How IoT & AI transforming logistics

How IoT and AI are transforming logistics? 

In the 21st century, there has been a huge buzz about the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT now has touched every little aspect of our life that we just cannot ignore. Technology has worked beyond our expectations. Connectivity, convenience, efficiency are some of the perks of IoT which has made us rely on this technology even more.

Logistics is difficult because it is hard to keep track of everything. Although most logistics and transportation service providers use mobile technology, changes in regulatory environments, rising labour costs, increased traffic, and volatile fuel prices can impact operations. Companies are also faced with an increasing demand for transparency from the market. With machine learning (ML), and data-driven supply chains that are intelligent and data-driven, the latest developments in AI/IoT are changing logistics. AI can improve logistics efficiency while allowing businesses to respond quickly and flexibly to customer needs and industry trends.

Real-time tracking and remote monitoring solutions for smart IoT logistics

AI and IoT have unmatched potential to keep almost everything connected (e.g., assets, trucks, etc.) through embedded sensors and gateway connectivity. This allows for unprecedented visibility into operations, personnel, equipment, and transactions. Companies can connect all their assets to a central cloud network if they have the right intelligent AI solution. Machine learning models can help analyze critical data and ensure smooth operations. Due to improved asset tracking and remote fleet management, logistics operations will be more efficient and compliant. It is possible to locate and monitor key assets to improve logistics in smart cities, prevent quality problems, maintain inventory levels, and optimize logistics once an IoT-enabled infrastructure has been created and deployed.

Users can analyze the collected data to identify patterns and take the correct actions. Fleet managers can monitor and manage all aspects of their fleet through one interface. This allows them to make informed decisions about how goods will be stored, routed, delivered, and tracked. Recent research shows that IoT investments have led to dramatic improvements in efficiency for companies. Companies in logistics and transportation can use embedded sensors, connected devices, and analytics technology to intelligently mine complex asset databases, optimize operations, and create new revenue opportunities. AI-generated predictive analytics is also available to help avoid risk, optimize routes and predict future demand.

IoT technologies allow you to:

• monitor all processes in real time.
• determine the performance of people and make adjustments in the course of work to improve it;
• automate the process and reduce the amount of manual work.
• optimize the process of joint work of people, systems, and assets.
• implement a more effective innovative approach based on the data obtained.
• improve service quality and minimize risks in case of unforeseen circumstances.

At the moment, the most favorable circumstances are emerging for transforming the logistics industry at the expense of the Internet of Things: the rapid development of the mobile application market, the introduction of user devices into the corporate IT system, the emergence of 5G networks, the development of effective solutions for working with Big Data, etc. In addition, Today, customers are increasingly demanding innovative approaches, which also contributes to a faster process of deploying IoT technologies in logistics.

To understand how effective the Internet of things is, you can consider how its solutions are used in other industries. In each case, the introduction of IoT technologies gives the user a lot of advantages, including:

• achieving operational efficiency and cost reduction.
• ensuring security and reliable security.
• increasing the efficiency of customer service experience.
• implementation of successful business models.

Here’s how IoT and AI are transforming logistics.

Remote asset tracking

IoT in asset tracking systems refers to automating processes and adding AI parts to many previously performed workflows. IoT-enabled asset management solutions offer predictive maintenance, top-down visibility, and real-time alerts via IoT sensors. Companies can track asset information using IoT sensors without human intervention. They can be attached to assets with or without traditional asset tags, such as QR codes or barcodes.

Predictive asset Maintenance

Predictive maintenance is primarily based on data-driven decisions and real-time monitoring. The spread of wireless connectivity and advances in AI are transforming industries digitally. IoT technology enables sensors to transmit equipment data in real-time, allowing the authorities to predict asset conditions through advanced analytics. Predictive asset maintenance can help organizations reduce downtimes significantly, thereby eliminating the chances of poor machine performance.

Real-time fleet management

IoT technology enhances smart and data-driven insights, where managers can identify loopholes in real time for quick decision-making. IoT promotes real-time monitoring for fleets in the logistics industry. Real-time fleet tracking and delivery management in logistics are significantly advancing with sensor devices and gateways. Vehicle tracking systems that are efficient and accurate have a track record of reducing last-mile delivery costs. Frost & Sullivan reports that improving driving habits alone can help reduce fuel consumption by 25%.

Warehouse-capacity optimization

With the introduction of IoT technology in the logistics sector, transport authorities are finding it more convenient to keep track of the entire supply chain process, including warehouse management. The installed sensors are capable enough to identify the warehouse capacity and alert the managers about the requirements with every specific detail. The technology is advanced enough to allow fleet managers to optimize the warehouse capacity wherever and whenever required with a tap on their devices.

