How IoT can disrupt the logistics and warehousing sector 

There are a number of ways in which IoT technology can be put to use in the logistics sector. Most of these come down to the ability to capture data from devices connected to the internet and the different ways in which it can be used.

• Improving security of warehouses
  IoT enabled “smart padlocks” and access control systems can help you secure your assets. Using sensors and CCTV can also help with real-time updates about security incidents so that you can respond instantly.  
  
  
• Automate routine operations
  Sensors, cameras and mobile apps can be used to automate routine operations such as warehouse monitoring, job reports and site checks. This can result in time savings, fewer errors and overall efficiency improvement.

• Improving employee safety
  IoT technology can also be used to help ensure the safety of warehouse employees. Smart warehouses for example, can help prevent accidents by setting safe distances for employees to operate for maximum safety and even send real-time alerts in the event of an emergency. 
  
  
• Managing fleets effectively
  If you work in logistics, you will often need to manage your vehicles and mobile workforce. There are IoT solutions tailor-made for such fleet management use cases, where you can track and manage vehicles, receive real-time traffic updates and even monitor fuel consumption for improving efficiency.

Smart locks: A better alternative to physical locks

Smart locks specifically can be an effective tool for logistics providers. A smart lock is a device that allows users to lock or unlock doors remotely, often using an app on a mobile phone. It usually makes use of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or Machine-to-machine (M2M) connectivity to allow the device to transfer data and communicate with other devices.

Unlike traditional locks, smart locks can also help you keep logs of entries and exits in real-time so that you know who has entered and exited the door, and when. You can also limit access to the door based on a number of criteria such as time of the day and day of the week or specific hours set ahead of time.

Crucially, smart locks do not involve physical keys, which can often be duplicated or lost by accident, which can lead to theft or loss of property or money and inconvenience. 

How Willowmore helps SMBs improve security and productivity

Willowmore is a Singapore-based company that helps businesses adopt smart locks, IoT devices and integrate telecommunications capabilities. Their smart padlock systems are especially helpful for SMBs, in the areas of fleet management, employee safety and warehouse security. With its long battery life, low power consumption and resistance to dust, water and heat, it is ideal for businesses in the logistics sector.

A major telecommunications company in Asia was facing issues of theft of assets with passive padlocks. Without a real-time monitoring system, they could not trace or identify who was accessing their sites. By implementing the smart lock keyless solution from Willowmore, they not only addressed the access issue, but also helped to reduce the commuting time for their contractors and cut down their carbon footprint by over 20,000 tonnes annually.

In addition to the smart lock systems, Willowmore also helps SMBs quickly adopt smart access systems and integrated CCTV technologies to ensure that their sites are secure. They could potentially tap on government grants to facilitate the adoption of technology that will help them improve productivity and invest in sustainable efforts to reduce carbon emissions. 

Singtel supports the adoption of IoT solutions through a variety of products. These include programmable SIM cards specifically suited for IoT applications, as well as a SIM Lifecycle Management Platform for integrating with a business’s own IoT platforms using APIs and for providing real-time status of all their connected devices. With its network of partners across Asia Pacific, Singtel’s Multi-Regional Multi-Domestic Connectivity solution also allows for a single point of contact for deploying and managing IoT connectivity across region.