Supply Chain Case Study
Real-time tracking across the life cycle of inventory
Transforming from digital to AI for smart and resilient supply chains
Background
A global supply chain organisation faced significant challenges with its strategy to digitise its operations. This global supply chain organisation faced environmental challenges such as thick walls, metal structures, heavy interference from industrial equipment and power plants, stock variability in type and number, limited access to power and/or cabling infrastructure, to name a few. Due to this difficult Wi-Fi environment, it’s implementation of RFID and IoT sensors, and smart shelves were not successful. It also had a knock-on effect of pilots for robots which relied on wireless technologies due to health and safety considerations. The organisation aimed to overcome these limitations to improve its just-in-time operations, ensure health and safety of staff, reduce overstocking or stockouts, and improve route planning.
Solution Implementation
Advanced Wi-Fi Predictive Planning
Our client engaged H2NET's Managed LAN professional service to conduct Wi-Fi predictive analysis to determine which one of the wireless standards would suit their difficult environment at one of their key facilities as a pilot. This involved analysis of sub-1 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz frequencies with accurate site mapping of the obstacles and power/cabling infrastructure to determine accurate placements and optimum frequencies. The predictive analysis demonstrated that sub-1 GHz (HaLow) maintained long-range coverage due to its favourable propagation characteristics through high attenuating objects. A site plan was developed with accurate positioning for the HaLow access-points that considered the power and cabling requirements, that allow our client to start designing their smart shelving and sensors deployment.
Wi-Fi Site Survey and Spectrum Analysis
An active site survey was conducted to substantiate the predictive analysis with physical confirmation of the power and cabling requirements as well as spectrum analysis of the sub-1 GHz band to ensure there are no sources of interference. The locations, heights and the down tilts and radio of the HaLow access-points were confirmed as part of the active survey as well as any requirements for lightening arrestors for the antennas and UTP cabling that provides power over ethernet as well as network connectivity.
Managed LAN
H2NET were tasked with procuring and deploying HaLow technology at the pilot site. Post-deployment, H2NET conducted a post-implementation survey and spectrum analysis to ensure that the deployment matches what is expected from the predictive analysis and active site survey. H2NET were then commissioned to provide a Managed LAN service for the deployed access-points which also included twice yearly site surveys to ensure that the Wi-Fi network is performant. This managed service offers continuous monitoring and support, reducing the burden on internal IT teams and improving the overall network performance.
Enhanced Internet Connectivity
Our client adopted H2NET's Enhanced Internet solution to replace its internet connections. This upgrade ensured reliable and high-speed connectivity across all its locations, facilitating seamless communication and data transfer between its facilities and partners. The improved network infrastructure minimised downtime and significantly boosted operational efficiency by using an SLA backed internet service with deterministic routing. With local internet break-out now being possible at the locations, geo-localisation of internet services is now available with web pages and SaaS based services being presented in the location's language.
Outcome
Real-Time Tracking and Visibility
With pervasive Wi-Fi that is performant regardless of environmental conditions, our client was able to proceed with their deployment of RFID, GPS IoT and smart shelves. They were also able to install mobile Wi-Fi clients on their vehicles to enable automated inventory management. Our client was able to improve its just-in-time operations as well as track accurate stock levels and optimise stock collection reducing time for their hauliers to remain within the facility.
Fleet Management
Our client was able to implement automatic number plate recognition cameras using the Wi-Fi deployed to track the lorries through the facility. They are able to measure queuing, and loading & unloading times, as well as the time taken to transit through the facility to measure inefficiencies. Using this data, our client was able to Improve route planning and reduce operational costs via AI. This analysis was achieved with high accuracy due to the managed LAN service providing an always-available service, so there were no gaps in data or coverage due to network interruptions or issues.
Environmental Monitoring
With sensors that monitor temperature, humidity, ethylene concentration, O2/CO2 levels, shock and vibration, amongst other factors, our client was able to obtain readings from their sensors for quality control and to ensure that the produce is not exposed to environmental extremes. They were able to collect readings remotely without accessing the refrigerated containers and fridges using sensors set up as HaLow clients, because HaLow has a superior propagation profile as compared to other wireless technologies.
Conclusion
Our client's adoption of HaLow with the Managed LAN service transformed its operations by enhancing efficiency. It also opened up a new revenue stream such as food and pharmaceutical supply chain management, as well as other innovative products to meet their own clients' needs. H2NET was able to successfully help our client meet their strategic imperatives and help them progress from pilots and proof of concepts to production.
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