Route optimization

The combination of AI and IoT is a one-of-a-kind duo, enabling route optimization for every user. Every smartphone or smart asset is now launched with a built-in GPS as an added convenience. So, route optimization is one of the main features that simplify supply chain processing during transit. The drivers can easily pick the smallest route to reduce fuel spending and deliver the product early at the same time.

The Internet of Things and artificial intelligence are rapidly taking over transport management. These technologies optimize shipment and make processes more profitable, productive, efficient, and user-friendly. Combining the two advanced technologies makes it efficient for transport businesses to excel through predictive analysis and data-driven insights. This enhances the industry’s potential, covering all aspects and transforming conventional logistics processing into a modernized one. There’s no doubt that IoT and AI are merging as advancements for the transportation industry, allowing businesses to stand out amongst competitors.

Success factors of IoT in logistics

To get the most out of the benefits of implementing IoT technologies, it is important to create a single network of smart assets linked across the supply chain. To achieve this goal will allow certain factors:

• the use of unique identifiers for a variety of assets.
• ensuring data exchange between sensors in heterogeneous systems.
• ensuring confidentiality and establishing trust relationships.
• the transformation of business processes according to the decisions of the Internet of Things.
• focus on creating an IoT reference architecture.

This is the only way to optimize everything, even automated processes, and unlock the full potential of the Internet of Things in the field of logistics.

Public vs. Private Cloud Access Control Security

Public vs. Private Cloud Access Control Security

Organizations are rapidly moving away from traditional physical access control systems and toward cloud-based access control systems.

What is Cloud-Based Access Control?

Cloud computing is a model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, and on-demand access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources without any user interaction. Cloud-based access control is a physical security system that leverages the cloud to provide a better user experience on the back end for getting in and out of your buildings.

This technology solution enables companies to manage their security system from a single centralized location, thereby reducing the need for additional resources. It also enables security teams to remotely manage their physical security functions, such as door access, while receiving real-time video verification alarms and events.  

Public vs. private cloud security presents a critical decision point for businesses navigating the digital landscape. When considering the optimal security solution, weighing the merits of public and private cloud environments is paramount. Public cloud security offers scalability and cost-effectiveness but entails shared infrastructure risks. In contrast, private cloud security provides dedicated resources, which is ideal for organizations with stringent compliance requirements or sensitive data. 

Key Takeaways

·        Advantages of cloud-based access control: lower upfront costs, enhanced flexibility, and remote management capabilities.

·        Enterprises and large corporation use cases: a cloud-based access control solution allows for centralized security management and scalability across multiple locations.

·        Key features of cloud-based access control systems: integrations with other security solutions, real-time alerts, and biometric authentication.

·        Necessity of training: Training is essential for your team to effectively manage, operate, and maintain data privacy and security.

What is Public Cloud Security?

Public cloud security involves cloud service providers (CSPs) implementing practices, technologies, and policies to protect data, applications, and infrastructure in their shared public cloud environments. These environments are accessible to multiple organizations over the internet, emphasizing the importance of implementing robust security measures, which is crucial for preventing unauthorized access and data breaches.

Key Takeaways of Public Cloud Security

1.   Data Encryption: Encrypting data both during transit and at rest is vital for safeguarding sensitive information against unauthorized access. Public cloud providers often offer data storage and transmission encryption services, ensuring heightened security measures.

2.   Identity and Access Management (IAM): Implementing robust IAM policies ensures that only authorized users and services can access resources within the cloud environment. This process involves employing techniques such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access control (RBAC), and adhering to the principle of least privilege.

3.   Network Security: Configuring firewalls, network segmentation, and virtual private networks (VPNs) helps control traffic flow and prevent unauthorized access to cloud resources. Additionally, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) actively monitor network traffic for suspicious activity, enhancing overall security measures.

4.   Compliance: Public cloud providers adhere to industry standards and regulations regarding data privacy and security, including HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR. This entails implementing robust compliance measures to ensure regulatory requirements and best practices handle customer data.

 

Benefits of Public Cloud Security

1.   Cost-Effectiveness: Public cloud providers heavily invest in security infrastructure and expertise, enabling customers to leverage these resources without requiring significant upfront investment. This approach ensures cost-effectiveness for customers, who can access top-tier security measures without bearing the entire burden of upfront costs.

2.   Automated Security Features: Many providers incorporate automated security features that handle tasks such as patching vulnerabilities and detecting suspicious activity. This streamlines security management for users by automating crucial processes.

3.   Scalability: Public cloud security automatically scales with your requirements, removing the necessity for manual infrastructure provisioning and management. This simplifies the process of maintaining security measures as your needs evolve.

