Blockchain in Logistics and Supply Chain A Lean approach for designing real-w...Guido Perboli
Supply Chain and Logistics are changing deeply thanks to the Digital Revolution and the introduction of technologies as IoT and Blockchain.
But how to build real use cases?
RFID is often most efficiently used when combined with other technologies. In this way, it can then become a route to completing and enhancing an existing solution.
Contrary to what one might think, the implementation of RFID does not trigger a
revolution of all operational processes - it can be integrated very smoothly into existing
ones and work in parallel with other solutions.
Blockchain in Logistics and Supply Chain A Lean approach for designing real-w...Guido Perboli
Supply Chain and Logistics are changing deeply thanks to the Digital Revolution and the introduction of technologies as IoT and Blockchain.
But how to build real use cases?
RFID is often most efficiently used when combined with other technologies. In this way, it can then become a route to completing and enhancing an existing solution.
Contrary to what one might think, the implementation of RFID does not trigger a
revolution of all operational processes - it can be integrated very smoothly into existing
ones and work in parallel with other solutions.
Drone Automation for Warehouse 4.0 | Drones in Warehousing | Drones in LogisticsFlytBase
The digital transformation of warehouses – driven by safety, cost and time benefits – is underway across the world. Technologies such as IoT, AI and drones are augmenting the business value created by adoption of RFID, robots and real-time analytics. UAVs have started playing a central role in the intelligent automation of warehouse operations – given their ability to fly & hover autonomously, carry payloads, avoid obstacles, navigate indoors & land precisely, operate in fleets and be remotely used.
Enabling a Big Vision for 5G with Small Cells - CyientPercy-Mitchell
5G promises to transform the way we live and work, offering extremely low latency of less than 10 milliseconds coupled with ultra-high-speed broadband networks. And small cells are an indispensable component of next-generation networks
"Smart dust"are tiny wireless micro electromechanical sensors (MEMS) that can detect everything from light to vibrations.
More Info - www.TechzClub.com
Smart logistics tracking is creating a leaner, more agile supply chain thanks...Sigfox
Sigfox’s IoT network transforms
the global supply chain The logistics and transportation industry seeks a lean supply chain solution to improve upon RFID technology. Smart logistics solutions, powered by Sigfox’s global IoT network, allow the industry to visualize location and manage critical goods in real time. The new IoT supply chain streamlines field operations, reduces inefficiencies and delivers better insights that improve client service levels. Smart logistics solutions replace RFID tags as the premiere supply chain management tool.
IoT use case asset tracking for logistics
Top 9 Trends and Technologies Reshaping Supply Chain Management | The Enterpr...TEWMAGAZINE
Here are 9 major trends and technological developments for the future of supply chain management: 1. Supply Chain Agility 2. Artificial and Augmented Intelligence 3. Real-Time Supply Chain Visibility 4. Digital Twins 5. Blockchain 6. Data Standards and Advanced Analytics
It may seem to you as if we live in an Internet of Everything IOE world today. Between smart grids, your connected car, building automation and all the smart devices on the Internet of Things market, it is hard to get away from all the innovation of the fourth industrial revolution. New business models are being developed to improve customer experiences. Keeping Internet of Things secure is a top priority to safeguard personal data.
In the world of warehousing, IoT has taken hold. To speed up the handling, storage and shipping of inventory, warehouses are relying more on IoT-enabled devices including wearables, smart glasses, AMR and AGV. Robotic and artificial intelligence solutions are being utilized in warehouse and logistics operations in concert with warehouse workers to improve performance and reduce errors. Facility managers now can rely on Chuck to be the workhorse of their operation and reduce their dependence on seasonal or unreliable workers.
It’s a different world out there everyone. We all need to get SMART…
Drone Automation for Warehouse 4.0 | Drones in Warehousing | Drones in LogisticsFlytBase
The digital transformation of warehouses – driven by safety, cost and time benefits – is underway across the world. Technologies such as IoT, AI and drones are augmenting the business value created by adoption of RFID, robots and real-time analytics. UAVs have started playing a central role in the intelligent automation of warehouse operations – given their ability to fly & hover autonomously, carry payloads, avoid obstacles, navigate indoors & land precisely, operate in fleets and be remotely used.
