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Why does 0G matter in the Supply Chain when 5G is already Established?
| Update : 24th February, 2021 |
Long-distance data capture is the main challenge for intercontinental flow tracking solutions. Capturing data quickly, efficiently, and everywhere. In supply chain language it is about: real-time, end-to-end, and granular information. The arrival of 5G appears to be a revolution for many sectors. From e-commerce to smart cities, almost every facet of modern society depends on communications networks.
The purpose of intercontinental merchandise tracking is to reveal what’s in that black box during the transportation of goods. Highly targeted and identified data are required. Do we need 5G for this?
We decided in this article to evaluate the use of 5G and to assess the contribution of 0G in the context of a more frugal approach to monitoring the supply chain. The one Safecube wishes to embody.
But first of all, what is 0G?
Let’s take the example of the Sigfox network, an expert in 0G.
0G network interconnects low bandwidth, battery-powered devices with low bit rates over long rang. What does that mean? Essentially, it’s about using radio frequencies to communicate small messages over a very long distance, very quickly.
Key principles of Sigfox 0G network:
- Global IoT Network present in over 70 countries
- Low power consumption, predictable life span, and no maintenance in most cases
- Wide area coverage with indoor penetration. Can be combined with Bluetooth, GPS, and Wifi
- Anti-jamming and advanced security features
- Low cost, easy-to-implement, and use
- Cognitive network based on a software-defined radio, perfectly fitted for AI and blockchain
Basic data adapted to Supply Chain needs
As we like to say, it’s all about needs. What will a shipper, or even a freight forwarder need in order to more visibility and optimize its transport flows?
Here is an overview of the needs identified for monitoring the transport of intercontinental flows and the data provided by Safecube‘s IoTrack end-to-end monitoring solution.
It is, therefore, basic geolocation data, collected at regular intervals. It does not require a large data collection pipe and does not involve a large amount of data capture. Big Data » has a real reason to exist. However, it meets needs that are not necessary for the performance demand of transport flow monitoring.
On the contrary, the low bandwidth allows capturing longer, over long distances, and in near-real-time. It is, therefore, a solution more adapted to the needs of the supply chain.
Moreover, « BigData » can be counterproductive. There is a risk of loss of efficiency by accumulating a large amount of useless data and wasting time to find the relevant information.
Toward a « less is more » perspective
As explained in our article, IoT solution vs digital Track & trace, a lot can sometimes be too much.
One of the challenges of 5G is its infrastructure and device cost. Indeed, the batteries are bigger, with strong connectivity, but in fact, at a higher cost. The data required for transport tracking does not fully exploit the potential of 5G. Therefore, it does not justify its cost.
The 0G network allows an easy and fast implementation of tracking solutions such as IoTrack from Safecube. There is no complex infrastruture installation.
And finally, 0G allows secure global coverage. Indeed, it is very secure and less susceptible to network attacks as it allows only one-way communication between the device and the base station. After the exchange of information, the device goes into sleep mode, which gives a very small window for hackers to break into the network and take control.
0G to make their ROI work and achieve significantly higher efficiencies
A network is about monetizing the value of data. In many ways, 0G is a change of paradigm towards a « less is more » perspective.
There is a need to shift the thinking from BigData and 5G to Small Data and 0G to make the ROI work and achieve significantly higher efficiencies and more control through visibility across the supply chain.
This requires operational flexibility. But also, to achieve a balance between collecting data at the lowest cost, and having quality, granular and usable information. The 0G allows this to obtain ROI and achieve significantly higher efficiencies.
#Smalldatabigresult
Source: Safecube
Contact: Maud Gorsen, Communication Manager
Email: maud@safecube.com
Mobile: +33 620 812 946
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