4.   Expertise: Public cloud providers maintain dedicated security teams that continually monitor and update their infrastructure, providing users access to advanced security expertise. This ensures users benefit from ongoing security enhancements and support from experienced professionals.

 

Challenges of Public Cloud Security

1.   Shared Responsibility: Customers must comprehend their security responsibilities and actively implement suitable controls within the cloud environment. This ensures that users actively contribute to securing their data and resources in the cloud.

2.   Compliance Concerns: Depending on the industry and regulations, public cloud storage may not suit susceptible data due to compliance concerns. This implies that users must carefully assess regulatory requirements and industry standards when storing sensitive information in the public cloud.

3.   Limited Control: Customers rely on the provider’s security measures and have less control over the underlying infrastructure than a private cloud. This means that users depend on the provider’s security protocols rather than having direct control over the infrastructure.

4.   Vendor Lock-In: Complex data portability challenges and integration complexities make switching to a different provider difficult, leading to vendor lock-in. This means that users may need help migrating their data and systems to another provider due to various technical hurdles and dependencies.

 

What is Private Cloud Security?

Private cloud security involves implementing practices, technologies, and policies to protect data, applications, and infrastructure within a dedicated environment exclusive to a single organization. Unlike public clouds, private clouds are not shared with other entities, ensuring higher control and customization over security measures to meet specific organizational needs and compliance requirements.

Key Takeaways of Private Cloud Security

1.   Access Control: Within the private cloud, ensure stringent access controls are in place to prevent unauthorized entry, utilizing authentication methods like passwords, multi-factor authentication, and role-based access control (RBAC) to uphold the principle of least privilege. Only authorized individuals can access resources by implementing these measures, lowering the risk of data breaches.

2.   Encryption: To ensure data security within the private cloud, utilize encryption techniques for data both in transit and at rest. Utilize Transport Layer Security (TLS) or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocols to safeguard data while it is being transmitted. For data at rest, implement encryption algorithms like AES to maintain confidentiality and integrity, bolstering overall data protection measures.

3.   Logging and Monitoring: Activate logging and monitoring functions to oversee user actions, system events, and security issues in the private cloud. Employ real-time alerts and log analysis to identify and address security threats promptly.

4.   Compliance and Auditing: Ensure adherence to applicable data privacy and security regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS in the private cloud. Regularly perform security audits and assessments to confirm compliance and pinpoint opportunities for enhancement.

 

Benefits of Private Cloud Security

1.   Enhanced Control: Organizations can exercise full control over security configurations in the private cloud, customizing them to meet unique needs and compliance mandates. This allows for precise alignment with organizational requirements and regulatory standards.

2.   Compliance: Meeting industry regulations and compliance needs are simplified by increasing control over the environment in the private cloud. This facilitates tailored adjustments to ensure alignment with specific regulatory standards and industry requirements.

3.   Improved Security: Dedicated infrastructure lowers the likelihood of unauthorized access and data breaches compared to public clouds, enhancing overall security posture.

4.   Customization: Organizations can tailor security controls and implement solutions that align precisely with their environment, enhancing security effectiveness. This flexibility allows for optimal adaptation to unique requirements and threat landscapes.

 

Challenges of Private Cloud Security

1.   Increased Expenses: Managing and maintaining secure infrastructure demands substantial hardware, software, and personnel investments, resulting in higher costs. This financial commitment is necessary to ensure the ongoing security and integrity of the infrastructure.

2.   Management Burden: Smaller organizations may find it challenging to manage and maintain infrastructure securely due to the specialized expertise required. This requires dedicated personnel to handle the management burden effectively and uphold robust security practices.

3.   Less Scalability: Scaling resources in the private cloud may entail slower and more intricate processes than in the public cloud, necessitating extra planning and investment. This complexity can impede rapid scalability and requires careful consideration for smooth resource allocation.

4.   Lack of Expertise and Skills: The absence of necessary knowledge and varying skill levels among team members can hinder efficient operations and pose challenges in managing the infrastructure effectively. This underscores the significance of continuous training and knowledge sharing to address skill disparities and uphold operational excellence.

Public vs. Private Cloud Security

Basis	Public Cloud Security	Private Cloud Security
Infrastructure	Shared with other organizations	Dedicated to a single organization
Security Features	Built-in security features provided by CSP	Requires implementing and managing own security controls
Control	Limited control over underlying infrastructure	Full control over infrastructure and configuration
Scalability	Highly scalable	Less scalable
Cost	lower cost	Higher cost

 

Which Cloud is Best For Your Business?