Enabling a Big Vision for 5G with Small Cells - CyientPercy-Mitchell
5G promises to transform the way we live and work, offering extremely low latency of less than 10 milliseconds coupled with ultra-high-speed broadband networks. And small cells are an indispensable component of next-generation networks
"Smart dust"are tiny wireless micro electromechanical sensors (MEMS) that can detect everything from light to vibrations.
More Info - www.TechzClub.com
Smart logistics tracking is creating a leaner, more agile supply chain thanks...Sigfox
Sigfox’s IoT network transforms
the global supply chain The logistics and transportation industry seeks a lean supply chain solution to improve upon RFID technology. Smart logistics solutions, powered by Sigfox’s global IoT network, allow the industry to visualize location and manage critical goods in real time. The new IoT supply chain streamlines field operations, reduces inefficiencies and delivers better insights that improve client service levels. Smart logistics solutions replace RFID tags as the premiere supply chain management tool.
IoT use case asset tracking for logistics
Top 9 Trends and Technologies Reshaping Supply Chain Management | The Enterpr...TEWMAGAZINE
Here are 9 major trends and technological developments for the future of supply chain management: 1. Supply Chain Agility 2. Artificial and Augmented Intelligence 3. Real-Time Supply Chain Visibility 4. Digital Twins 5. Blockchain 6. Data Standards and Advanced Analytics
It may seem to you as if we live in an Internet of Everything IOE world today. Between smart grids, your connected car, building automation and all the smart devices on the Internet of Things market, it is hard to get away from all the innovation of the fourth industrial revolution. New business models are being developed to improve customer experiences. Keeping Internet of Things secure is a top priority to safeguard personal data.
In the world of warehousing, IoT has taken hold. To speed up the handling, storage and shipping of inventory, warehouses are relying more on IoT-enabled devices including wearables, smart glasses, AMR and AGV. Robotic and artificial intelligence solutions are being utilized in warehouse and logistics operations in concert with warehouse workers to improve performance and reduce errors. Facility managers now can rely on Chuck to be the workhorse of their operation and reduce their dependence on seasonal or unreliable workers.
It’s a different world out there everyone. We all need to get SMART…
Overview of Supply Chain and Logistics Technology & Parcel SystemKunj Joshi 🎤
The presentation explains the modern supply chain technology and the parcel system. This presentation is just an overview of the upcoming trend in the Supply Chain Management field. The technology and the system discussed in the presentation is one of the best bounding and leading service ruling the supply chain area.
Using Technology to Solve Last Mile Delivery ChallengesLaura Olson
With parcel delivery and home delivery challenges ranging from transportation management, real time visibility and traceability of the retail supply chain, deliverability rates to final destinations, there is a tremendous need for innovation and affordable technology.
Using these revolutionary technologies including IoT, RFID, AI and more in fulfillment centers, distribution centers and by delivery drivers will help ensure cost, time and labor savings and reduce frustration for both consumers and supply chain operators.
How technology is impacting the logistics industryNatalie Jones
Technology evolution is pushing the boundaries and changing the way business is done around the world. Advanced technology in the supply chain has improved productivity, minimizing expenses and failures.
: This paper is aimed at designing a density based dynamic traffic signal system where the timing
of signal will change automatically on sensing the traffic density at any junction using the IoT technology. Traffic
congestion is a severe problem in most cities across the world and therefore it is time to shift more manual mode
or fixed timer mode to an automated system with decision making capabilities. To optimize this problem, we have
made a framework for an intelligent traffic control system. Sometimes higher traffic density at one side of the
junction demands longer green time as compared to standard allotted time. We therefore propose here a
mechanism in which the time period of green light and red light is assigned on the basis of the density of the
traffic present at the time. This is achieved by using LIDAR sensors.
Barcode & RFID Convergence: Enabling Greater Visibility Through StandardsVDC Research Group
This webcast was presented by VDC Research on the convergence of Barcode and RFID technologies on the GS1 US Visibility Framework.
Barcode is the dominant track and trace technology on the planet today and its value proposition is being extended by the more automated features of RFID. While these two technologies are often viewed as competitive, they are actually complimentary, and organizations are realizing the best of both worlds when they use GS1 standards as the framework for integrating RFID to improve their business processes.
Members of GS1 US and/or EPCglobal US will see that they not only have the foundation for enhanced visibility solutions, but they can implement them in a more cost effective and timely manner - all while realizing the benefits of building those solutions on a common architecture.
