a system developed within the European project ATLAS. The goal is to offer end-to-end visibility over each logistics unit, enabling proactive decision-making through the integration of physical, digital, and operational traceability.
TrackOne leverages IoT devices to collect real-time data on the location, temperature, humidity, vibrations, and brightness of goods in transit. This data is then immutably recorded on blockchain, ensuring security, transparency, and integrity.
GS1 Standards and Interoperability
The adoption of GS1 standards (such as the SSCC code or GTIN) allows for a unique representation of logistics units, facilitating interoperability between company systems and those of supply chain partners. TrackOne integrates these standards into the digitization of logistics units to ensure uniform, reliable, and automated communication.
The GS1 approach is fundamental for the development of a truly plug-and-play supply chain, where every actor can connect, share data, and collaborate without technological barriers.
Real-Time Traceability and Visibility
One of the most significant innovations is the ability to access real-time data on the entire journey of goods, from the point of origin to final delivery. Through an interactive dashboard, logistics operators can:
- Check the exact location of each logistics unit
- Monitor environmental parameters during transport
- Receive alerts in case of anomalies (e.g., cold chain breach)
- View blockchain blocks that certify each phase of the process
Supply Chain Optimization and Sustainability
Thanks to the data collected and analyzed via AI, TrackOne allows for load balancing optimization, reduction of empty trips, and improved transport planning. All this contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions, improving efficiency, and lowering operational costs.
Moreover, the ability to monitor key metrics enables timely intervention in case of inefficiencies or waste, contributing to more sustainable and responsible logistics.
Cybersecurity and Data Integrity
The integration of blockchain ensures data traceability without the possibility of tampering. Every event (e.g., status change, transit, delivery) is recorded in a distributed block, making the system resistant to fraud and unauthorized access.
This feature is crucial in regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agri-food, and aerospace, where compliance and transparency are essential requirements.
From Theory to Practice: Real Interoperability
The TrackOne approach is not just theoretical: the presented demo shows how, through an intuitive interface, an operator can:
- Configure customized parameters for each shipment
- Generate unique digital labels
- Associate IoT devices with each logistics unit
- Monitor the entire shipment in real time
The combination of GS1, IoT, and blockchain represents a solid and replicable model for managing future supply chains.
Conclusions
Logistics digitalization passes through proactive traceability. TrackOne, integrated within the ATLAS project, demonstrates how it is possible to build an intelligent, sustainable, and transparent supply chain by leveraging existing technologies.
Interoperability between systems, the reliability of GS1 standards, the security of blockchain, and the power of IoT sensors open up concrete scenarios for more efficient, flexible, and customer-oriented logistics.
This video shows the working principles of the TrackOne solution by NGS.
TrackOne enables complete visibility of the supply chain with a special focus on perishable products.
The solution can share data using the GS1 EPCIS standard and interoperate with the ATLAS platform.
In this way, the solution creates an interoperability link between the world of logistics and that of agriculture.
This project has received funding from the ATLAS OC2 project European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, Grant Agreement No. 857125.
The goal of ATLAS is the development of an open interoperability network for agricultural applications and the creation of a sustainable ecosystem for innovative data-driven agriculture.
Source Official website
atlas-h2020.eu