CLC’s view: Digital logistics starts with a question, not a tracker
In a recent episode of the LogisticsMatter podcast, the CEO of Connected Load Carrier (CLC), Davy Baars, sat down with host Martijn Graat to discuss the shifting tides of global supply chains. As the founder of LogisticsMatter, Martijn has spent over a decade highlighting the innovations that keep the world moving. This made this podcast the perfect stage for a conversation about the next frontier of digital logistics.
Does logistics matter?
Martijn opened the session with a simple question he always asks his guest at the beginning of a podcast: “Does logistics matter?”
“For sure, logistics matters,” Davy answered. He explained that while the physical movement of goods is the foundation, the real opportunity now lies in the "digital layer" that sits on top of it. As the conversation progressed, it became clear that how logistics creates value is evolving. It’s this vision that drives CLC to challenge the industry, moving beyond internal silos toward a digitally connected ecosystem.
This episode explores what a digital supply chain actually means, why many transformations stall at the hardware phase and how organisations can unlock measurable value by focusing on the operational questions they need answered, not the technology they buy.
From tech startups to supply chain transformation
Davy’s path to logistics was driven by a clear mission: applying his background in tech and startups to global-scale challenges. He saw that the supply chain, an industry defined by massive volume and constant motion, was the perfect environment for large scale IoT deployment. It was a sector built on physical strength, simply waiting for a digital layer to unlock its full potential.
This realization led to the founding of CLC. Over the past eight years, that focus has evolved into a clear mission: moving beyond the "siloed" approach and transforming traditional supply chains into digitally connected ecosystems.
So, what is a digital supply chain?
According to Davy, a digital supply chain is a digital replica, a layer that sits on top of the physical flow to mirror movements, assets and transactions.
This digital layer is designed to unlock:
Transparency: Knowing the true status of your operations at any second.
Efficiency: Identifying bottlenecks before they become costly delays.
Actionable insights: Turning raw information into clear business decisions.
The biggest challenge here is that supply chains are ecosystems. While companies often try to improve efficiency within their own four walls, the real opportunity lies in the "handshake" moments: the handovers where goods, responsibility and paperwork change hands between partners within these ecosystems.
Asset tracking vs. shipment tracking
Davy makes a sharp distinction between tracking assets (pallets, roller cages, reusable containers) and tracking shipments (the goods themselves).
"The owner of the shipment and the owner of the assets are still two different companies usually," Davy explained. "You need to look at them as two distinct tracks you want to solve."
Many companies begin by tracking assets simply to prevent loss. However, Davy points out that focusing only on loss is a one-time saving. The true, recurring value comes from understanding how assets behave:
How fast are they rotating?
Where are they sitting idle?
By seeing where the flow stops, companies can stop guessing and start making the operational changes that actually drive efficiency.
The pitfall of "cuddling hardware"
One of the strongest messages from the podcast was a warning to supply chain leaders: Don’t start by "cuddling hardware."
Many organizations see new IoT devices or RFID solutions and rush into deployment. But as Davy stated, starting with hardware is often backwards. Technology is a tool, but without a defined operational objective, it rarely delivers structural value.
Instead, organizations should begin with clear questions:
What business problem are we solving?
Where are our biggest efficiency gains?
Which blind spots actually impact operations?
Only once these questions are defined should the right technology be selected.
The blueprint of standardization
Before a supply chain can be digital, it must be standardized. Davy noted that it’s "mind-blowing" how many supply chains operate with a chaotic mix of label sizes, barcode formats and identification methods.
The roadmap to success:
Unique Identities: Making every asset unique (e.g., numbering 1 through 100, rather than just "100 of Type B").
Universal labels: Using standardized SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Codes) labels that your "neighbors" in the supply chain can actually read.
Digital Twins: Aligning with upcoming regulations like the EU’s PPWR, which pushes for digital asset representation to manage circularity.
Beyond the paper trail
Digital transformation is as much about people as it is about hardware. Many organizations instinctively hesitate to share their operational details. Davy’s counter-argument is simple: “You’re already sharing this physically”.
Every time you send a load carrier with a paper label, you’re sharing information. Moving that into a digital format simply removes manual re-entry and reduces human error. Something every stakeholder in the supply chain benefits from.
Solving the investment barrier with Solution-as-a-Service
Digital transformation requires investment and that often competes with physical expansion. To reduce this hurdle, CLC operates on a Solution-as-a-Service model.
Instead of asking for a massive upfront hardware purchase, CLC takes full responsibility for the setup. This includes the hardware, connectivity and ongoing maintenance. By tying the model to measurable insights and efficiency gains, the focus shifts from a scary capital expenditure (CAPEX) to a long-term partnership built on actual results.
What gains do companies see?
Faster rotation
Optimizing how quickly assets return to the start of the chain.Reduced dwell time
Identifying where goods are sitting idle.Administrative freedom
Eliminating the "Excel-based" logistics where humans have to type in data from one system to another.Automatic handshakes
Triggering invoices or status updates automatically as goods move.
These are not abstract digital benefits. They are operational improvements grounded in validated asset movement.
Start today
Davy’s advice to the industry is clear: Don't wait. With the rise of AI and increasing regulatory pressure, the gap between the digital "haves" and "have-nots" is widening.
“Take the baby steps,” Davy advised. “Look at what you want to achieve. Again, don’t start with the hardware. What matters is: ‘Where do I need to see the gains?’”
Digital transformation shouldn't be based on buying the latest tracker/gadget. It should be about transforming how your organization uses insights to work smarter. That journey starts when you dare to make the first step.
Why the journey starts with CLC
CLC is designed specifically to facilitate those "baby steps" Davy mentions. CLC is able to provide the visibility required to see exactly where your gains are hiding.
Identify the gains: Use real-time data to spot bottlenecks in your supply chain before they become costly delays.
Scale at your pace: Start with a pilot and scale as you prove the ROI, true to the "baby steps" philosophy.
Future-proof your assets: Prepare your logistics for the AI-driven world by turning "dumb" load carriers (like pallets and containers) into intelligent data points.
The road to a digital supply chain doesn't have to be a giant leap. By focusing on the right questions and taking measured steps, you can unlock efficiencies that were previously invisible. CLC is here to help you define those questions, select the right technology for your business case and guide you through every step of the implementation.
If you’re ready to turn manual handovers into seamless digital handshakes, contact CLC today.
Prefer to hear the full story? Click here to listen to the complete conversation between Davy Baars and Martijn Graat on the LogisticsMatter podcast here.