The Internet of Things : Developing a VisionMarlabs
Bringing together the physical and digital worlds in ways that could barely be imagined a few years ago is what the IoT is doing. Consumer applications of the IoT have the most buzz. But B2B IoT is where organizations see the maximum value. Sensors and actuators are getting connected by networks to computers where data is getting processed—lots of data!
Credit : Marlabs Inc
INGENIOUS aims to design and evaluate the Next-Generation IoT (NG-IoT) solution, with emphasis on 5G and the development of Edge and Cloud computing extensions for IoT, as well as providing smart networking and data management solutions with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML). The project embraces the 5G Infrastructure Association (5G IA) and Alliance for Internet of Things Innovation (AIOTI) vision for empowering smart manufacturing and smart mobility verticals.
Sybase, back in 1995, was constructing an advanced workflow system based on agent technology. This system was presented to an invitation-only group of Powersoft customers at the 1995 Powersoft Users Group meeting at DisneyWorld. The group creating the solution was an advanced technology group formed when Sybase purchased Powersoft.
emPATH is an open sourced mobile framework from UCSF. The framework is used to execute medical protocols on mobile devices. It originated from work done by Larry Suarez in the area of the autonomous management of distributed artifacts.
JMeter webinar - integration with InfluxDB and GrafanaRTTS
Watch this recorded webinar about real-time monitoring of application performance. See how to integrate Apache JMeter, the open-source leader in performance testing, with InfluxDB, the open-source time-series database, and Grafana, the open-source analytics and visualization application.
In this webinar, we will review the benefits of leveraging InfluxDB and Grafana when executing load tests and demonstrate how these tools are used to visualize performance metrics.
Length: 30 minutes
Session Overview
-------------------------------------------
During this webinar, we will cover the following topics while demonstrating the integrations of JMeter, InfluxDB and Grafana:
- What out-of-the-box solutions are available for real-time monitoring JMeter tests?
- What are the benefits of integrating InfluxDB and Grafana into the load testing stack?
- Which features are provided by Grafana?
- Demonstration of InfluxDB and Grafana using a practice web application
To view the webinar recording, go to:
https://www.rttsweb.com/jmeter-integration-webinar
Accelerate your Kubernetes clusters with Varnish CachingThijs Feryn
A presentation about the usage and availability of Varnish on Kubernetes. This talk explores the capabilities of Varnish caching and shows how to use the Varnish Helm chart to deploy it to Kubernetes.
This presentation was delivered at K8SUG Singapore. See https://feryn.eu/presentations/accelerate-your-kubernetes-clusters-with-varnish-caching-k8sug-singapore-28-2024 for more details.
Search and Society: Reimagining Information Access for Radical FuturesBhaskar Mitra
The field of Information retrieval (IR) is currently undergoing a transformative shift, at least partly due to the emerging applications of generative AI to information access. In this talk, we will deliberate on the sociotechnical implications of generative AI for information access. We will argue that there is both a critical necessity and an exciting opportunity for the IR community to re-center our research agendas on societal needs while dismantling the artificial separation between the work on fairness, accountability, transparency, and ethics in IR and the rest of IR research. Instead of adopting a reactionary strategy of trying to mitigate potential social harms from emerging technologies, the community should aim to proactively set the research agenda for the kinds of systems we should build inspired by diverse explicitly stated sociotechnical imaginaries. The sociotechnical imaginaries that underpin the design and development of information access technologies needs to be explicitly articulated, and we need to develop theories of change in context of these diverse perspectives. Our guiding future imaginaries must be informed by other academic fields, such as democratic theory and critical theory, and should be co-developed with social science scholars, legal scholars, civil rights and social justice activists, and artists, among others.
Kubernetes & AI - Beauty and the Beast !?! @KCD Istanbul 2024Tobias Schneck
As AI technology is pushing into IT I was wondering myself, as an “infrastructure container kubernetes guy”, how get this fancy AI technology get managed from an infrastructure operational view? Is it possible to apply our lovely cloud native principals as well? What benefit’s both technologies could bring to each other?
Let me take this questions and provide you a short journey through existing deployment models and use cases for AI software. On practical examples, we discuss what cloud/on-premise strategy we may need for applying it to our own infrastructure to get it to work from an enterprise perspective. I want to give an overview about infrastructure requirements and technologies, what could be beneficial or limiting your AI use cases in an enterprise environment. An interactive Demo will give you some insides, what approaches I got already working for real.
