Jennifer Curley – Positioning Universal

IoT Data Analytics: Transforming Bytes into Insights

Jennifer Curley — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 15:54:58 +0000

Introduction

Data analytics, at its core, converts raw data into actionable insights. It includes a range of technologies and tools used for the systematic exploration, examination, and interpretation of vast datasets to uncover valuable insights, trends, and patterns. In an era where information is a currency, data analytics acts as the key that unlocks its true potential. From businesses seeking a competitive edge to researchers uncovering groundbreaking discoveries, data analytics is a cornerstone for informed decision-making and innovation.

Background

In the “Spring 2023 State of IoT” report by IoT Analytics, it is projected that the number of active IoT endpoints will increase 16% from 14.3 billion in 2022 to 16.7 billion in 2023.

According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), the total data generated by 2025 is expected to reach a staggering 175 zettabytes, with around 90 zettabytes being attributed to IoT devices. For perspective, a zettabyte equals one trillion gigabytes. The “Data Age 2025” whitepaper by IDC estimates that 49% of this data will be stored in public cloud environments, and nearly 30% of the generated data will be consumed in real-time by 2025.

Amidst this IoT data deluge, harnessing its full potential hinges on the use and continued evolution of data analytics tools. These tools process telematics data, craft insightful reports, display data through intuitive dashboards and visualizations, and orchestrate real-time alerts and automated actions.

IoT Data Analytics

Data analytics plays a pivotal role in the IoT market by enabling organizations to extract valuable insights from the zettabytes of data generated by connected devices. Insights from IoT data can improve predictive maintenance, resource and asset allocation, and security, among other aspects, ultimately driving innovation and efficiency in a wide range of industries. Through data analytics, IoT devices are the catalyst for data-driven decision-making.

Data Analytics: Key Selection Criteria for IoT Solution Providers

When evaluating IoT solution providers for their data analytics capabilities, companies should assess the provider’s ability to handle real-time analytics, data visualization, and scalability to meet their specific needs. It’s essential to examine the provider’s track record in implementing data security and privacy measures, and their proficiency in utilizing AI for deeper insights. Furthermore, aligning the provider’s analytics offerings with the company’s broader business objectives is key to ensuring the partnership contributes to improved business performance.

Brief descriptions of these key selection criteria are listed below:

Real-time Analytics: provider offers real-time data processing and analytics so customers can make immediate decisions and respond to IoT device-generated data promptly, particularly in applications like gathering information to quickly respond to an incident or accident.

Data Visualization: provider employs data visualization techniques and dashboards to present analytics results in a user-friendly and actionable format for data-driven decision-making.

Scalability: provider has built a scalable, cloud-based analytics infrastructure that can handle the growing volume of data generated by its IoT devices.

Data Security: provider ensures it has robust security measures to protect its customers’ IoT data, including access controls, data privacy policies & procedures, and designated data privacy personnel to mitigate the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access.

Data Privacy: provider has established clear data privacy policies, procedures, and protocols to manage data accuracy, data processing control and consent, and access rights to ensure compliance with relevant data privacy regulations like the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

AI: provider offers AI-enabled solutions, such as dashcams, to extract deeper insights, detect anomalies, and identify patterns from IoT data, enhancing decision-making, operational efficiency, and risk management.

Business Integration: provider ensures that IoT data analytics align with their customers’ business strategies and strategic imperatives, contributing to their goals, such as improving operational efficiencies, optimizing resource and asset utilization, and enhancing security.

Completing a comprehensive review of an IoT solution provider’s data analytics capability is crucial as it ensures that the provider can effectively process, analyze, and protect the data generated by their IoT devices, which is a core element in achieving and sustaining a successful IoT deployment.

Positioning Universal’s Data Analytics Capabilities

Positioning Universal’s commitment to providing our customers’ business insights from robust data analytics is central to our mission of providing market leading customizable mobile IoT solutions. We recognize that in the complex and rapidly evolving IoT landscape, data is the new currency, and its transformation into actionable insights is critical to our customers’ success.

We provide cutting-edge technologies and expertise to ensure our mobile IoT solutions unlock the full potential of data analytics. Examples of our capabilities include AI-powered dashcams, driver scoring and reports, a comprehensive suite of alerts and notifications, and intuitive data visualization dashboards. We’ll continue to drive innovation in a world increasingly defined by the power of data.

Data analyst working on business analytics dashboard with charts, metrics and KPI to analyze performance and create insight reports for operations management.

Geotab Launches Solar-powered Asset Tracker TT600 series by Positioning Universal Inc. (PUI)

Jennifer Curley — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 23:10:28 +0000

Geotab, a global leader in connected vehicle technology, has unveiled the solar-powered asset tracker TT600 series by PUI on the Geotab Marketplace in Australia and New Zealand. This tracker offers fleet managers detailed tracking information for assets like trailers, containers, and generators, aiding in effective utilization, lot management, and maintenance. With GPS-based tracking via the MyGeotab platform, the tracker provides real-time insights into asset usage, location, and operational metrics. Designed for durability, the tracker is IP67-certified and boasts efficient solar cells, advanced cellular technology, and a six-year battery life. The partnership between Geotab and PUI marks a significant expansion for both companies, providing Geotab’s customers with a reliable, self-sustaining solution to enhance fleet management.

You can find Geotab’s press release here. The solar-powered asset tracker TT600 series by PUI is available on the Geotab Marketplace.

Overcoming IoT Implementation Challenges: Tips for a Successful Deployment

Jennifer Curley — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 18:03:14 +0000

Introduction

Kevin Ashton, MIT’s Executive Director of Auto-ID Labs, officially coined the term “Internet of Things” (IoT) in 1999. However, the roots of IoT applications trace back to the early 1980s. An early example involved programmers at Carnegie Mellon connecting a Coca-Cola machine to the Internet for remote inventory checks before purchasing drinks in 1982.

