Astrocast partners with ArrowSpot and integrates SatIoT into supply chain
solutions

Global asset tracking within containers achieved for the first time for supply
chains

Lausanne, Switzerland, June 30, 2022 - Astrocast, a leading global nanosatellite
IoT network operator, today announces a partnership with ArrowSpot. Astrocast is
integrating its Satellite IoT (SatIoT) technology into ArrowSpot's ArrowTrack
SAT device and its ArroWatch application. This advanced hybrid communication
tracking solution combines cellular and satellite communication network access.
It enables ArrowSpot's customers to benefit from full visibility of their supply
chains and fleets, allowing for the effective management of assets globally.

ArrowSpot's technology solutions typically enable supply chain managers to take
a proactive and cost-effective approach to cargo and fleet management. It has
developed track and trace solutions that make it possible for organisations to
monitor moving assets anywhere and anytime along their journey. Clients that are
benefitting from working with ArrowSpot include ZIM Shipping Line and Oceanex
Inc. intermodal transportation services. 

24/7 supply chain monitoring solutions require global connectivity (SatIoT)
A resilient supply chain requires 24/7 monitoring. For many years, ArrowSpot has
looked for an effective IoT solution that enables it to track moving assets
across the globe. With connectivity via terrestrial networks covering 15% of the
planet, ArrowSpot and Astrocast joined forces to solve the problem of tracking
assets across the remaining 85% of the world using Satellite IoT. 

The Astrocast and ArrowSpot R&D teams collaborated to integrate Astrocast's
technology into ArrowSpot's new ArrowTrack SAT, the first device that combines
cellular and satellite communication. This hybrid communication solution
provides customers global coverage, enabling the effective management of
containers moving around the world.

A strong use case that demonstrates the value of this solution can be found in
the pharmaceutical sector. Maintaining security and temperature control is
essential when safeguarding valuable cargo across the pharmaceutical supply
chain. When handling this sort of cargo, it is vital to respond quickly to any
unexpected events that might occur. For example, if a reefer loses power or
cargo appears to be in the wrong location, this problem needs to be flagged and
addressed swiftly. 

Solving this kind of incident fast requires that organisations have the right
kind of services and technology in place to track and respond to such events.
Ideally, this information should also be shared with customers rapidly, so that
appropriate management decisions can be made about any cargo in transit. The
benefit of providing this kind of transparency across the supply chain is that
it can radically reduce any potential impact on cargo. Achieving this true
visibility across all areas of the world has previously not been possible
without Satellite IoT.

Demonstrable results 
Within supply chains, ArroWatch has become a proven key tool for shipping lines
and cargo owners to reduce wastage and improve supply chain resilience. Since
its launch, ArroWatch has monitored over 30,000 trips. The ArrowSpot 24/7
control centre has tracked over 1 million cargo days over that time - valued in
excess of US$10 billion. Around 6% of trips require some kind of intervention to
safeguard cargo - and, as a result, the service has saved over US$500 million in
cargo that would otherwise have been wasted. Of about half of that cargo - over
US$250 million, was vital pharmaceutical products, with food cargo making up
over US$150 million. The addition of Satellite IoT enables ArrowSpot to maintain
a seamless service for its customers and enables everyone to achieve a better
return on investment. 

Ran Grinshtain, ArrowSpot co-founder and CEO, says: "The need for 24/7 asset
tracking within global supply chains is vital today, especially within the cold
chain. But up until now, truly cost-effective global connectivity has not been
available. In our search for a provider, we tested several SatIoT solutions, and
selected Astrocast in the end for several reasons. From its bidirectional
communication to low energy consumption, optimised data protocols, to chipsets,
as well as ease of integration, working with Astrocast has transformed the speed
of development - from prototype to reliable production device in less than 12
months. What is more, our organisations are both highly customer centric