CASE STUDY: Logistics
The Problem
A local delivery company wanted to improve their operational efficiency. They had two primary concerns; the slow pace of deliveries, particularly in downtown areas, and theft, both of which directly affected profitability.
IoT Orbital developed an effective solution that integrated the right software and hardware to solve both issues in a single product. Through a combination of hardware onboard the delivery trucks, a wireless communication system that used the local 4G cellular network, and software at the company’s operations center, the IoT Orbital team was able to deliver a package of on-line tools for the company to access critical real-time data to help them streamline their operations.
Delivery Truck Hardware
The mobile solution included supply and installation of video surveillance equipment to ensure optimal monitoring and control of vehicle operations in the field through a fully integrated video surveillance module within QUATRO, IoT Orbital’s digital transformation platform. We support open industry mobile NVR and digital devices.
This combination of hardware and software offers several functionalities and benefits, such as:
Real-time event and evidence logging including video and audio recording
Cameras for monitoring activity in the vehicle cabin and at the doors
Door-opening sensors to generate real-time alerts
Emergency button for communication with the operations center
Mobile DVR features:
Up to 4 IPC input channels
1080P Real-Time Recording, H.265 Compression, 512MB HDD SSD
2 USB 2 Ports (front panel Type A; back panel: 5 pin aviation)
Aviation-style connectors for added security and signal stability
8 Alarm Inputs, 2 Outputs
1 RS232 Interface, 1 RS485 Interface, SIM card slot
6-Axis G-Sensor
3 Cabin & Container View Cameras (2)
Mobile Application
In addition to the delivery truck hardware, drivers are equipped with a mobile application that can be installed on any iPhone running iOS version 10 or higher or Android version 12 or higher. Because QUATRO is cloud-based, the application can connect to the platform anywhere there is cellular service.
The information screens can be customized for user roles and profiles, including features such as permissions, capabilities, styles, and interactive screen functions. The application contains delivery forms and route plans for drivers and assistants, including:
Clients and addresses in the order specified by the delivery forms
Delivery times including time windows
Estimated route with detailed directions
Total route time
Details of the load assigned to each vehicle
Product list for selecting full or partial delivery
Input for payment collected on-site and/or proof of transfer
Custom form for entering detailed evidence for exception events
Real-time synchronization of events with the platform
QUATRO Platform Key Modules
Several existing modules were needed to complete the software package on the QUATRO platform for this solution:
Quatro Route Manager – implementation of company polices, coordination with sales systems, generation of dispatch tables and route sheets
QLogistics – fleet management, route planning, scheduling, and event processing including real-time tracking and alerts
QCalendar – supports the monitoring of parameters for planned and ongoing activities such as delivery status, alerts, and forms for incomplete activities
QReport and Dashboards – customized generation of reports and displays either automatically or on demand for key performance indicators from start to final delivery, export of data in multiple formats
QDispatch – control and monitoring of field operations, real-time asset tracking, control of IoT devices (cameras, sensors, gates, etc.), configuration of normal/abnormal thresholds and alerts