Other noteworthy examples of early IoT applications or precursor technologies include:

● Omnitracs sold the first 5,000 units of its satellite-based asset tracking system to Schneider National in 1989.

● John Romkey and Simon Hackett created an Internet toaster by connecting a Sunbeam Deluxe Automatic Radiant Control Toaster to the Internet in 1990.

● Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), a branch of the DoD, implemented RFID technology to improve the visibility and efficiency of its supply chain in the mid-1990s.

● LG introduced the first smart refrigerator, Internet Digital DIOS, in June 2000.

Background

These pioneering initiatives laid the foundation for the rapid proliferation of IoT devices which reached over 13 billion in 2022. Ericsson’s IoT Connections Outlook Report anticipates a continued surge in connected devices, projecting the number of IoT connections to exceed 34 billion by 2028. This growth in IoT adoption has fundamentally reshaped our interaction with the digital world, influencing everything from using smart speakers in households to AI-powered dashcams in vehicles.

As the landscape of IoT continues its rapid evolution, it becomes crucial to understand the challenges that companies encounter in implementing IoT technologies.

IoT Implementation Challenges

Implementing IoT poses many challenges like addressing issues related to data security and privacy, ensuring scalability and effective data management, and managing device reliability. These challenges are compounded by numerous factors, such as operating environments, organizational resource and skill gaps, and the need for thoughtful systems integration when deploying IoT solutions.

Examples of key IoT Implementation Challenges include:

1) Data Security and Privacy: IoT devices are vulnerable to hacking and data breaches. Ensuring that your IoT provider has the technology and processes in place to provide the security and privacy of data transmitted and stored is crucial. Refer to our “Navigating the Data Privacy Landscape” blog for a more detailed discussion of data security and privacy.

2) Scalability & Data Management: As IoT deployments grow, managing vast amounts of data will be challenging without robust data analytics capabilities. Refer to our “IoT Data Analytics: Transforming Bytes into Insights” blog for a more detailed discussion of how data analytics enables organizations to extract valuable insights from the voluminous data set generated by connected devices.

3) Device Management & Reliability: Managing and updating IoT devices via Over-The-Air (OTA) firmware updates over their lifecycle is critical to provide enhanced functionality and reliability. OTA updates enable IoT providers to add new features, fix bugs, and update security.

4) Operating Environments: IoT devices are deployed in a wide range of operating environments ranging from trackers installed in vehicles to devices monitoring equipment or assets in remote outdoor areas. Devices that experience extreme conditions face heightened risks of wear and tear. Factors like temperature extremes, humidity, and exposure to corrosive substances will significantly impact the reliability and performance of IoT devices over time.

5) Resource & Skill Gaps: A shortage of skilled personnel for IoT implementation and management can be a challenge. For instance, a 2022 Construction Equipment survey conducted revealed that many construction firms utilizing telematics are not fully capturing their benefits. 58% of respondents reported having either no dedicated resource (40%) or only a part-time individual (18%) responsible for managing their telematics data.

6) Systems Integration (SI): Integrating IoT with existing legacy systems can be complex and may require significant updates. If these capabilities are not available internally, companies may need to partner with SI firms that specialize in integrating different hardware, software, systems, and processes. Their knowledge can help companies avoid common pitfalls and ensure successful project execution.

7) Return on Investment (ROI): The initial capital investment and/or ongoing operating expenses of IoT implementations can be a material expense, increasing the imperative on delivering successful IoT deployments. As an example of the ROI possibilities, a leading telematics provider reported that 55% of fleets using an asset tracking solution reported a positive ROI in less than a year.

Tips for a Successful Deployment

Implementing IoT solutions can drive step-change improvements for businesses, offering real-time data, automation, theft prevention & recovery, and improved decision-making capabilities. However, successful IoT deployments require careful planning and execution, and they come with their own set of challenges. Navigating these challenges and optimizing the benefits of IoT can be achieved by following four essential tips for successful IoT deployment:

1) Start with a Clear Strategy: Begin by defining your goals & objectives, the problems you aim to solve, and the expected outcomes given that a well-defined strategy will guide the entire deployment process. As part of this goal-setting process, it’s crucial to have active engagement with key internal stakeholders to understand their workflows and to secure buy-in for performance improvement goals & key metrics. Refer to Table 1 below for sample key metrics for a field services company:

Table 1

Field Services Company Example

Key Metrics by Department

Key Metrics (examples)	Fleet Mgt.	Operations & Maintenance	Customer Service
Fuel efficiency improvement through optimized route planning and monitoring	√
Fuel efficiency improvement through reduced idling	√
Average response time from the initiation of service request to arrival at customer’s home	√
Average duration of service appointments at customer locations	√
Vehicle utilization rates: % of time vehicles are in use		√
Reduction in maintenance costs through predictive maintenance		√
Reduction in vehicle downtime through predictive maintenance		√
Customer satisfaction ratings for in-home service experiences			√
# of customer complaints related to service delays or issues			√

2) Define the Budget and Target ROI: Carefully budget for the IoT project and continuously monitor its progress to ensure it delivers the targeted ROI. It is vital to set target ROT metrics to evaluate tangible benefits, allowing companies to measure efficiency and evaluate the success of their IoT initiatives. This dual approach of budget definition and ROI targeting not only fosters financial accountability but also serves as a strategic roadmap, guiding companies to optimize their IoT investment.

