Manage circulation of load carriers in supply chains
BOX ID provides real-time transparency into the load carrier fleets of OEMs and suppliers, from pool containers to special load carriers. Controllable flows of full and empty containers throughout the industrial supply chain reduce tied up capital, optimize circulation, and ensure stable production.
Our Customers
Lack of transparency jeopardizes production
In just-in-time production networks, load carriers circulate within highly complex, globally interconnected systems. While pool containers are used in large volumes, customized load carriers are both costly and critical to maintaining uninterrupted production supply.
A lack of transparency across locations, cycles, and asset status can lead to inefficient circulation, asset shrinkage, and unnecessary capital lock-up. Delayed returns further disrupt JIT and JIS processes, directly putting production reliability at risk.
No end-to-end visibility of full and empty containers along the supply chain
Over- or undersizing of load carrier fleets due to high shrinkage rates
Production risks caused by missing parts and manual scheduling efforts
High costs driven by rescheduling, addtional shipments or downtime
When load carriers are not actively controlled
The following scenarios highlight common challenges in the day-to-day operations of industrial networks.
Empty container bottlenecks
Empty containers are distributed across plants, suppliers, and depots. Without transparency, circulation can become misaligned - even when overall inventory is sufficient.
BOX ID stabilizes container flows by automating the return of empty containers.
Tied-up capital
Pool containers complete too few cycles, leading to oversized fleets. Specialized containers are often blocked or misallocated.
BOX ID delivers circulation data, enabling efficient fleet management and data-driven optimization.
Full-container bottlenecks
Delayed deliveries of full containers put JIT and JIS processes at risk. Missing critical parts force adjustments to production sequences, resulting in reduced overall OEE.
BOX ID provides real-time status and event-based alerts for deviations from the plan.
SLT as a cost driver
Component-specific special load carriers are expensive and often limited to one production lifecycle. After model changes, they remain unused and tie up capital.
BOX ID enables lifecycle tracking and identifies opportunities for reuse.
Targeted management of load carriers – from SOP to series production
BOX ID creates a comprehensive database for pool and special load carriers across the entire supply chain. Location, circulation, and status data are consolidated, bottlenecks are identified early, and circulation is actively controlled. The result is stable production and delivery processes with reduced tied-up capital.
Open platform – integrates with ERP, WMS, and TMS
Hardware-independent – BLE, LTE, QR codes, and other sensors
Greater transparency for every role – from planners to the shop floor
Container management processes involve many roles across the production environment. The BOX ID System establishes a shared database that supports informed decision-making, early risk detection, and stable operations.
Production planner
How many load carriers are required for SOP and ramp-up? Today, oversized fleets and safety stock are tying up too much capital.
BOX ID uses analytics and simulations to enable effective fleet planning and realize reduction potential of up to 20%.
Empty container manager
Do suppliers have enough return containers available? This often leads to bottlenecks and makes it difficult to balance filling trucks with ensuring quick returns.
BOX ID provides real-time visibility and automated returns - effectively eliminating costly additional transports.
OEM dispatcher
Which load carriers are available, and are they correctly assigned? Missing containers often lead to rescheduling and inefficient utilization.
BOX ID supports this process with alerts and status tracking, enabling optimized load carrier assignment.
Inbound / full containers
Are all parts arriving on time for production? Missing parts and resulting production downtime pose the greatest risk.
BOX ID provides the necessary supply chain transparency through real-time tracking, alerts, and proof of delivery.
Shop floor management
Where do risks arise, and what decisions need to be made? A lack of transparency can lead to an unnecessary increase in safety stock.
BOX ID provides dashboards and risk alerts to enable faster decision-making and significantly reduce production downtime.
How companies benefit from BOX ID in their daily operations
Transparent flows of full and empty containers
Get real-time visibility into the location, status, and circulation of all pool and special load carriers along the supply chain. This includes full container status, proof of delivery, and alerts.
Controllable empty container return
Automated returns and early bottleneck detection reduce the need for additional transports and space demands.
Demand-based fleet management
Deploy load carriers across SOPs, ramp-ups, and production runs based on real-time circulation data.
Unified database
Production planning, scheduling, and empty container management all use consistent, up-to-date information.
