Identec Partners with Smart‑Tote to Deliver Real‑Time Chain‑of‑Custody Visibility

Identec has partnered with Smart Tote to bring a new level of visibility, accountability and loss prevention to the logistics sector through real‑time chain‑of‑custody technology.

Developed in collaboration with Carl Mason, founder of Smart‑Tote, the Smart Tote solution combines our proven RFID access control and asset tracking expertise with intelligent container design to address one of the industry’s most persistent challenges: loss, theft and limited visibility across complex supply chains.

Across Europe, logistics operators and retailers lose more than £10 billion each year to theft, shrinkage and operational inefficiencies. Traditional approaches such as physical seals, manual inspections and CCTV often indicate that a problem has occurred, but fail to provide the detailed insight needed to understand where, when and how access was compromised.

Smart Tote is designed to close that visibility gap.

By converting standard logistics containers into connected, trackable assets, the system automatically records who accessed a container, where and when, within defined communication boundaries. This creates a secure digital chain of custody, delivering actionable data that enables operators to identify root causes, prevent repeat incidents and improve overall operational performance.

Unlike single‑use plastic seals or manual processes, SmartTOTE operates continuously and at scale, automatically capturing movement data and detecting tampering events without the need for human intervention. The result is improved accountability, reduced loss and more resilient supply chains.

The solution is particularly suited to high‑value and high‑risk supply chains, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, tobacco and fashion, where auditability, security and regulatory compliance are critical.

Carl Mason, Founder of Smart Tote, said:
“Too much of logistics still relies on outdated processes. We wanted to create something that gives businesses proper visibility and control over their goods. This has been a long journey, but bringing it to life here in the North East makes it even more special.”

Identec brings more than 40 years of experience in RFID access control and asset tracking to the partnership, underpinning SmartTote’s ability to operate reliably across complex logistics environments. The collaboration demonstrates how proven technology and innovative design can be combined to deliver practical, scalable solutions to real‑world industry problems.

Gary Vasey, MD of Identec Ltd, added:
“This is a great example of what can happen when North East businesses collaborate. We’ve combined local expertise with proven technology to solve a very real industry problem. Smart Tote gives companies the information they need to improve efficiency, reduce loss, and build more resilient supply chains.”

As supply chains grow increasingly complex and cost pressures continue to rise, technologies that provide real‑time insight and preventative control are expected to play a key role in reducing losses, improving efficiency and strengthening supply chain resilience.