3) Select the Right IoT Provider: Choose an IoT provider that aligns with your strategy and specific needs. This evaluation will include a thorough evaluation of key decision factors such as solution/product fit, scalability, willingness to develop customized solutions, data privacy & security measures, and the provider’s ability to provide the value-added services required to ensure a successful implementation. Other key decision factors include customer support and the provider’s track record for adapting to a rapidly evolving IoT landscape. Refer to Table 2 below for examples of key questions to ask to evaluate a prospective IoT provider:

Table 2

IoT Provider Evaluation: Key Questions

Key Decision Factors	Key Questions (examples)
Solution/Product Fit	● Does the provider offer a range of IoT device options? ● Does the provider have a solution tailored to the specific use case(s)?
Customization	● Is the provider willing to customize its solution to your needs or do they use a “one size fits all” approach?
Scalability	● How does the provider ensure scalability of its solution?
Data Privacy & Security	● Has the provider self-certified to leading data protection standards such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)? ● Does the provider have robust security measures to protect its customers’ IoT data, including access controls and data privacy & security policies & procedures?
Data Analytics	● Does the provider offer real-time data analytics with imbedded alert notifications so users can immediately respond to issues identified by IoT device-generated data? ● Does the provider’s software use data visualization techniques and dashboards to present analytics results in a user-friendly and actionable format for data-driven decision-making?
Systems Integration	● Does the provider offer a Systems Integration (or Professional Services) option to provide a turn-key solution?
Customer & Technical Support	● How does the provider deliver customer & technical support? Dedicated teams? Outsourced? ● What are their Service Level Agreement (SLA) commitments?
Technology/Innovation	● Does the provider offer AI, Driver Behavior Scores, and other best-in-class capabilities? ● What upcoming new devices or features are on their product roadmap?

4) Invest in Resources and Training: Invest in the resources required to deliver on the IoT goals & objectives and target ROI and in the training and development for your staff to build the necessary skills to plan, implement, and sustain the IoT deployment. The training should be cross-functional as highlighted in Table 3 below:

Table 3

IoT Training Requirements by Department

Training Requirements (examples)	IT	Operations & Maintenance	Support	Sales & Marketing	HR
Data Privacy & Security Protocols	√
Data Analytics & Mgt.	√
Integration / APIs	√
Firmware Updates	√
Device Mgt. & Maintenance		√	√
Device Troubleshooting		√	√
Platform/Software Use		√	√
IoT Solution Features & Capabilities	√	√	√	√	√
IoT Skill Development		√			√
Change Management (Note 1)	√	√	√	√	√

Note 1:

The cross-functional training should include Change Management sessions to ensure a smooth transition and acceptance of the IoT technology throughout the company.

Positioning Universal Overview

Positioning Universal (PUI) is the leading global supplier of off-the-shelf and customizable IoT hardware devices, along with GPS vehicle and asset monitoring solutions. PUI also offers Systems Integration services, offering turn-key solutions for seamless implementations that leverage our team’s deep knowledge of the IoT industry.

Systems Integration Services

PUI collaborates with companies to bridge the gap between diverse systems and data sources to deliver tailored solutions that drive efficiency, elevate customer experiences, and boost overall business performance. As the IoT market continues to rapidly evolve, PUI is ready to help businesses across various industries navigate the complexities of IoT implementations, ensuring alignment with strategic visions and operational objectives. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a rich history of innovation, PUI is a trusted partner to ensure businesses have successful IoT projects and thrive in a connected world.

Unlocking the Power of Global Navigation Satellite Systems via Interoperability

Jennifer Curley — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 15:56:37 +0000

Introduction

In today’s rapidly advancing digital age, telematics has transformed the way people interact with connected assets, enabling them to gather valuable data for improved business intelligence, increased operational efficiencies, and enhanced asset protection.

Telematics benefits from advancements in satellite technology (read our blog “Leading the Way with GPS III Satellites and Unparalleled Accuracy” for additional details) and through increased interoperability between Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) around the world. Interoperability benefits include increasing telematics accuracy, precision, and resiliency.

GNSS Background

There are 4 global navigational satellites systems which are operated by the U.S., Russia, China and the EU. India and Japan have systems focused on regional coverage although focused primarily on their home countries.

System	Country/Region	Operational Dates/Scope	# of Satellites
GPS	United States	1993: Global	31
GLONASS	Russia	2011: Global	24
BeiDou (BDS)	China	2000: China/Asia Pacific 2020: Global	45 (2 separate constellations)
Galileo	European Union	2016: Global (Early) 2022: Global (Full)	30 (24 satellites + 6 spares)
IRNSS (NavIC)	India	2016: Regional India +	7 (plans to increase to 11)
QZSS (Michibiki)	Japan	2021: Regional Japan +	4 (plans to increase to 11)

Interoperability Overview

All GNSS are interoperable for civilian uses although GLONASS is problematic given differences in time systems and signal structures. For example, the U.S. and China agreed in December 2017, after 3 years of negotiations, to allow BeiDou’s civil signals to be interoperable with GPS. As a result, the three frequency bands that BeiDou satellites use to transmit navigation signals are located adjacent to or even inside GPS frequency bands.

Japan’s Michibiki system was developed by the Japanese government to enhance the U.S.-operated GPS in the Asia-Oceania regions, albeit with a specific focus on Japan. Michibiki’s goal is to provide highly precise and stable GPS-compatible positioning services in the Asia-Oceania region. Japan plans to develop their own satellite navigation system independent of GPS starting with the launch of an additional 7 satellites over the next several years.

More in-depth GNSS interoperability, however, is dictated by political and military considerations. GLONASS and BeiDou have deeply integrated systems, while the U.S. Secretary of Defense in consultation with Director of National Intelligence designated Galileo, NavIC, and Michibiki as allied navigational satellite systems in 2020.