"Impact of front-end architecture on development cost", Viktor TurskyiFwdays
I have heard many times that architecture is not important for the front-end. Also, many times I have seen how developers implement features on the front-end just following the standard rules for a framework and think that this is enough to successfully launch the project, and then the project fails. How to prevent this and what approach to choose? I have launched dozens of complex projects and during the talk we will analyze which approaches have worked for me and which have not.
LF Energy Webinar: Electrical Grid Modelling and Simulation Through PowSyBl -...DanBrown980551
Do you want to learn how to model and simulate an electrical network from scratch in under an hour?
Then welcome to this PowSyBl workshop, hosted by Rte, the French Transmission System Operator (TSO)!
During the webinar, you will discover the PowSyBl ecosystem as well as handle and study an electrical network through an interactive Python notebook.
PowSyBl is an open source project hosted by LF Energy, which offers a comprehensive set of features for electrical grid modelling and simulation. Among other advanced features, PowSyBl provides:
- A fully editable and extendable library for grid component modelling;
- Visualization tools to display your network;
- Grid simulation tools, such as power flows, security analyses (with or without remedial actions) and sensitivity analyses;
The framework is mostly written in Java, with a Python binding so that Python developers can access PowSyBl functionalities as well.
What you will learn during the webinar:
- For beginners: discover PowSyBl's functionalities through a quick general presentation and the notebook, without needing any expert coding skills;
- For advanced developers: master the skills to efficiently apply PowSyBl functionalities to your real-world scenarios.
UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series, part 4DianaGray10
Welcome to UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series part 4. In this session, we will cover Test Manager overview along with SAP heatmap.
The UiPath Test Manager overview with SAP heatmap webinar offers a concise yet comprehensive exploration of the role of a Test Manager within SAP environments, coupled with the utilization of heatmaps for effective testing strategies.
Participants will gain insights into the responsibilities, challenges, and best practices associated with test management in SAP projects. Additionally, the webinar delves into the significance of heatmaps as a visual aid for identifying testing priorities, areas of risk, and resource allocation within SAP landscapes. Through this session, attendees can expect to enhance their understanding of test management principles while learning practical approaches to optimize testing processes in SAP environments using heatmap visualization techniques
What will you get from this session?
1. Insights into SAP testing best practices
2. Heatmap utilization for testing
3. Optimization of testing processes
4. Demo
Topics covered:
Execution from the test manager
Orchestrator execution result
Defect reporting
SAP heatmap example with demo
Speaker:
Deepak Rai, Automation Practice Lead, Boundaryless Group and UiPath MVP
Builder.ai Founder Sachin Dev Duggal's Strategic Approach to Create an Innova...Ramesh Iyer
In today's fast-changing business world, Companies that adapt and embrace new ideas often need help to keep up with the competition. However, fostering a culture of innovation takes much work. It takes vision, leadership and willingness to take risks in the right proportion. Sachin Dev Duggal, co-founder of Builder.ai, has perfected the art of this balance, creating a company culture where creativity and growth are nurtured at each stage.
Dev Dives: Train smarter, not harder – active learning and UiPath LLMs for do...UiPathCommunity
💥 Speed, accuracy, and scaling – discover the superpowers of GenAI in action with UiPath Document Understanding and Communications Mining™:
See how to accelerate model training and optimize model performance with active learning
Learn about the latest enhancements to out-of-the-box document processing – with little to no training required
Get an exclusive demo of the new family of UiPath LLMs – GenAI models specialized for processing different types of documents and messages
This is a hands-on session specifically designed for automation developers and AI enthusiasts seeking to enhance their knowledge in leveraging the latest intelligent document processing capabilities offered by UiPath.
Speakers:
👨🏫 Andras Palfi, Senior Product Manager, UiPath
👩🏫 Lenka Dulovicova, Product Program Manager, UiPath
Essentials of Automations: Optimizing FME Workflows with ParametersSafe Software
Are you looking to streamline your workflows and boost your projects’ efficiency? Do you find yourself searching for ways to add flexibility and control over your FME workflows? If so, you’re in the right place.
Join us for an insightful dive into the world of FME parameters, a critical element in optimizing workflow efficiency. This webinar marks the beginning of our three-part “Essentials of Automation” series. This first webinar is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to utilize parameters effectively: enhancing the flexibility, maintainability, and user control of your FME projects.
