How Kuehne+Nagel Boosts Visibility with AI Smart Labeling

Kuehne+Nagel has launched a new Road Customer Visibility platform, the result of a partnership with Chorusview Inc. to create a globally available smart label reader network.

This network has the capacity to connect to more than 100 million devices, transmitting label data to the cloud where artificial intelligence can process it to deliver actionable shipment insights for customers.

The platform aims to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction.

A leading logistics provider, Kuehne+Nagel, utilises its global network and data-based insights to provide end-to-end supply chain solutions.

Kuehne+Nagel has approximately 1,300 sites across around 100 countries.

Its latest initiative involves a partnership with Chorusview Inc., a spin-off of Alphabet’s X Moonshot Factory and a specialist in supply chain and logistics orchestration tools.

Chorusview has been developing a suite of tools that implement visibility at pallet, box and item levels through its Seeker labels, which capture data across different settings.

Smart label network for data transmission

The partnership was established to build a comprehensive smart label reader network.

Kuehne+Nagel’s Road Customer Visibility platform uses this network to offer visibility to its customers through actionable shipment insights.

As devices transmit smart label and sensor data to the cloud, it is processed by AI to create this visibility without the risk of manual errors or delays.

"We have made meaningful progress toward our goal of establishing a widely accessible and seamless reader network that enables consistent data transmission across shipments," explains Alireza Nemati, Global Head of Innovation for Road Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel.

"Item-level visibility is transforming the logistics of industries where accurate ETAs and condition monitoring are critical for effective resource management, customer satisfaction and business continuity. Real-time tracking and data-driven decision making also helps reduce waste and loss in areas like inventory management and returns logistics.”

Expanding supply chain capabilities

Chorusview has undergone a network expansion to grow its global reach. Its reader network already incorporates Wi-Fi access points, scanning devices and corporate mobile applications.

The integration of popular third-party mobile apps means it can support more supply chain transformations.

This development strengthens Kuehne+Nagel’s item-level visibility capabilities, helping it offer more control to customers.

The Road Customer Visibility solutions enhance supply chain efficiency by automating workflows, managing changes, reducing product waste and keeping stakeholders informed.

Acting as a single source of truth, the solution seamlessly integrates thousands of data points.

“We share Kuehne+Nagel’s commitment to making supply chains more efficient and resilient through advanced orchestration,” adds Suresh Vishnubhatla, CEO of Chorusview Inc.

“Expanding our reader network marks a major milestone in this journey. It’s made possible by combining our cutting-edge technology with Kuehne+Nagel’s logistics expertise and global reach. We’re excited to scale our smart label solution further and deliver value to customers worldwide.”

AI-powered predictive insights

Kuehne+Nagel is using sensor technology to help elevate supply chain efficiency.

The system is powered by AI and machine learning to provide predictive ETAs at item-specific levels, a feature that improves visibility and helps customers plan around product deliveries.

It uses smart alerts, helping sellers and customers to plan and enhance resource allocation.

The labels also provide precise temperature readings, which could mean that everyone can have confidence in the controlled storage, particularly for cold chain logistics.

If temperature deviations occur, they can be quickly identified and isolated to prevent further issues. This ensures the rest of the cargo remains safeguarded, which could prevent substantial product and monetary loss.

The sensors can also be used to safeguard goods from damage and theft, with shock sensors identifying physical impacts and light sensors detecting if a box has been opened.

The availability of real-time data increases accountability and efficiency while reducing waste, future risks and costs.