DHL Supply Chain has launched a Narrowband Internet of Things application together with Huawei Technologies at an automotive site in Liuzhou, China.

According to DHL, the solution leverages existing infrastructure to facilitate and streamline yard management for inbound-to-manufacturing logistics, leading to significant improvements in inbound processing time at the site. The proof of concept will run until the end of September 2017 with 100 DHL drivers at a section with 30 docks.

“In leveraging Huawei’s and China Mobile’s NB-IoT technology, we were able to design and develop this unique solution,” said Yin Zou, CEO of DHL Supply Chain Greater China. “Supported by a range of industrial, multimedia IoT protocols and interfaces, it offers connectivity, smart operations and device management functions. Exploring new technologies like NB-IoT is one of many ways we are forging forward with our digitalization journey in China.”

The solution integrates NB-IoT chipsets that use common cellular telecommunications bands such as LTE. Vehicle detectors are embedded with these chipsets which do not require any infrastructure investments. Data is transmitted using existing public base stations which have been upgraded to support NB-IoT. Within each terminal, DHL Supply Chain is now able to automatically collect clear dock availability in real time, providing visibility to the dispatcher and drivers.

When a truck arrives, its driver checks in via a mobile app and receives a queue number and an estimated waiting time. The yard management system then automatically screens the docks for their availability, providing each driver with real-time status updates via the app. As soon as a dock is free, the driver is notified to proceed accordingly. Waiting time for drivers is halved from an average of 40 minutes, reducing the risks of manufacturing delays as materials arrive in time and resources are optimized appropriately.

“By 2025, Internet of Things has the potential to generate up to €1.77 trillion in additional value for the international logistics industry,” said Markus Voss, chief information officer and chief operating officer of DHL Supply Chain. “Together with Huawei, we want to pursue this path in developing cellular-based IoT technology able to connect to multiple devices across long distances. Our goal is to enable a more integrated logistics value chain through greater connectivity, enhancing the customer experience.”

The solution is expected to be enhanced with additional features such as automatic number plate recognition and geofencing, according to DHL.