Value of Interoperability

Greater Accuracy and Precision

Interoperable GNSS significantly increases the number of signals available which provides the following benefits:

- Increases navigational accuracy by improving the relative geometry between GNSS satellites and connected devices

- Improves visibility in regions with natural or artificial obstructions

- Allows higher accuracy for velocity and time determination

Increased Resiliency

Interoperability increases resiliency due to the diversity of signals and constellations used. In the event a satellite or satellites in a GNSS are having issues, other allied global or regional navigation satellites networks can provide signal continuity.

Conclusion

Positioning Universal continuously monitors relevant technological advancements, including the emergence of new regional satellite networks and improvements to existing satellite networks, in our constant quest to improve the telematics services we provide to our customers.

Chasing Daylight: The Evolution of Solar Technology and its Application in the IoT Market

Jennifer Curley — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 15:04:56 +0000

Introduction

The history of solar technology stands as a testament to humanity’s enduring efforts to harness the sun’s energy. This journey traces back to ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks, who ingeniously employed solar energy for heating and illuminating their structures. As far back as the 5th century BCE, the ancient Greeks designed buildings with large south-facing windows to maximize sunlight and warmth especially during the winter months.

The evolution of solar technology has accelerated over the past two centuries since the discovery of the photovoltaic effect and the development of the first true solar cell during the 19^th century. These breakthroughs paved the way for the modern era of solar energy, which has recently experienced exponential growth. For instance, global solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity surged over 25-fold from 40 gigawatts (GW) in 2010 to 1 terawatt (TW) by April 2022.

In recent decades, solar technology has emerged as a powerful force in the global shift towards renewable energy sources. Its impact spans diverse sectors, from the vast expanses of solar energy farms to the harnessing of solar power for IoT devices. The potential of solar energy to drive a sustainable and cleaner future remains a guiding force in the evolving energy landscape.

Solar Technology Overview

Evolution

In 1839, a solar technology breakthrough occurred when French physicist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel uncovered the photovoltaic effect. His experiment involved placing silver chloride in an acidic solution, which, when connected to platinum electrodes, generated an electric current. Later, in 1883, Charles Fritts constructed the first true solar cell by coating selenium (a semiconductor) with an extremely thin layer of gold.

However, it wasn’t until more than six decades later, in 1946, that Russel Ohl at Bell Labs made the next pivotal advancement by inventing and submitting a patent for the silicon solar cell. Subsequently, in April 1954, researchers at Bell Laboratories built upon Ohl’s work to unveil the first practical silicon solar cell. This silicon-based innovation marked the dawn of modern solar technology, setting the stage for further advancements in solar energy utilization and efficiency.

Solar Cell Efficiency

Solar cell efficiency is the sunlight that is converted via photovoltaics into electricity by the solar cell. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) of the U.S. Department of Energy, most solar panels used today for commercial and residential installations have efficiency ratings between 19% and 21%. Two companies, SunPower and Canadian Solar, have solar panels with maximum efficiency ratings of 22.8%.

In 2006, Spectrolab, a Boeing subsidiary, developed a multijunction¹ concentrator solar cell that reached a record efficiency of 40.7%. Spectrolab’s solar panels are currently generating power in a 33 kW full-scale concentrator system located in the Australian desert. In 2019, a multijunction concentrator cell developed by NREL achieved 47.1% efficiency in a lab environment.

¹ Multijunction solar cells are made of several layers of different semiconductor materials which allow the cells to absorb more light per unit area and generate more electricity.

Solar-Powered GPS Trackers Overview

Use of Solar Technology in the IoT Market

Solar-powered GPS trackers made their debut in the mid-2010s with a primary focus on unpowered assets that required extended monitoring periods with minimal service and maintenance support. Over the last decade, the variety of assets tracked using solar technology has expanded significantly. This expansion has been driven by solar efficiency gains and the use of long-lasting backup batteries, enabling these devices to continuously operate even during extended periods of limited sunlight.

Solar asset trackers are now deployed on a diverse array of applications, including but not limited to trailers, containers, construction equipment, rental equipment, portable light towers, and generators.

The capabilities of solar asset trackers have been further enhanced through the integration of built-in connectors with cable accessories and the utilization of Bluetooth technology. These enhancements enable the monitoring of various parameters such as temperature, door status (opening and closing), and the detection of tractor power.

Key Benefits and Trade-Offs

Using solar power for asset tracking offers companies a cost-effective, sustainable, and versatile option, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements and reducing environmental impact. Solar asset trackers ensure reliable and uninterrupted tracking, making them ideal for a diverse set of use cases.

Key Benefits


Cost Efficiency	Reduced Maintenance	Extended Lifespan
Although the initial investment in solar asset tracking devices may be greater, they can yield long-term cost savings by reducing the need for battery replacements and maintenance trips.	Solar trackers typically require maintenance levels once installed. Regular cleaning of solar panels to remove dust, dirt, and debris is usually sufficient to keep the devices running efficiently.	Solar devices typically have longer lifespans compared to battery-operated alternatives. Since they continuously recharge, there is less wear and tear on components, leading to increased longevity.


Versatility	Sustainability	Continuous Power Supply
Solar trackers are deployed across a wide range of use cases such as monitoring trailers, containers, and construction equipment. They are especially effective in monitoring assets in remote areas where access to power sources may be limited or unavailable and where it is difficult for technicians to consistently provide service.	Solar trackers harness energy from the sun, which is a renewable and clean energy source. This reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional battery-powered devices and eliminates the need for frequent battery replacements, reducing electronic waste.	Solar asset tracking devices can operate continuously without frequent battery replacements or manual recharging. This is especially important for assets in remote areas or long-term tracking use cases, as it ensures the tracking device remains operational.

Trade-Offs

While solar technology offers numerous benefits for asset tracking, it’s important to consider the following trade-offs when choosing this option:

Initial Cost: The cost of solar asset trackers can be higher than traditional battery-operated alternatives due to the additional cost of the solar cells, charging circuitry, and other components.

