IoT Trends in Transport and Logistics

From location tracking to assisted and autonomous driving, IoT is transforming the entire transportation industry.
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IoT Trends in Logistics and Transport – What You Should Know

As more and more vehicles and assets become connected to the cloud, the IoT ecosystem surrounding shipping, logistics and transportation is growing in size and sophistication. The potential for all the resulting data is just beginning to be realised.

As mobile network technologies advance, secure data shared across the connected transport ecosystem will help drive the advancement of automation and self-driving vehicles. Beyond operational efficiency, IoT technologies allow fleet owners to achieve higher standards of sustainability and corporate responsibility.

IoT Trends in the Transportation & Logistics Industry

Short term

Long term

Telematics for ecology & economy

Telematics systems collect data from sensors installed across a vehicle, providing detailed insight into vehicle performance and driver behaviour. Once aggregated and analysed, that data can lead to big gains in efficiency across an entire connected fleet.

When combined with predictive analytics, telematics also enables more efficient maintenance scheduling, which leads to improved fleet uptime. This all adds up to improved fuel-efficiency, reduced emissions and less wear and tear on vehicles.

Market consolidation requires global oversight

In the long-term, the shipping and transport market is projected to be dominated by a few companies operating across multiple continents. This means fleet managers will need better oversight to effectively coordinate drivers, dispatchers and call centers across the world.

Assigning routes and loads is easier with real-time details on the location and condition of vehicles and goods. IoT technology also helps reduce the risks of theft and piracy, container damage, and disruption of cold chain refrigeration.

Detailed tracking will increase customer satisfaction

Getting the product to the customer at the right time, right place and right cost is what the business is all about. IoT provides global scale with up-close focus. Instead of scanning barcodes, it is becoming economically feasible to use sensors to track assets in transit. Detailed updates let customers know exactly when to expect their delivery.

Easier regulatory compliance and reporting

In Europe, truck drivers are legally required to accurately record their activities, retain records, and produce them on demand to transport authorities. Digital tachographs which record speed, distance, and driver activity ensure regulatory compliance and accurate record keeping for the entire fleet.

Mobile Network Connectivity for IoT Applications in Logistics

Mobile networks are well-tested and aren’t going away anytime soon. Our mobile IoT connectivity solution gives you access to well established global networks which use licensed radio spectrum, free of disturbances and congestion from competing networks.

Managed Connectivity allows you to conquer the complexity of IoT, we can help you simplify the development, rollout and management of your connected solutions. With our solution, your solutions use the best available mobile networks to securely connect to your network or the internet.

User based insurance and stolen vehicle tracking

Using data from connected vehicles, insurance providers can offer fleet owners policies with rates based on usage, driver behaviour and other variables. These models are called user-based insurance (UBI), pay as you drive (PAYD), and pay how you drive (PHYD).

Already on the market in the UK, US and Italy, insurance providers in many other countries are preparing to provide UBI. Stolen Vehicle Tracking (SVT), or Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR) are also growing in popularity. In the event of a reported theft, the SVT system interacts with the police to locate and recover the stolen vehicle.

OEMs must define their roles as IoT becomes standard

Factory-installed telematics hardware is becoming standard in commercial vehicles. This puts the pressure on automotive manufacturers to either build in-house IoT competencies, or to work with specialised service providers. Manufacturers must also decide how to work with aftermarket players to offer in-vehicle software and connected services.

Data ownership opens up the ecosystem​

End-user data is a valuable commodity with many undefined possibilities. Finding ways to use that data effectively could lead to collaborations with both disruptors and established players in the logistics ecosystem.

Today, IoT solution providers usually act as the gatekeepers for commercial vehicle data, but open interfaces are giving fleet managers more control. The ability to collect data from mixed fleets will allow fleet managers to assume a more prominent role in partnerships with OEMs, who can only collect data from the vehicles they manufacture.

Vehicle-to-vehicle communication shows real results

As mobile network communications advance, vehicles are able to communicate in near real-time. This allows trucks to drive in platoons, automatically maintaining speed and distance between one another. Not only does this free up space on the road for other vehicles, it also produces less air drag, which leads to lower fuel consumption and emissions.

ADAS and autonomous drive become part of the everyday

Commercial vehicle OEMs are increasingly integrating video-based solutions as part of standard offers. These cameras are an essential part of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) which aid in driving and parking vehicles.

Cameras also contribute to the automation and remote control of trucks. As technology improves, drivers may be able to issue instructions to the vehicle with a simple gesture or a few words.

A partner for the future of logistics and transport IoT

From connected consumer products to industrial equipment, no matter what you manufacture, we can help you develop IoT solutions that work out of the box – anywhere your products go. We can help you roll out scalable, stable and secure IoT solutions that meet your needs for coverage, quality and price.

Telenor IoT can provide all the necessary sensor technology, software and device control, and access to reliable connectivity. Beyond just tech, we provide our partners with industry experience and insight into emerging trends to help you build a personalised IoT solution that can grow and develop over time.

Some of Our IoT Cases in Transportation

Scania

Explore how Scania offer best-in-class commercial vehicle and fleet services.
Read the IoT case

Hitachi

Explore how HCM’s ConSite automatically monitors its fleet of connected machines.
Download the IoT case

Astrata

Telenor Connexion provided managed connectivity to Astrata’s VanLinc. A platform rolled out for transport management in the rapidly growing Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) market in Europe.
Download the IoT case

Our Offering for IoT in Transport and Logistics

IoT Solutions for Transport and Logistics

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IoT in transportation

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