Monitoring of Remote Assets in Logistics via LoRaWAN - A Practical Solution for Broad-Scale Observation and Management
In the ever-evolving world of technology, one solution has emerged as a game-changer for the logistics sector: LoRaWAN. This wireless communication protocol, developed by Cycleo in 2009 and commercialized by Semtech Corporation, offers a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for remote asset monitoring and management.
LoRaWAN's primary strength lies in its ability to cover vast areas with minimal infrastructure. Gateways can capture signals from 5-10 kilometers in open environments, or hundreds of meters indoors, making it ideal for yards, ports, and regional depots. This wide coverage, coupled with its low power consumption, allows LoRaWAN to support thousands of endpoints on a low power budget, ensuring long battery life spanning months or years.
Use Cases and Benefits
One of the key use cases for LoRaWAN in logistics is yard and trailer monitoring. Sensors monitor trailer occupancy, movement, dwell time, and environmental conditions such as temperature or door status in refrigerated units. This improved visibility reduces asset loss across large logistics yards that often have limited power availability and need wide-range coverage without expensive infrastructure.
For over-the-road shipments, small battery-powered LoRaWAN trackers provide periodic location and environmental data. This offers visibility without relying on expensive satellite or cellular connectivity, extending visibility on the road.
Within large distribution centers, LoRaWAN supports sensor networks that assist in sustainable and efficient operations spread over wide outdoor and indoor areas, complementing other wireless protocols like BLE or UWB.
Sustainability and Cost-Effectiveness
LoRaWAN aligns well with sustainability objectives in logistics. By reducing lost assets, enabling condition-based maintenance, and using energy-efficient sensors, it contributes to a more sustainable and efficient logistics ecosystem.
Moreover, compared to cellular, LoRaWAN sensors and service costs are significantly lower, especially when scaled across thousands of units. This cost-effectiveness, combined with its low power consumption, makes LoRaWAN a practical solution for logistics operators with large footprints, who often opt for private deployments for more control and data ownership.
Expanding Horizons
Industry developments, such as enabling satellite support for LoRaWAN, are poised to expand its use in logistics further by extending coverage even in very remote areas where traditional networks are unavailable.
In summary, LoRaWAN's strengths—low power, long-range, and cost-effective network infrastructure—make it a practical, though not high-bandwidth, solution for diverse logistics applications involving wide-area visibility, asset management, and sustainability goals. While it may not offer the speed or bandwidth of traditional wireless networks, its reach, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness make it a valuable tool in the logistics industry's quest for a more sustainable and efficient future.
[1] The Internet of Things Agenda
[2] LoRa Alliance
[3] LoRaWAN in Logistics: A Practical Guide
[4] LoRaWAN for Logistics: A Comprehensive Guide
Data-and-cloud-computing solutions can effectively integrate with LoRaWAN technology to enhance logistics operations. By analyzing data from thousands of endpoints managed by LoRaWAN, logistics companies can optimize their asset management, route planning, and even predictive maintenance.
Moreover, the increasing integration of cloud technologies with LoRaWAN can provide real-time insights into logistics operations, enabling logistics operators to make quick decisions, improvingefficiency and reducing costs.