Sunlight Dependency: Solar trackers rely on sunlight for power generation, so their efficiency can be reduced during extended periods of cloud cover, darkness, or when deployed on assets stored in covered areas while not in use.

Maintenance: Solar panels require periodic cleaning to ensure optimal energy generation. Dust, dirt, and debris on the solar panels will affect their efficiency, increasing the importance of installing devices on assets to maximize their accessibility to the sun, while protecting them from debris accumulation.

Installation Locations and Size: Installation of solar trackers must maximize their sunlight exposure which limits the ability to install the devices in hidden or more protective areas on the asset. The size of the device, due to its typically large solar panel, may also limit the installation location options on the asset.

Primary Decision Factors

When evaluating solar-powered versus battery-powered devices to monitor assets, it is crucial to consider the following factors:

Location and Environment: Assess the geographic location(s) where the solar trackers will be deployed. Ensure there is sufficient sunlight available throughout the year to charge the solar panel effectively. It’s important to also consider the amount of time the assets will spend in garages, storage areas, warehouses, and other covered locations which restrict the devices access to direct sunlight.

Battery Capacity and Operating Duration: Determine the battery capacity to ensure the solar tracker battery life aligns with the desired application. Also, identify the backup battery’s operating duration during periods of low sunlight. The backup battery lifespan, for specific reporting cycles, should be specified by the solar tracker provider (e.g., the backup battery will last 4 months at 12 reporting cycles per day).

Solar Cell Efficiency: Assess the efficiency of the solar cells in converting sunlight into electricity, as higher efficiency panels will recharge the solar tracker faster.

Deployment Duration: Consider the intended deployment duration. Solar trackers are ideal for longer term deployments with most devices offering between 5-to-10-year lifespans depending on tracking and reporting frequencies.

Cost and Budget: Evaluate the overall cost, including the initial purchase, installation, and ongoing operational costs. Determine the return on investment (ROI) based on a comparison of device, installation, and on-going maintenance costs.

Device Quality and Support: Research the solar asset tracker provider’s reputation for device quality, its customer & technical support capabilities, and its warranty period. A reliable support system is crucial for delivering a successful solar tracking experience.

Conclusion

Solar technology has undergone a remarkable evolution since the 19^th century, progressing from producing the first true solar cell in the last 1880s to deploying massive solar farms and solar cells with over 40% efficiency. In the IoT market, solar-powered solutions have experienced increasing adoption due to their reliability, versatility, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

It’s important, however, to understand the trade-offs associated with solar technology and to conduct a careful consideration of the key decisions factors when evaluating solar tracking for asset monitoring.

Positioning Universal: Solar Asset Trackers

Positioning Universal launched its solar asset trackers, the TT600 and TT603², in 2019. Key competitive differentiators for the TT600/603 are:

Frequent Tracking & Reporting Intervals: 1-minute GPS fix intervals with every 10-minute reporting.
Solar Cells Size & Efficiencies: one of the largest and most efficient (22%) solar panels in the market.
Long-lasting Backup Battery: up to 4 months at 12 reports/day.
Pre-Charged Battery: immediately monitor assets without concerns tracking will be inconsistent or stop due to depleted batteries.
6-axis Accelerometer: increases the data set available to evaluate accidents and roll-overs compared to the 3-axis accelerometers available on most solar trackers.

Positioning Universal continuously monitors relevant technological advancements, including emerging developments in solar technologies, in our constant quest to improve the quality of the telematics solutions we provide to our resellers and customers.

From Bits to Blocks: Understanding Blockchain for IoT

Jennifer Curley — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 14:55:34 +0000

Introduction

Blockchain for IoT is an emerging technology paradigm that combines the distributed ledger capabilities of blockchain with the vast network of interconnected IoT devices.

Blockchain technology is a distributed and secure digital ledger that records transactions across a network of computers. It uses cryptographic techniques to ensure data integrity and immutability. Each transaction is linked to the previous one, forming a chain of blocks. This technology offers transparency, decentralization, and security, making it valuable for various applications, including healthcare, food safety, and supply chain/logistics.

While IoT devices continue to rapidly scale, it has several challenges to address to reach its full potential. These challenges include costs for IoT devices and connectivity, limited interoperability, and security. Security is a major concern given IoT devices, with varying levels of security, are targeted by hackers for Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) and other attacks.

Key Benefits

Using Blockchain for IoT offers several benefits to the challenges faced by existing IoT ecosystems:

Security and Trust:

Immutable Record: Blockchain creates an unchangeable ledger of transactions, making it highly secure and tamper-proof. Blockchain provides an additional security layer to ensure the integrity of data generated by IoT devices.

Decentralization: Traditional centralized systems are vulnerable to single points of failure. Blockchain’s decentralized nature eliminates this vulnerability, making it more resilient to attacks.

Smart Contracts: Smart contracts, self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code, can automate and enforce IoT device interactions, reducing the risk of fraud or human error.

Data Integrity: Blockchain provides a transparent and auditable history of data transactions. Users can trace the origin and history of IoT data, ensuring its authenticity.
Interoperability:

Standardization: Blockchain can serve as a common platform for different IoT devices and applications to communicate and transact, enhancing interoperability within IoT ecosystems.

Privacy and Data Ownership:

User Control: Blockchain allows users to have more control over their IoT data. They can grant or revoke access to their data as needed, enhancing privacy and data ownership.

Confidentiality: Blockchain can support private transactions and data sharing, ensuring that sensitive IoT data remains confidential.

Reduced Costs: Blockchain can reduce costs associated with intermediaries in IoT ecosystems by enabling peer-to-peer transactions and automating contract execution.