Here’s what you’ll gain:
- Essentials of FME Parameters: Understand the pivotal role of parameters, including Reader/Writer, Transformer, User, and FME Flow categories. Discover how they are the key to unlocking automation and optimization within your workflows.
- Practical Applications in FME Form: Delve into key user parameter types including choice, connections, and file URLs. Allow users to control how a workflow runs, making your workflows more reusable. Learn to import values and deliver the best user experience for your workflows while enhancing accuracy.
- Optimization Strategies in FME Flow: Explore the creation and strategic deployment of parameters in FME Flow, including the use of deployment and geometry parameters, to maximize workflow efficiency.
- Pro Tips for Success: Gain insights on parameterizing connections and leveraging new features like Conditional Visibility for clarity and simplicity.
We’ll wrap up with a glimpse into future webinars, followed by a Q&A session to address your specific questions surrounding this topic.
Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your FME expertise and drive your projects to new heights of efficiency.
Connector Corner: Automate dynamic content and events by pushing a buttonDianaGray10
Here is something new! In our next Connector Corner webinar, we will demonstrate how you can use a single workflow to:
Create a campaign using Mailchimp with merge tags/fields
Send an interactive Slack channel message (using buttons)
Have the message received by managers and peers along with a test email for review
But there’s more:
In a second workflow supporting the same use case, you’ll see:
Your campaign sent to target colleagues for approval
If the “Approve” button is clicked, a Jira/Zendesk ticket is created for the marketing design team
But—if the “Reject” button is pushed, colleagues will be alerted via Slack message
Join us to learn more about this new, human-in-the-loop capability, brought to you by Integration Service connectors.
And...
Speakers:
Akshay Agnihotri, Product Manager
Charlie Greenberg, Host
Connector Corner: Automate dynamic content and events by pushing a button
Cross Docks and Smart Motes
1. The Smart Transportation Grid:
Improving Cross Dock Management through
Wireless Smart Mote Colonies
Larry Suarez
Grid Research Group
Agent Net, Inc.
Abstract
Cross docks are a critical element of supply chains. Wal-Mart delivers roughly eighty
five percent of its merchandising using a cross docking system. Fifty percent of the items
on cross docks are at the case level. Cross docks are all about speed and meeting
retailer product demands. There is a direct correlation between improving cross dock
operations and retail profits and customer satisfaction. But cross docks continue to be
black boxes. Supply chain partners have little visibility into the cross dock. Except for
package scanning, very little data surfaces from the cross dock. Increasing visibility into
the cross dock implies faster and more reactive supply chains through optimized cross
dock processes and operations. Smart mote networks are adding a new dimension to
cross docks to create real-time environments. A smart mote is a small computing device
typically one inch square in dimension. Smart motes are intended to replace RFID as a
technology to provide greater visibility into cross dock operations, optimized processes,
and the elimination of product scanning. Smart motes provide detailed visibility into the
cross dock allowing supply chains to effect and be affected in real-time. From digital
labels to “smart” cross docks, smart motes are going to significantly impact retailer
supply chains.
Manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers are participating in increasingly dynamic supply
chains. With the advent of technology, stores are now able to respond to purchasing
trends at a daily pace. Manufacturers are positioning to respond to fluctuating product
demands as quickly as possible. “Just-in-time” is taking on a whole new meaning.
Supporting highly optimized supply chains requires a complete and uninterrupted flow of
information: both outbound and inbound. Supply chains are now integrating directly with
transportation management software to ensure the real-time flow of information. Any
change to the supply chain results in immediate changes to the transportation process
and a direct effect on the cross dock. Retailers are pushing manufacturers and shippers
to better utilize their information flow to meet fluctuating demands for products. Cross
docking is an integral part of ensuring that a supply chain quickly matches demand with
supply.
Whereas supply chain partners are working hard to provide unmatched visibility into the
supply chain, cross docks continue to be black boxes. Package label scanning
remains the only viable real-time information generated by the cross dock. And a
significant number of cross docks don’t use scanning technology. The scanning process
2. The Smart Transportation Grid 2
limits the speed of the cross dock and imposes a great deal of human and equipment
cost. Improving the scanning process is expensive often requiring advance solutions
such as high speed camera-based scanners, high speed optimized conveyers, and high
speed labeling. Technology restricted to only the largest cross docks. Even in large
sophisticated cross docks there is the cost of using workers to ensure the proper
placement of packages on conveyers for automatic scanning and to resolve damaged
labels which cannot be read using cameras. Digital package labels, a solution to the
imposition of scanning, are part of the future solutions involving smart motes.
