Netmore Group, an IoT network provider, and supply chain plug-and-play hardware specialist Zenze are the two component parts of the partnership that will provide LoRaWAN networks to supply chain and storage facilities.
LoRaWAN is a de facto standard in industrial internet of things (IIoT) settings, which can often be too large for networking protocols like BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Bluetooth, and wi-fi to be effective. LoRaWAN-equipped devices use minimal power, making them ideal for situations where sensors and attenuators are not easily accessible (for maintenance, battery swap-out, etc.).
The lower frequencies used in LoRaWAN also make the range of individual devices much bigger – ideal for busy supply chain hubs such as ports, where acres of ground need to be covered. The flip side to LoRaWAN is that devices’ bandwidth and data throughput are typically low and slow.
The goal of the partnership is to provide cost-effective wireless infrastructure for applications that track and monitor cargo as it moves between various locations in the supply chain around the world, ensuring that consignments can be accurately tracked and managed in supply chain facilities and waypoints.
Using Netmore’s IoT network infrastructure, Zenze provides custom-made, local LoRaWAN networks, designed for tracking various types of assets, including dry cargo, containers, refrigerated goods, and other items typically transported and eventually stored.
Stephan Piworus, CEO of Zenze, spoke on the need for a “smarter, more connected port infrastructure,” as global shipping volumes continue to increase and governance at local and international levels applies to an increasing number of goods in different sectors. He said “real-time data becomes more important for driving business efficiencies,” and the partnership “represents a major step forward in transforming port operations worldwide.”
The deployment of LoRaWAN networks is to be undertaken in collaboration with ports and terminals that are currently part of the Cargo Visibility Network (CVN), a specialised network architecture designed for the visibility of cargo transport.
Following the initial deployment of the LoRaWAN networks by the two companies, the next phase of work from the nascent partnership will comprise of a complete ecosystem of low cost, eco-friendly services and sensors, specifically designed to work with Netmore’s network.
The devices will be used for real-time location tracking, security, and condition monitoring. The aim is to shift the existing pricing dynamics for carriers and port logistics operators, reducing costs and making IIoT solutions more affordable, sustainable, and accessible for operations in different settings.
Ove Anebygd, CEO of Netmore Group, spoke of the benefits that users will gain from the partnership between Netmore and Zenze in supply chain management. “By tapping into the Zenze Cargo Visibility Network, ports will gain access to a wealth of data, analytics and be able to use the network for many terminal use-cases […], and [achieve] a more agile logistics process.”
(Image source: “Shenzhen Container Port” by Bert van Dijk is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.)
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