LTE-M and NB-IoT are significantly transforming the asset tracking in worldwide supply chains by facilitating real-time, secure, and cost-effective tracking of goods.
In the ever-evolving world of technology, two cellular technologies have emerged as game-changers for supply chain management: LTE-M (Long Term Evolution for Machines) and NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things). As networks phase out legacy 2G/3G services, LTE-M and NB-IoT are being adopted as their replacements, offering numerous benefits for multinational operations.
LTE-M, with its broader international roaming capabilities, is best suited for devices requiring moderate data rates, such as asset trackers, wearables, and applications needing firmware updates. Its higher bandwidth, up to around 1 Mbps, makes it ideal for applications needing higher throughput. Moreover, LTE-M's cell tower handover capability ensures seamless connectivity for assets in motion, making it perfect for trucks, railcars, and shipping containers.
On the other hand, NB-IoT is optimised for devices with very low data needs, such as environmental sensors and smart meters. It excels in stationary, low-data, long-battery-life applications due to its narrow bandwidth and minimal data transfer requirements. However, its lack of seamless cell tower handover means it is primarily designed for fixed-location devices.
One significant advantage of both technologies is their ability to provide consistent, time-stamped data that can be directly ingested into ERP, WMS, or TMS platforms, leading to improved operational efficiency. Real-time location data can now be used to calculate shipment ETAs, and deviations, excursions, or tampering events can trigger alerts instantly.
Organisations must carefully evaluate their device requirements, data latency tolerance, and regional coverage before choosing between LTE-M and NB-IoT. For instance, NB-IoT is optimised for stationary or slow-moving assets, excelling at indoor or underground penetration and requiring less power than LTE-M. However, it can have high latency, making it unsuitable for urgent alerts or rapid two-way communication.
The advent of LPWA (low power wide area) technologies like LTE-M and NB-IoT has lowered the threshold for what is worth tracking, enabling companies to affordably track items such as plastic pallets, returnable containers, and temperature-sensitive packaging. Companies are using real-time sensor data to move from reactive to predictive operations, identifying potential issues like cold chain breaches, delivery delays, or maintenance needs before they create service failures or lost revenue.
Devices using both LTE-M and NB-IoT can last up to 10 years on a battery, waking only to transmit data at defined intervals. This long battery life, combined with the technologies' ability to provide accurate, real-time data, is revolutionising supply chain management, making it more efficient, reliable, and predictable.
References: [1] https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/press-release/gsma-announces-first-commercial-launches-of-lte-m-for-iot/ [2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2019/03/13/lte-m-vs-nb-iot-which-is-right-for-your-iot-project/?sh=628a7b9554e4 [3] https://www.zdnet.com/article/lte-m-vs-nb-iot-which-is-right-for-your-iot-project/ [4] https://www.techtarget.com/searchiot/definition/LTE-M
1.The integration of data-and-cloud-computing solutions can leverage the real-time, time-stamped data provided by LTE-M and NB-IoT technologies, optimizing logistics operations within the supply chain.
- As organizations aim to enhance the efficiency of their supply chain logistics, the adoption of technology such as LTE-M and NB-IoT, with their capabilities in data transmission and device management, will play a crucial role in the data-driven optimization of supply chain operations.