Use Cases

Supply Chain Management: Transportation

Blockchain can be used to create transparent and traceable supply chains, helping verify the authenticity of shipments and products and monitor their journey from manufacturer to end consumer.

Tracking shipments being transported by different logistics companies and modes of transport can be challenging for existing IoT systems. Blockchain can store real-time tracking data, temperatures, departure and arrival times, and the companies involved across this supply chain event to provide a comprehensive data set for shipments throughout the supply chain.

Asset Tracking

IoT devices are extensively used to track assets, such as vehicles, trailers, and construction equipment, to collect data related to location, condition, and status. Blockchain can be used to create an asset’s digital identity and can automate notifications. For example, when an OBDII device reports that a vehicle’s engine temperature is too high, a smart contract could trigger an automated maintenance request.

Other

Other IoT use cases that may benefit from blockchain integration include smart cities, healthcare data management, food safety, energy management, and environmental monitoring.

Challenges

Scalability: Scalability remains a challenge for blockchain technology. While many IoT devices generate a vast amount of data, not all blockchain networks can handle this scale efficiently. The difficulty of scaling a blockchain is mainly due to its consensus mechanism since it requires all participants in the network to agree on which transactions are valid. Solutions like sharding and layer 2 networks are being explored to address scalability concerns.

Integration Complexity: Integrating blockchain with existing IoT systems can be complex and costly. As an example, many IoT applications require real-time or near-real-time data processing. Traditional blockchains may introduce latency due to their consensus mechanisms and block confirmation times.

Regulatory Compliance: Data stored on blockchains will need to comply with various data protection and privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), adding a layer of complexity to IoT deployments.

Conclusion

Blockchain for IoT is an exciting area of innovation that holds promise for enhancing the security, privacy, and efficiency of IoT ecosystems. However, it’s in its early stages of being considered for the IoT applications given it’s still a nascent technology for this market and requires careful consideration to aligning Blockchain deployment with the right use cases given its current challenges.

Positioning Universal continuously monitors relevant technological advancements, including the use of blockchain technology, in our constant quest to improve the quality of the telematics services we provide to our customers.

Source: GETTY

How Satellite Constellations Are Shaping Our World

Jennifer Curley — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 14:55:17 +0000

Intro

Satellite constellations comprise three distinct orbits: Geostationary Orbit (GEO), Middle Earth Orbit (MEO), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO). These satellite constellations have exerted a profound and transformative influence on the global economy. RTI International estimates that GPS has generated roughly $1.4 trillion in economic benefits in the U.S. since it was made available for civilian and commercial use in the 1980s.

Background

GEO constellations, positioned at a fixed point above the equator, offer continuous coverage over specific regions, catering to vital sectors such as communication and weather observation. MEO constellations strike a balance between coverage and latency, making them pivotal for applications demanding both global reach and reduced communication delays. MEO is the home to the world’s leading Global Navigation Satellite Systems. LEO constellations, orbiting closer to the Earth’s surface, deliver diverse services, from high-speed internet to communications, leveraging their proximity to deliver fast data transmission with very low latency. LEO is experiencing rapid growth led by Starlink’s plan to deploy thousands of satellites in this constellation orbit.

Constellation	Positioning	Latency	# of Satellites (est.)
GEO	35,786 km	Medium (~700 ms)	580
MEO	5,000 – 20,000 km	Low (~150 ms)	139
LEO	500 – 1,200 km	Very Low (~50 ms)	>5,000

Geostationary Orbit (GEO)

GEO satellite constellations consist of satellites positioned at a fixed point above the Earth’s equator, approximately 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) in altitude. Due to their stationary position relative to the Earth’s rotation, GEO satellites remain above the same geographic area, providing continuous coverage of a specific region.

GEO constellations provide stable and predictable coverage, making them ideal for applications where constant connectivity and coverage of specific areas are paramount. These constellations are commonly used for communication, broadcasting, weather observation, and navigation services.

Key players include Intelsat (52 satellites), Eutelsat (36 satellites), Inmarsat (14 satellites), and Asiasat (7 satellites).

Middle Earth Orbit (MEO)

Middle Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite constellations are positioned from 5,000 to 20,000 kilometers above Earth’s surface. MEO satellites offer a balance between coverage area and latency, making them suitable for applications that require a mix of global reach and relatively lower communication delays.

Despite its lower number of satellites, MEO is home to the leading Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNNS) including GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, and GLONASS. Refer to our blog, “Unlocking the Power of Global Navigation Satellite Systems via Interoperability,” for additional details.

Key players include SES (acquired O3b Networks in 2016), Spacelink (Electro Optic Systems), Mangata Networks, Viasat, Intelsat, and Methera Global.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites satellite constellations are positioned from 500 to 1,200 kilometers above Earth’s surface. LEO satellites offer faster data transmission, reduced latency, and improved coverage compared to the other constellations.

Key LEO players include Iridium, Globalstar, Orbcomm, Starlink, OneWeb, Project Kuiper by Amazon, Telesat, and Planet Labs.

Positioning Universal Viewpoint

Positioning Universal continues to monitor advancements in satellite constellations technology, including new GPS III satellite technology being deployed in MEO and the rapid increase in the number of services being offered in LEO. Positioning Universal stays at the forefront of these advancements so we can further enhance the value provided to our customers.

Source: EOS Data Analytics

Connecting the Unconnected: The Future of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs)

Jennifer Curley — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:01:47 +0000

Intro

Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are communication systems that extend connectivity beyond the reach of traditional terrestrial networks to enable services to underserved communities and remote areas. By transcending the limitations of traditional terrestrial network infrastructure, non-terrestrial networks offer the potential to offer enhanced or previously unavailable services to various use cases including open ocean shipping container monitoring, remote monitoring of oil rigs, and assisting with search and rescue and emergency response.

