The digital supply chain needs visability along 100% of the track
A good tracking product enables real-time cargo monitoring
Real-time intelligent cargo monitoring
OHB Digital Services is developing an innovative container tracking system together with its affiliates LuxSpace and OHB Teledata as well as its partner arviem. The wireless sensor network is designed to permit the positioning and status tracking of freight on ships, trains and trucks.
A contract worth €2.5 million has been entered into between ESA and LuxSpace for this project. This was preceded by a testing and analysis phase with potential customers, in which the specific requirements for an intelligent system for tracking high-value cargo in particular were identified.
In addition to software design, OHB Digital Services is also responsible for project management.
Monitoring Unit
The core element of the system is a box containing the entire monitoring technology which is easy to attach to the container. The prototype was developed by arviem, OHB Teledata and OHB Digital Services. It includes positioning via GPS, GPRS communications, temperature and humidity monitoring, door sensors and further basic features. These functions are supplemented by requirements determined during the test phase:
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Over-the-air software updates
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Communications via the Iridium satellite communication system
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Wireless communication with sensors attached to the cargo
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Processing and saving of Geofences
Over-the-air software updates
Time and cost savings for customers due to secure software updates at any time over the air independent of unit locations: previously, units had to be sent back for software updates. An extension to the communication server and the software enables a new wireless transmission.
Reliable communications
Alarm signals have to reach the customer in the shortest possible time so that appropriate measures can be taken. To achieve this even at sea, both the communication server and the unit are able to communicate via GSM and Iridium satellites communication system.
Sensors attached to cargo are able to submit wireless data to units, which allows more precise temperature control for example.
Geofencing boosts security
Custumers are able to determine one or more areas in which certain actions are allowed or in which certain events trigger alarm signals. In this way, it is only possible to open containers in previously defined port areas, while delays in certain areas can trigger alarm signals.
Positioning
Navigation and further ship data are provided via the AIS data service byLuxSpace, transmitted to the container monitoring portal of the service provider and subsequently displayed. Positions of units are captured via GPS/ GPRS/ dual-core processor chips.
Project Partners
OHB Teledata GmbH was founded in 1993 by the Fuchs Group and is a medium-sized telematics system company based in Bremen. It develops industry-specific telematic systems for commercial vehicle fleets. In this project, Teledata is responsible for system technology and series production.
ohb-teledata.de
Based in Baar in Switzerland, arviem AG offers worldwide real time monitoring services and hard- and software-technologies for logistics service providers. It is responsible for requirements analysis, testing and trial runs with customers.
arviem.com
Since 2004 LuxSpace S.à.r.l, which is based in Betzdorf, Luxembourg, has been an affiliate of OHB SE. The company supplies systems and services for aerospace and defence, with a focus on small satellites for science, communications, navigation and earth observation. During the project, LuxSpace was responsible for the integration of the AIS data.
luxspace.lu
