Sensize, a Cambridge-based supply chain start-up, was at the cusp of a major breakthrough. After developing a proof of concept with two of the UK’s largest grocery retailers, Sensize was about to secure a global contract with a courier distributing to countries like the UK, Italy, Germany, China, and Russia. However, to meet the scale and complexity of this global operation, Sensize needed a reliable connectivity solution that could seamlessly manage millions of shipments while ensuring supply chain visibility.

The challenge: overcoming connectivity and scalability hurdles

Before turning to Pelion, Sensize faced significant challenges with their existing connectivity provider. With operations spanning across the US, Europe, and Asia, they struggled with network coverage limitations and the complexity of managing SIM cards for millions of consignments. “The global scope of our business required a more reliable, cost-effective connectivity solution,” said Luke D'Arcy, Director at Sensize.

The growing demand for visibility and the scale of their upcoming contract meant Sensize needed a major upgrade in their SIM management process. This global reach also brought the challenge of integrating multiple networks to guarantee the coverage required for efficient operations.

What Pelion Delivered

Here’s how Pelion helped Sensize streamline their connectivity and management processes, ensuring scalability and reliability:

• Global Coverage: With access to over 600 global networks through Pelion’s managed IoT connectivity service, Sensize could deploy tracking nodes worldwide, eliminating the need to juggle multiple Mobile Network Operator contracts and complex billing systems.

• Simplified SIM Activation: Pelion’s connectivity management platform, the Pelion Portal, allowed Sensize to bulk activate thousands of SIMs in minutes with a single command, drastically improving operational efficiency and time-to-market.

• Enhanced Device Reliability: Sensize integrated live cellular connections into their manufacturing test program, using local cellular networks in Shenzhen to ensure 100% device reliability before shipping, guaranteeing quality and consistency.

• Scalable Management: The Pelion Portal empowered Sensize with seamless lifecycle management at scale, enabling them to handle a growing number of devices and efficiently transition from prototype to production.

• Real-Time Billing & Device Security: Features like real-time billing data collection, advanced device security, and lifecycle tracking gave Sensize complete visibility and control over deployments, helping them to make smarter business decisions and optimize operations.

Looking Ahead: Scaling with Flexibility

As the demand for tracked objects grows, Pelion’s flexibility has been crucial. Multiple cellular technologies are supported, from CAT-M for high-performance tracking in the U.S., to NB-IoT in Europe and Asia. This adaptability ensures that Sensize can continue to meet the commercial realities of the supply chain, using the most cost-effective and energy-efficient cellular technology.

Luke says, “FMCG brands spend millions on in-store product placement and promotions. Pelion’s data relay capabilities from Sensize sensors will allow brands to make smarter decisions about their promotions and deliver a better return on investment.”

Empowering Smarter Supply Chains

Pelion’s connectivity solutions have not only transformed Sensize’s approach to global supply chain management but have also created new opportunities for brands to gain actionable insights into their operations. With Pelion’s support, Sensize has scaled their connectivity management, optimizing their tracking processes, reducing operational complexities, and unlocking new data-driven opportunities for smarter decision-making.