RFID is the current industry solution to eliminating package scanning. RFID tags are
attached to packages and read by dedicated remote readers during cross dock
operations. In contrast, smart motes are attached to any artifact on the cross dock
including vehicles, pallets, packages, forklifts, and transportation workers. The smart
mote is in charge of monitoring and managing their attached artifact. Smart motes do not
require readers since they have networking capabilities. As shown in Figure 1: Smart
Mote Colonies, smart motes appear throughout the cross dock. The smart motes form
networks to exchange and share data and software capabilities.
Smart motes run special software which allows them to collaborate with each other in
sophisticated ways. The smart motes may be viewed as social entities that want to work
together. When smart motes form an intelligent network, they are viewed as a colony. A
colony can speak with one voice such as a smart mote telling a transportation worker
that all packages in the Bill of Lading are present on the cross dock. Smart motes within
a colony work together to solve problems. They share a common purpose and goal.
Colonies are not discussed in this paper but further differentiate smart mote solutions
from simple RFID solutions.
Figure 1: Smart Mote Colonies
Agent Net, Inc. 3/22/2010
3. The Smart Transportation Grid 3
Goals
The goals we are trying to accomplish with the application of smart motes to cross docks
are:
Provide increased visibility into the cross dock to improve the supply chain.
Visibility is provided at all times not just at restricted points of time such as when
a package is scanned.
Reduce or completely eliminate the scanning process. Allow package tracking at
any point of the shipping process within the cross dock.
Tie cross dock management into the supply chain. Changes to the supply chain
can directly influence the cross dock in real-time.
Rapid deployment. Adding a new smart mote to a cross dock should require a
simple initialization of the device and then attaching the smart mote to the
artifact. The other smart motes will update the new smart mote autonomously
with additional data and software capabilities.
With possibly thousands of smart motes on a cross dock, it would be difficult to
manage the solution centrally. Smart motes are able to manage themselves and
resolve anomalies that occur during operations.
The cross dock environment is constantly changing with vehicle arrivals and
departures, special package handling requirements, and transportation workers.
The smart mote networks must be able to self-organize to react to changes in the
cross dock environment.
In a dynamic environment, the solution must also be dynamic. This is the ability
to change the cross dock smart motes in real-time including updating their
onboard data and software.
RFID and Smart Motes
RFID is becoming a major area of focus for enhancing package management through
the cross dock. Recent efforts are enhancing RFID tags with greater capabilities such
as the storage of digital shipping information (Advanced Shipping Notice) and location
information. But this effort is much beyond the capabilities of current RFID. A
replacement technology is already appearing which provides capabilities far beyond
those of RFID. This replacement technology can be attached to not only packages but
to any transportation artifact on the cross dock. The technology, called smart motes,
has been applied to numerous demanding markets. A smart mote is essentially a full-
fledged computer roughly one inch square. Smart motes require a battery for power
much like active RFID but through software technology can push the battery life up to 10
years. Since it is a computer as oppose to a simple transmitting device, smart motes can
run software. Smart motes will be used to provide visibility into each important artifact on
the cross dock.
Advantages
Smart motes provide a number of advantages over passive or active RFID:
Agent Net, Inc. 3/22/2010
4. The Smart Transportation Grid 4
Smart motes can network with each other. This allows each smart mote to
communicate with transportation workers and other smart motes.
Smart motes can evolve. They can take on data at any point in time (for
example, an updated Bill of Lading) and they can take on new software at any
point in time to increase their capabilities.
Smart motes can collaborate. A smart mote can work on a problem with other
smart motes such as locating a missing package.
Smart motes can network with software systems such as a cross dock
management system. A smart mote attached to a package can inform the
software system of the package’s contents, size, weight, barcode, SKU,
temperature, orientation, and other important characteristics.
Smart motes have a radio range of up to 100 meters.
Smart motes have onboard sensors. The can monitor any environmental factor
including temperature, humidity, light, and location.
Smart motes do not require special readers like RFID.
Smart motes can be reused by resetting their onboard data and software. A
smart mote can service any number of artifacts over its lifetime.
Cost
RFID technology has always had a cost issue which has prevented its full acceptance.