Background

NTNs are networks or segments of networks that use satellite constellations (GEO/MEO/LEO), airborne vehicles (High-Altitude Platforms or HAPs), and drones to extend the coverage and capacity of terrestrial networks.

By extending coverage beyond terrestrial networks, NTNs provide services to previously underserved and remote areas such as rural communities and sparsely populated islands. NTNs will also be able to offer ubiquitous and reliable connectivity for IoT applications such as tracking vehicles in areas with limited cellular coverage, tracking cargo on ships at sea, and monitoring assets in remote areas.

NTNs also add an additional layer of resilience and redundancy to existing terrestrial networks. In the event of natural disasters or network outages, NTNs provide backup connectivity to ensure continued service for mission-critical communications and applications.

NTN Example #1: Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Constellations

Companies with LEO satellite constellations, which operate at altitudes ranging from 500 to 1,200 kilometers, have emerged as early NTN leaders. LEO satellites offer faster data transmission, reduced latency, and improved coverage compared to traditional geostationary satellites (GEO). Key players include Iridium, Globalstar, Orbcomm, Starlink, OneWeb, Project Kuiper by Amazon, Telesat, and Planet Labs.

Iridium

The Iridium satellite constellation, which was initially launched in 1997, provides L band voice and data information coverage to satellite phones, satellite messenger communication devices and integrated transceivers, as well as two-way satellite messaging service to supported Android smartphones.

Iridium’s constellation consists of 66 active LEO satellites with additional spares to serve in case of failure. Iridium reached over 2 million subscribers at the start of 2023.

SpaceX’s Starlink

Starlink is a LEO satellite internet constellation which currently consists of over 4,500 satellites which communicate with designated ground transceivers. Starlink plans to deploy nearly 12,000 satellites with a possible later extension to 42,000. Starlink announced in May it had reached 1.5 million subscribers.

NTN Example #2: High-Altitude Platforms (HAPs)

High-Altitude Platforms (HAPs) are aerial systems positioned at altitudes between traditional aircraft and satellites, typically ranging from 20 to 50 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. HAPs serve as a middle ground between satellites and ground-based systems, providing advantages like cost-effectiveness and rapid deployment.

Key players include Airbus (Zephyr solar-powered aerial vehicles), Thales Alenia Space, Lockheed Martin’s HAPMobile subsidiary, AeroVironment, and Stratodynamics Aviation.

Positioning Universal’s NTN View

Positioning Universal continues to monitor NTN activities and has had discussions with numerous emerging IoT connectivity providers to explore ways to improve the performance and cost effectiveness of our services and to consider new services and markets.

Source: Award Solutions

Navigating the IoT Connectivity Landscape: A Guide to LPWAN Technologies

Jennifer Curley — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 18:05:38 +0000

Intro

Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies have emerged as a vital component of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. They cater to the connectivity needs of devices and applications that require long-range communication, extended battery life, and cost-efficient data transmission. Key LPWAN use cases include smart cities, smart meters, remote & environmental monitoring, industrial monitoring & automation, health monitors, wearables, and asset tracking.

Background

Leading LPWAN technologies include NB-IoT, LTE CAT-M1, Sigfox, and LoRaWAN. Other LPWAN technologies include Weightless, RPMA, and MIOTY. IoT Analytics estimated that NB-IoT and LoRa accounted for 83% of the 2021 LPWAN market.

LPWAN Technology Comparison & Descriptions

Key decision factors for selecting the right LPWAN technology for a specific use case include available bandwidth, data speed/throughput, range, power consumption, and cost.

	Cellular		Non-Cellular
	NB-IoT	LTE-CAT M1	Sigfox	LoRaWAN
Spectrum	Licensed		Unlicensed
Bandwidth	200kHz	1.4MHz	0.1kHz	125-500kHz
Throughput	200kbps	1mbps	0.1kbps	50kbps
Range	Up to 10km	Up to 10km	Up to 50km	Up to 20km
Power Consumption	Low-to-Moderate	Moderate	Extremely Low	Ultra-Low

NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT)

NB-IoT is a cellular technology optimized for low-power, wide-area IoT applications. It operates in the licensed spectrum, providing better security and quality of service compared to unlicensed LPWAN options. NB-IoT offers deep coverage and improved indoor penetration, making it suitable for applications like smart cities, agriculture, and industrial monitoring. Its low data rates and power consumption enable devices to operate for years on a single battery.

LTE CAT-M1

LTE CAT-M1 is a cellular technology that operates within existing LTE networks, offering enhanced coverage and better penetration compared to traditional cellular networks. LTE CAT-M1 supports both voice and data services, making it suitable for a wide range of IoT applications such as smart meters, wearables, and asset tracking. It provides a balance between data rate, coverage, and power consumption, making it suitable for applications that require reliable connectivity and extended battery life.

Sigfox

Sigfox is a proprietary LPWAN technology that operates in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. It utilizes ultra-narrowband modulation to transmit small amounts of data over long distances. Its technology is suitable for applications requiring sporadic, low-bandwidth data transmission, such as asset tracking, environmental monitoring, and smart agriculture.

SigFox filed for bankruptcy in January 2022. In April 2022, Singapore-based IoT network firm, Unabiz, acquired Sigfox and its French network operations for a reported €25 million. Since acquiring Sigfox, UnaBiz has opened the technology to align with its positioning as a tech-agnostic service provider and integrator. In April 2023, Unabiz shared they had activated 1.6 million new devices in the last 12 months, bringing the total connected devices to 11.4 million.

LoRaWAN

LoRa technology was developed in 2009. The LoRa Alliance was founded in 2015 and the network protocol was named LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network). LoRaWAN is an open standard technology that operates in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz ISM band. It employs chirp spread spectrum modulation to provide long-range coverage and is known for its flexibility in terms of deployment models – public, private, or community networks.

