IoT in logistics
IOT, or Internet of Things, devices can be used in logistics to track delicate cargo, entire shipping containers, warehouse forklifts and carts, and even employees, both indoors and outdoors. That makes IOT solutions a valuable tool in supply chain management.
Using a combination of different connectivity technologies, Kaltiot offers IOT solutions for many logistics-related tracking challenges.
IOT sensors can be used to track
Equipment usage
Shipment conditions
Sensors report potential too-high or too-low temperatures, humidity, and impacts the shipment has experienced.
Shipment location
Sensors can be used for “checkpoint” location tracking. SIM-card equipped sensors can report location globally.
Last mile delivery
Location tracking and usage statistics for bicycles, handcarts, mopeds, and vehicles, regardless of manufacturer.
Advantages of IOT tracking for shipments
IOT devices are available in a wide variety of types and using a variety of connectivity technology. This means a network of IOT sensors can be built that will work inside different types of structures, or outdoors, or with grid power or battery power.
IOT trackers don’t require scanning
Unlike barcodes, connected beacons don’t require manual scanning. IOT devices use an internet connection to upload their data to the cloud.
A typical connectivity range for wireless sensors is 20-100 meters from an internet-connected gateway. For LoRa and 4G sensors and other devices with their own data connection, it’s anywhere within range of a network tower. The range varies by device and the connection type being used, as well as the structure of a building or object the sensor is inside of.
IOT sensors can collect data on temperature, humidity, and impacts
A significant advantage IOT sensors have over scanning-based tracking solutions is that they can provide data on temperature, humidity and impacts the shipment has experienced during transit, as well as on the shipment’s location.
Sensors can be used both in checkpoint-type setups, where the sensor unloads its tracked data when it passes certain checkpoints with IoT gateways, or in continuous reporting using sim card-connected devices.
Even with a checkpoint setup, the data includes precise timestamps which enable determining when a shipment became wet, or was dropped or damaged, leaving no question about responsibility.
Advantages of IOT for tracking logistics equipment
IOT beacons can also be used to track the usage of warehousing and delivery equipment such as forklifts, hand carts, and mail delivery bicycles. Independent tracking solutions like Kaltiot Smart Tracker can be installed on all equipment regardless of the manufacturer.
Impact detection
Motion sensors in IOT devices can detect impacts and the relative strength of the impact. This can detect, for example, a forklift collision.
Usage rate calculation
Motion sensors and location data can also be used to determine how many hours a day or month a specific asset is used. For example, you could see if a warehouse has some forklifts that are being underutilized.
Maintenance and fleet management
Equipment location tracking also improves fleet management by making it easier to locate specific assets for maintenance, reduce equipment that goes missing, and calculate when maintenance is needed based on the usage rate.
Real-life examples
Tracking rented scissor lifts
Tracking components
A logistics tracking solution from Kaltiot
Kaltiot Smart Tracker provides a simple and affordable solution to tackle common logistics challenges. Our independent tracking solution can be used to track both shipments and equipment. It can be installed on devices from any manufacturer and works globally.