Smart Packaging: IoT, ERP and MES for Industrial Traceability.

Smart packaging is revolutionising the way companies manage traceability in the supply chain, reduce waste and improve the customer experience. Unlike traditional packaging, smart packaging integrates sensors, QR codes, RFID or even blockchain, becoming strategic assets within Industry 4.0.

According to market estimates, the smart packaging sector will reach USD 26.8 billion by 2025, growing at a rate of 6.9% per year, and grow at an annual rate of 6.9 % to reach USD 48.9 billion by 2034.

What is smart packaging, and why is it key in Industry 4.0?

Smart packaging emerges as an evolution of traditional packaging towards solutions that not only protect the product but also provide critical information in real time. This makes it a pillar of supply chain digitisation.

Difference between traditional, active and intelligent packaging

• Traditional packaging: performs basic functions of protection against humidity, light and handling.
• Active packaging: interacts with the product, for example, by releasing preservatives or absorbing moisture.
• Smart packaging: adds sensors and digital connectivity, providing real-time information on product status, origin and storage conditions.

Smart packaging not only protects, it also informs, connects and generates data for digital supply chain management.

Main functions of smart packaging in the industry

• Monitor critical conditions (temperature, humidity, freshness).
• Provide full traceability from origin to destination.
• Verify authenticity and prevent counterfeiting.
• Improve communication with consumers through QR codes and mobile apps.

These functions allow companies to improve traceability, strengthen consumer confidence and reduce risks in critical sectors.

Technologies that make smart packaging possible

To turn a package into a digital asset, it is necessary to integrate different technologies to capture, transmit and protect information throughout the product lifecycle.

IoT sensors for freshness, temperature and shocks

Sensors in connected packaging can detect variations in temperature, humidity or shocks during transport. In sectors such as food and pharmaceuticals, this is critical to ensure consumer safety.

QR codes, RFID and blockchain for traceability

• QR and RFID: allow access to batch, origin and expiration information.
• Blockchain: adds a layer of security to traceability, ensuring that data is not manipulated.

These technologies facilitate integration with systems such as ERP RPS Next for inventory control and logistics.

Smart inks and labels for sustainability

Thermochromatic or thermochromic inks show whether a food has been kept at the right temperature. In addition, biodegradable labels reinforce sustainability and reduce environmental impact. These inks are high-tech,changing color depending on the temperature they are in.

These technologies make smart packaging a fundamental piece of traceability in the supply chain, providing control, security and sustainability.

Benefits of smart packaging for the industry

Smart packaging is not only a technological breakthrough, but it also generates tangible benefits in terms of cost reduction, sustainability and customer confidence.

Logistics optimisation and customer experience

Smart packaging in e-commerce and logistics reduces delivery incidents, ensures that the product arrives in optimal conditions and provides confidence to the end consumer.

Sustainability and circular economy

Integrating IoT in industrial packaging allows for optimising distribution routes and reducing emissions. In addition, recycling information integrated into the packaging promotes the circular economy.

Thanks to smart packaging, companies can reduce waste, optimise operations and move towards more competitive circular economy models.

Integrating smart packaging with digital management systems

The true value of smart packaging is achieved when it is integrated with digital platforms such as ERP and MES. In this way, packaging data is transformed into strategic decisions for the plant and supply chain.

ERP for packaging cost and inventory control

An ERP such as RPS Next enables efficient management of smart packaging inventories, costing and strategic purchasing planning.

MES for real-time traceability of packaging and batches

IoT sensors can monitor critical variables (temperature, vibration, energy consumption) and anticipate failures. Combined with advanced analytics, they facilitate predictive control that significantly reduces waste.

Industry use cases for smart packaging

Each industry leverages smart packaging differently, depending on its needs for safety, traceability and customer experience.

• Food: traceability and waste reduction. For example: cold chains monitored with IoT sensors in meat and fish. As a result, waste can be reduced by 20%.
• Ecommerce and retail: authenticity and advanced logistics. Luxury brands use smart packaging to verify authenticity through QR and blockchain, avoiding counterfeits.
• Pharma and healthcare: temperature control and patient safety. Connected packaging ensures that vaccines and sensitive drugs are kept in safe conditions until delivery to the patient.

From food to pharmaceuticals, smart packaging demonstrates its ability to deliver real value in sectors where safety and traceability are critical.

Future trends in smart packaging

The evolution of smart packaging is closely linked to Industry 4.0, with technologies such as IoT, digital twins and advanced analytics accelerating its adoption.

Integration with IIoT and digital twins

Smart packaging will integrate with IIoT platforms, enabling digital visualization of the entire product lifecycle.

Packaging as a data source for ERP/MES

Connected packaging becomes information nodes that feed ERP and MES systems to improve planning and traceability.

Sustainability as a competitive advantage

By 2025, European regulations are expected to require 100% recyclable packaging. Smart packaging will not only meet this requirement, but will also provide a competitive advantage in sustainability.

The future of smart packaging is focused on full integration with digital systems and sustainability as a competitive differentiator.

Smart packaging has become a driver of Industry 4.0, improving traceability, sustainability and customer experience. By integrating ERP and MES, packaging can become a strategic asset that drives profitability and industrial efficiency. At Overtel, we help companies make this leap towards digitalisation, integrating technological solutions that turn packaging into a source of real value.

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