LoRaWAN is primarily used in applications like smart cities, smart buildings, and industrial automation. In March 2021, it was estimated there were 178 million devices connected to over 140 public and private LoRa networks globally.

Other LPWAN Technologies

Weightless: An open standard that offers both wide-area and local-area coverage, suitable for industrial and smart city applications.

RPMA: Random Phase Multiple Access (RPMA) utilizes the unlicensed, globally available 2.4 GHz ISM band for long-range, low-power communication. RPMA, developed by Ingenu, is primarily used for smart grids and remote monitoring applications.

MIOTY: Based on Telegram Splitting Ultra Narrowband (TS-UNB) technology, MIOTY boasts robustness against interference and is ideal for applications in noisy environments.

Other companies leveraging LPWAN technology to address specific use cases include Nwave (smart parking), Telensa (smart streetlights) and Helium (decentralized wireless IoT network tied to the cryptocurrency Helium Network Token).

Positioning Universal’s LPWAN View

Positioning Universal’s mobile IoT hardware portfolio extensively uses LTE CAT-M1 cellular technology with several devices offering both NB-IoT and LTE CAT-M1 connectivity.

LTE CAT-M1 combines accurate tracking and monitoring with reliable data communication over cellular networks. This synergy ensures seamless tracking of vehicles and assets using LTE CAT-M1’s high bandwidth capability, fast data speeds, and extended coverage.

Source: Allion

Revolutionizing GPS Precision: Positioning Universal’s Journey to Centimeter-Level Accuracy

Jennifer Curley — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:06:39 +0000

Intro

High-precision GPS improves signal accuracy from meters to centimeters using augmentation systems, such as Real-Time Kinematics (RTK) receivers, and/or multi-frequency modules/chipsets. High-precision GPS use cases include surveying, precision agriculture, drone navigation, advanced driver assistance, and lane-level driving navigation instructions for autonomous vehicles.

Background

The U.S. GPS system commits via its Positioning Service Performance Standard (SPS) to broadcasting GPS signals with a daily global average user range error (URE) of ≤2m (6.6 ft.) with 95% probability. URE, however, is not the end user accuracy as this depends on factors such as signal blockage, atmospheric conditions, and the design/quality of GPS devices. GPS device accuracy typically ranges from 2 to 2.5 meters.

Augmentation Systems: Real-Time Kinematics (RTK) Receivers

An RTK-capable GPS receiver takes in the normal signals from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) along with a Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM) correction stream to achieve ≤1cm positional accuracy.

RTK uses carrier-based ranging which relies on base stations to provide real-time corrections resulting in centimeter-level accuracy. Carrier-based ranging calculates the range by determining the number of carrier cycles between the satellite and the base station, and multiplying this number by the carrier wavelength, resulting in more precise positions. RTK is commonly used in applications that require high precision, such as surveying, precision agriculture, and drone navigation.

In traditional code-based positioning, a GPS device’s position is established by correlating with four or more satellites to determine their ranges. Using these ranges and the position of the satellite, the GPS device’s position can be established within several meters.

Multi-Frequency Receivers: Single-, Dual- and Triple-Frequency GPS

GPS operates on three L-band frequencies: L1, L2 and L5.

Band	Frequency	Purpose
L1	1575.42 MHz	Primary band used for GPS
L2	1227.6 MHz	L2M: available only to authorized military users L2P: precision military applications L2C: stronger civilian signal designed to be available in more challenging environments
L5	1176 MHz	Developed for aviation safety; most advanced civilian signal

Single-Frequency

Single-frequency receivers use the L1 band. The primary limitation of this band is that it’s effected by multi-path errors. Multi-path errors are caused when a satellite signal reaches the receiver from two or more paths, one directly from the satellite and the others reflected from nearby buildings or other surfaces.

Dual-Frequency

Dual-frequency receivers use the L1 and L5 bands. The L5 band can detect unwanted reflected signals caused by multi-path errors. Receivers using the L1 and L5 bands identify these unwanted signals and ensure that they do not affect the receiver’s output information.

Dual-frequency GPS chipsets have primarily been used on smartphones and smart watches and for specific high-precision IoT use cases. The first dual-frequency smartphone was the Xiaomi Mi 8 which was launched in May 2018. Dual-frequency modules/chipsets have historically been more expensive given they require more processing power and special hardware such as antennas that are capable of tracking multiple frequencies. As the cost of dual-frequency modules/chipsets has come down, they are now been used by leading IoT companies to improve their device performance.

Triple-Frequency

Triple-frequency receivers can receive a multitude of signals from any GNSS system. Triple-frequency receivers using GPS can receive navigation signals from the L1, L2, and L5 bands.

Companies offer triple-frequency receivers/modules which can handle multiple constellations and frequencies including GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, and GLONASS. These solutions provide accuracy to the centimeter.

Given the minimal accuracy gain compared to a dual-frequency receiver, demand for triple-frequency receivers is not expected to take off until autonomous vehicles or vehicles fitted with advanced driver assistance systems begin to ship in larger quantities.

Positioning Universal’s High-Precision GPS Activities

Positioning Universal has been actively working to improve the GNSS accuracy of our devices. We already have product designs in place to move from the industry norm from 2 – 2.5 meters to 1-meter accuracy. This improved accuracy will offer our customers new capabilities such as being able to identify the specific lane a vehicle is traveling in on a highway and to locate a vehicle in a specific parking space on an auto dealer’s lot.

We are also launching products with dual-frequency modules/chipsets in Q3 2023, which coupled with new applications, will further improve our device accuracy from 1-meter to centimeters.

Source: Geospatial World