When selecting the right cloud security approach, assess your business’s unique needs, risk tolerance, and compliance mandates. Public Cloud offers cost-effective scalability and agility, robust security measures, and shared environment risks. The private cloud caters to stringent security and compliance demands, providing greater control and customization. Opting for a hybrid cloud strategy combines both advantages, ensuring cost-effectiveness and scalability while maintaining heightened security for sensitive data. Ultimately, the choice hinges on your specific requirements, emphasizing the importance of a tailored approach to cloud security.

How to Update to Cloud-Based Access Control

When security teams are ready to make the switch to cloud-based access control, it’s important to research different providers and weigh the pros and cons of each one. Once a provider has been selected, it is important to develop a migration plan. The plan should include inventorying existing hardware and software, developing an installation timeline, budgeting for new equipment and installation costs, and training employees on how to use the new system.

Why Move to Cloud-Based Access Control?

There are several reasons why teams should consider moving to the cloud. The main benefits of cloud-based access control include improved scalability and flexibility, enhanced security, cost savings, and easier management. Below, we'll dive into six key reasons why cloud-based solutions may be the right choice for your organization:

·        Unified security

·        Scalable & flexible

·        Ease of use

·        Integrations

·        Cost-effectiveness & maintenance

·        Risk reduction

Cloud-Based Access Control VS. Traditional Access Control

Cloud-based access control systems offer several advantages over traditional systems, including lower upfront costs, ease of use, and remote monitoring capabilities. However, it’s important to consider all factors when deciding which type of system is best for the business. Below, we'll highlight five key differences between cloud-based and traditional access control systems to help guide your decision-making process:

·        Cost

·        User experience

·        Remote monitoring

·        Cybersecurity

·        Centralized location

 Source: Internet

CAT cable to wire CCTV cameras

Using CAT cable to wire CCTV cameras 

In recent years the invention of the video balun has meant CAT cable can be used to connect CCTV cameras to CCTV DVR recorders. All the connections can be made using only a screwdriver, with no need for special tools or fiddly components. Before you start there are a couple of important things to know.

What components do I need?

Video is transmitted along the CAT cable using a pair of video baluns, one at the DVR end, and one at the camera end. We sell 2 types of video baluns, Standard definition and High definition designed to be used with our HD 1080P cameras and DVR recorders. Power is transmitted using screw-in DC plugs and sockets. The plug goes at the camera end and the socket at the DVR end. Locate the camera power supply close to the DVR.

Use the correct type of CAT cable

You must use pure copper CAT cable. Some CAT cable is not pure copper but CCA or copper-coated aluminium. Don't rely on the label or what the retailer says, actually check the cable yourself. CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6 and CAT6e can all be CCA rather than pure copper. CCA tends to break easily when bent and you can scrape the copper off to reveal silver-coloured metal in the centre. All the cable we sell is pure copper external grade.

Don't exceed the maximum cable run

The maximum distance video signal can be transferred with our video baluns is approximately 300 metres. If you are using the cable to power a camera as well as transfer video signal then we would suggest a maximum distance of about 50 metres to avoid voltage drop. This assumes you are using 3 pairs of wire for 12 volt supply and 1 pair for video signal transfer as per our images below.

Use a colour convention, stick to it and check carefully

It is important to check your wiring carefully. Choose a colour convention and stick to it. In the examples below we have used blue for the video signal and solid colour for +ve, white plus a coloured stripe for -ve.

You need to run 1 length of CAT cable from the DVR recorder to each camera. The cable is going to do 2 jobs. One pair of wires will handle the video signal, and the other 3 pairs of wires will be combined to take 12-volt power from the transformer located next to the DVR to the camera.

Firstly identify the polarity for all your connectors

Separate the 4 pairs of wires in the CAT cable. In this case, we are going to use the blue pair for transferring the video signal from the camera to the DVR. Keep this pair twisted, to reduce the chance of interference.

The green, brown and orange pairs are going to be used to take 12-volt power from the transformer to the camera. We use 3 pairs of wires combined to reduce the risk of voltage drop at the camera. Having unwound the wire use the solid colour for 12-volt +ve and the white with coloured trace for 12-volt -ve.

Here we can see the cables inserted into a video balun and a power plug.

Remember to strip back the outer plastic sheath to reveal the copper conductor before pushing into the fittings and tightening the connector with a small screwdriver.

Note how we have combined the 3 pairs of wires for the 12-volt DC fitting.

Be aware the DC power fittings are different for the DVR end of the cable and the camera end of the cable. The DVR end requires a female socket to take the 12-volt power from the power supply.

The camera end requires a male DC plug To take 12-volt power to the camera

It is important to protect the fittings from water so we recommend using weatherproof junction boxes for each camera. All the components you need are available in the CCTV accessories section of our online shop.

You can use Cat5 and Cat6 cables together in the same CCTV system.