Reduced tied-up capital
Optimized inventory turnover allows for smaller fleets, lower safety stock levels, and reduced capital expenditures.
Lifecycle & condition management
Providing transparency about usage and condition supports maintenance, reuse, and modification of customized load carriers.
Success stories
International OEMs and tier 1 suppliers use BOX ID to consistently manage shuttle container networks across RDCs, dealers, and service partners.
Adamer Glas cuts costs with BOX ID's smart rack management
Adamer Glas now has a real-time overview of over 400 transport racks by digitizing its management system. The result? Faster returns, less shrinkage, and greater security.
Metallbau Windeck digitizes transport rack management
With the BOX ID cloud solution, Metallbau Windeck has transferred its rack fleet from Excel management to the digital world.
How INDEX Werke secure their production processes
Thanks to the BOX ID cloud solution, logistics and manufacturing at INDEX Werke can keep track of 1,000 transport racks at all times – across locations, transparently, and in real time.
Measurable results in weeks
Many companies start with a clearly defined use case – for example, managing a specific load carrier type or critical route. Within weeks, operational improvements become visible: reduced loss, more stable circulation, and a clear data foundation for informed decisions. The Starter Edition enables a controlled entry – scalable to full fleet management.
Fast pilot with clearly defined scope
Scalable to company-wide rollout
Ready to improve production reliability and eliminate bottlenecks?
Schedule a one-on-one consultation to learn how BOX ID can make your load carrier flows transparent and manageable, resulting in less asset shrinkage, stable circulation, and a significant reduction in tied-up capital.
Our Customers
Frequently asked questions about fleet management with BOX ID
What types of load carriers are used in the production network?
Various types of load carriers are used in industrial production networks. These include pool load carriers such as VDA boxes, mesh boxes, roll containers, and other reusable containers, as well as KLTs and pallets. In addition, special load carriers are used, such as specialized racks for seats, batteries, or body parts, which are also suitable for robotic handling. Disposable containers and cardboard packaging are used in exceptional cases or for emergency deliveries.
Why is managing load carriers in production so complex?
The complexity of load carrier management stems from high volumes, global supply chains, and a wide variety of different component types. This is further complicated by fragmented supply chains and limited transparency. Since customized load carriers are also expensive and component-specific, smooth SOP, ramp-up, and series production planning requires extremely precise control of the entire fleet.
What problems arise without the right software solution?
Without a suitable software solution, problems such as shrinkage, delays and excess inventory arise, resulting in high capital tie-up. A shortage of available full containers can also lead to production downtime or slower processes. Furthermore, a lack of digital support results in a significant amount of manual administrative work.
How does BOX ID address these challenges?
BOX ID addresses these challenges by providing real-time tracking of full and empty containers, automating returns, and sending targeted alerts. The system enables efficient fleet planning throughout the entire product lifecycle. It also offers data-driven planning support for reusing and converting special load carriers.
What are the measurable benefits of using BOX ID?
The use of the BOX ID system reduces fleet sizes by up to 15 percent, enabling amortization within 12 to 24 months and ROI of under two years. Users benefit from greater production reliability and improved compliance, in addition to reduced tied-up capital and lower operating costs.
How can the BOX ID system be integrated into existing setups?
BOX ID offers standardized API interfaces for integration with ERP, WMS, and TMS systems. The platform is hardware-independent and supports various tracking technologies such as BLE, LTE, and QR. Its open architecture prevents vendor lock-in.
How secure is the data on the BOX ID platform?
BOX ID is ISO 27001 certified and GDPR compliant. The cloud-based SaaS platform is hosted in European data centers. It is scalable from pilot projects to international rollouts.
Can't find the answer to your question here?
Ask our team. We would be happy to advise you on your specific use case.
Book a call now
Do you have complex requirements or are you looking for the right solution for your load carrier management? Let's talk.
E-Mail:
info@box-id.com
Phone:
+49-(0)89-2190973-60
Location:
BOX ID Systems GmbH
Lichtenbergstraße 8, c/o gate
DE-85748 Garching near Munich
The BOX ID System in practice
From fleet management in production logistics and after sales to shipment monitoring and yard visibility
- BOX ID offers the right solution for specific operational challenges.
RTP Containers Under Control in Automotive After Sales
From Shipment Monitoring to Yard Visibility