Since RFID is only used for packages, this requires a cost effective solution since
manufactures are dealing with thousands of products. Smart motes also have a cost
issue. However, smart motes are applicable to any cross dock artifact not just
packages. Smart motes can be introduced to the cross dock in a number of beneficial
ways beyond tagging packages. For package application, smart motes eliminate the
need for expensive equipment such as scanners and specialized cross dock conveyers.
And they aid transportation workers by optimizing their daily tasks. Their ROI is much
higher than RFID making the smart mote cost acceptable. Smart motes can be
integrated incrementally into existing cross docks. Each adoption level provides greater
visibility into the cross dock. The following is an example adoption flow:
1. Initially, cross dock workers carry a personal smart mote in addition to an
integrated wearable device such as an Apple iPhone.
2. Smart motes are eventually attached to all inbound pallets upon arrival and
removed and reused upon departure.
3. Smart motes are eventually attached to all inbound and outbound vehicles.
4. Manufacturer adoption begins. Pallets are tagged at the manufacturer with smart
motes. Upon departure from the cross dock, the smart motes can be removed
and returned to the manufacturer for reuse.
5. Manufacturer adoption expands. All packages shipped from a manufacture are
tagged with smart motes. A smart mote can be removed from their package upon
delivery and returned to the manufacturer for reuse.
Agent Net, Inc. 3/22/2010
5. The Smart Transportation Grid 5
The Visible Cross Dock
Smart motes provide continuous visibility into the cross dock. They execute software to
allow them to collaborate. Smart motes support two-way communication: outbound to
provide information about their associated artifact and inbound to support the storage of
information. Smart motes allows transportation workers and supply chain partners to
view into the cross dock with information such as:
Which packages on the floor were handled by a particular worker.
Where on the cross dock floor is a specific package or pallet.
What packages are currently in a delivery vehicle.
Update the digital label of a package due to a change in the supply chain.
Generate alerts when a package is in the wrong location or wrong delivery
vehicle.
Generate alerts when environmental aspects of a package exceed
recommended thresholds.
Generate alerts when the shipping process stalls such as a pallet that is quickly
approaching its scheduled delivery date.
Generate alerts when a package has determined that it may have been
damaged.
Request reports directly from a smart mote including shipping history, current
status, and characteristics (height, weight, temperature).
The capabilities of smart motes are endless because they are software systems which
can be changed in real-time. Their cost is expected to drop dramatically over the next
decade. The cost savings of a smart mote makes their current price point attractive for
critical transportation artifacts.
Smart motes will also improve cross dock processes resulting in reduced labor costs,
shipping errors, increased customer satisfaction, and improved cross dock operations.
Processes include:
Routing arriving freight trucks. Trucks arriving to a cross dock can be routed
to the correct inbound bay within seconds of any changes that occur in the
supply chain.
Unloading freight. Freight can be unloaded from inbound trucks without
scanning or package positioning for specialized scanning equipment. Merely
remove the package from the vehicle and place on the cross dock or on the
conveyer.
Package Tracking. Packages, with their digital labels, can be tracked anywhere
and anytime on the cross dock.
Freight Location. Positioning freight on the cross dock is extremely important.
Due to changes in the shipping environment, freight may have to be resorted or
repositioned on the cross dock. Smart motes provide instructions for the
transportation worker as to where to locate and move freight.
Agent Net, Inc. 3/22/2010
6. The Smart Transportation Grid 6
Departing vehicles. The distribution of freight among outbound delivery vehicles
must be able to change based on the most recent supply chain information.
Cross Dock Artifacts
The following sections describe the application of smart motes to specific cross dock
artifacts.
Shipment Vehicles
Smart motes will be attached directly to shipment vehicles. This includes inbound freight
trucks and last-mile delivery vehicles. The smart motes maintain information about their
payloads including any digital versions of shipping documents (Bill of Lading, Master Bill
of Lading, Advanced Shipping Notice). The smart motes also maintain valuable
processing information such as when the doors were last opened, identification of
transportation workers accessing the vehicle, and inside temperature. Finally, smart
motes will convey any special instructions to the transportation worker as to how to
effectively unload the vehicle payload.
Packages
In the near term, a smart mote will be attached to each wrapped shipping pallet. The
smart mote maintains information about the pallet including the travel history (where the
pallet has been), the weight of the pallet, the packages within the pallet including their
detailed information, and the GPS location of the pallet. Any digital versions of shipping
documents may also appear in the smart mote. As with smart motes attached to the
vehicle, the pallet smart mote may contain special handling and unloading instructions.
