IoT hands-on experience with Smart Shipping Labels
Introduction
This is an exceptional article for me because I describe the commercially available IoT solution this time and conduct an IoT device test. The Smart Shipping Label system is provided by Pod Group. The product has been introduced to the market recently. The whole product has been created using several latest technologies (both hardware and software) which have been tied together by the telco platform. All together creates a brilliant IoT solution. Before we move on to the technical description let's understand the business use case.
Problem statement and proposed solution
Bayer company has challenged the global IoT ecosystem to create solutions capable of streamlining seed shipment around the world. Only SODAQ company could deliver a paper-thin smart tracking device capable of transmitting real-time location, motion, and temperature data while guaranteeing package integrity across the globe. Pod company has integrated the SODAQ device with LTE-M SIM technology and Lufthans's LEAP platform to create a Smart Shipping Label system
Smart Shipping Label has been depicted on the diagram below.
SODAQ tracking device
SODAQ tracking device is based on Nordic nRF91 SoC series. The nRF91 Series is Nordic’s first family of low-power cellular devices for the Internet of Things. They have been engineered with an unprecedented level of integration bringing LTE-M, NB-IoT, GPS, all RF Front End (RFFE), and power management into a tiny package (10x16x1.04 mm).
To fulfill requirements regarding size embedded SIM called MFF2 UICC has been used. MFF2 stands for M2M Form Factor or Machine Form Factor. There are two variants of MFF: MFF1 and MFF2, both are the same sizes but MFF2 has an integrated heat sink for better thermal performance.
The whole system is powered by a 2 mm thick printed battery.
LTE-M connectivity
LTE-M enables Cellular IoT for low-cost, low-power, and wide-area deployments that provide:
Enterprise Network Operator
Enterprise Network Operator (ENO) provides SIM technology. Next to SODAQ tracking device, this is a key enabler for Smart Label. This is an embedded SIM called MFF2 UICC. From a technical perspective, it works the same way as a regular SIM card, but is vacuum-sealed and soldered directly onto the circuit board during manufacturing. It has predefined profiles to respond immediately to changes in network coverage and pricing.
Mobile Network Operator
MNO provides local Radio Access Network infrastructure and LTE-M connectivity. MNO selection is done via Forbidden MNO. This is a dynamic list of forbidden networks stored on IoT SIM card. IoT devices are unable to connect to the networks on this list, which is useful, especially when roaming through areas with lots of network interference, or when there is one preferred network. With the Forbidden MNO Watch applet, customers gain control over this list, giving customers the ability to forbid or allow network access.
LEAP Platform
The Logistics Engine And Analytics Platform (LEAP) from Lufthansa Industry Solutions enable the integration of various localization solutions. The platform allows to :
LEAP Platform can be customized according to customer use case.
Drive test
The test has been planned to cover the whole product lifecycle on the customer premises.
For test purpose drive test has been conducted. During the test, the package has been exposed to different levels of temperature. Connectivity has been tested inside the building and in the move.
Deployment
Technical specification
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The label is delivered inactive. Activation is done by cutting the label corner. After activation product is ready for use and can be glued directly to the package.
According to sensor data Smart Tracking Label has been attached to Orange LTE network B20 (800MHz). This guarantees good coverage even inside the buildings.
Operation
A test has been conducted in urban areas with full LTE coverage and remote areas without coverage. Several geofences have been defined.
Label location is based on LTE positioning protocol and in urban areas, it is about 150m.
LEAP platform provides information when the parcel is inside predefined fences. In addition, it is possible to track fences related activities like enter/exit. Such triggers can be programmed (basic actions like email notifications or more advanced ones like payment).
Smart Label provides 4 groups of data :
Training
The whole system is very intuitive. The label comes with a short user guide on top. There is training offered by POD related to LEAP platform.
Support
POD company provides 24/7 support.
Disposal
Discharged labels are returned to POD company for recycling purposes. Hardware is reusable. Others materials are recyclable.
Summary
Smart Tracking Label is an excellent selection for the enterprise sector to streamline package delivery. POD system can be characterized by low CAPEX (the system does not require any additional hardware on customer premises).
LEAP API enables services that allow the creation of competitive advantage (like automated payments on delivery)
The system has limitations related to battery size (150 hours in cases messages are sent once per hour when the package is on the move) and location (in urban areas accuracy is 150m and maybe even worse in remote locations (density of BTS is lower thus triangulation is worse)
POD and its partners plan several additional features like Bluetooth for better accuracy inside the building and an even more initiative LEAP platform interface.
References and further study
?? Smart Label has won first prize in the "Research & development or new launch" category of the 2023 IoT Global Awards. Yes, I agree this is a pretty nice piece of engineering. Congrats Pod Group - A Giesecke+Devrient Company SODAQ Lufthansa Industry Solutions https://iotglobalawards.com/winners/