In the far term, a smart mote will be attached to each package and will be considered
disposable. The smart mote is viewed as a digital label. The cost of smart motes will
eventually drop in price to make it reasonable to place a smart mote on each package.
To counter costs, smart motes can be removed from their packages by the delivery
worker during the final delivery and returned to the manufacturer for reuse. The cost of a
smart mote will more than offset the costs of hand-held scanners and autonomous
scanner/camera equipment. These digital labels provide a number of advantages over
paper labels:
Transmits identification data (weight, dimensions, bar code, SKU identifier) over
100 meters to other smart motes, transportation workers, and cross dock
management software. No need to scan the package.
Transmits historical data such as where the package has been and who handled
the package.
Transmits environmental data such as temperature, package position (side,
vertical, lateral), and humidity.
Transmits information such as the best travel route to the destination, any
dependencies on other packages, handling requirements, and alerts for potential
damage. Packages within a delivery vehicle can even form a network to ensure
that the packages belong together (share the same relative destination address).
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7. The Smart Transportation Grid 7
Receive updated information such as changes to the digital label, identifiers such
as the SKU, digital shipping documents, and any changes to acceptable
environmental thresholds.
Any other capability because the onboard software can be changed at any time.
Transportation Workers
Each transportation worker has an attached smart mote which contains identification
information. The smart mote also stores historical information including which packages
they have handled, which vehicles they have loaded/unloaded, and their travel paths on
the cross dock during the day. The smart mote acts as a digital time card recording
when a worker enters and exits the cross dock. Finally, the smart mote contains task
information for the worker.
Forklifts
A smart mote will be used to store tasks and instructions for their managed forklift. This
includes package movement instructions such as the source (which inbound truck) and
the destination (location on the cross dock). Any special handling instructions for a
particular pallet will be stored on the smart mote. The forklift operator will then have
their personal smart mote communicate with the forklift smart mote to retrieve the
operator’s instructions for the task.
Wearable Devices
Each transportation worker carries a wearable device which has an attached smart
mote. The wearable device will consist of a consumer smart phone such as the Apple
iPhone or the Google Nexus One. The attached smart mote allows the device to
participate with other cross dock smart motes.
The worker wearable device is a critical element to improving the effectiveness of cross
docks. The device is running cross dock management software and is providing the
worker with the latest information including:
Their current task plus any special instructions.
Their next task(s) plus any special instructions.
Digital delivery documents which were retrieved from smart motes on the cross
dock.
Any alerts requiring attention. These alerts originated from other smart motes on
the cross dock. For example, a smart mote attached to a package indicating that
it has been damaged. Or a smart mote attached to a forklift indicating a need for
an operator.
Figure 2: Example Transportation Worker Wearable Device shows an example device.
The device is an Apple iPhone with an attachment that provides an embedded smart
mote, additional battery, and additional sensors beyond those on the iPhone. The Apple
iPhone makes an excellent wearable device because of its large display, onboard
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8. The Smart Transportation Grid 8
sensors, 30-pin connector, and easy means on which to load applications. The figure
shows a vehicle smart mote sending a digital Bill of Lading to the worker device.
Figure 2: Example Transportation Worker Wearable Device
Wireless Smart Mote Networks – A Primer
Smart mote networks are collections of distributed wireless devices that observe and
respond to events within an environment. Smart motes have evolved from simple
sensors to full fledge computer systems able to execute software solutions. A smart
mote typically consists of five components on a small (1 inch square) platform:
Microprocessor. For example, the Texas Instruments MSP430.
Memory
Transceiver (transmitter and receiver). For example, the Texas Instruments
CC2420.
Sensors
Battery
Figure 3: Smart Mote Physical Layout shows a typical physical layout of a smart mote.
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9. The Smart Transportation Grid 9
Figure 3: Smart Mote Physical Layout
The transceivers support a networking protocol to allow smart motes to communicate
with their environment. The networking protocol predominately used in the industry is
Zigbee. Zigbee is a protocol specifically for wireless networking devices that require
long battery life. The Zigbee protocol not only allows smart motes to communicate with
existing networks but also allows smart motes to communicate with each other to
exchange information and to form dynamic networks.
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