Nexiot AG is customizing its zero-maintenance smart sensor system for Bertschi Group’s tank containers, to monitor the temperature of dangerous goods and help ensure safe delivery of consignments.
The data is then sent to a control system, enabling Bertschi Group to monitor the temperature of the product in the tank, as well as the steam pipes which are used to heat the cargo, in real time.
Nexiot’s smart sensors harvest energy from the environment, which makes them self-sustaining, and enables them to update the control system with messages down to every five minutes.
Bertschi is a global logistics service provider for the chemical industry, specializing in both liquids and dry bulk products, and transports hazardous cargo, some of which need to travel within a specific temperature band.
“Any means by which we can further raise the bar regarding safety gets priority at Bertschi, and having continuous and detailed information about the containers allows us to be certain that everything is well within safe operating conditions,” said Markus Berner, Head of Digital Logistics, Bertschi Group.
“Automated alerts on deviations provide us with one more layer of safety on top of all the existing procedures and mechanisms.
“The very same measurements are also invaluable for guaranteeing that the cargo, which often includes delicate chemical compounds, reaches its destination within the optimal temperature band and in perfect condition.
“We have very tough requirements for the capabilities, ruggedness, cost, and maintainability of devices in the field. In my opinion, particularly regarding energy autonomy and frequency of updates, the technology of Nexiot speaks for itself.”
Nexiot’s Director Marketing and Sales Daniel MacGregor said the sensor system, which is also being installed across the entire fleet of rail wagons for wagon hire giant VTG, was ideal for mobile assets with no native power sources.
“Connecting rail wagon and tank container fleets to extract critical data brings similar challenges and opportunities, as both asset types are non-powered,” he said.
“Our self-sustaining technology has overcome the battery problems which were a major barrier to monitoring these sorts of mobile assets and made critical data available in real time, so that our customers can make informed business decisions and ensure their cargo arrives safely and on time.”
Nexiot is trialling a new system of self-sufficient sensors, mounted onto the tank containers, communicating temperature data wirelessly to its Machine to Machine (M2M) communication devices, also installed on the tank containers.
Berner said that Bertschi is seeing increased demand from customers for real-time updates and estimates, who use the data to optimise their own logistics chain.
“Nexiot provides a full-featured but specialized platform which can be integrated with sector-specific software,” he said.
“This is in line with our digitisation strategy – more data all by itself is of limited use; it is the links and connections that bring real value.”
Nexiot last month announced it is equipping the entire European fleet of VTG Aktiengesellschaft (VTG AG) wagons with its smart sensors.
The modules relay updates including location, impact events, border crossings, mileage, and more.
Nexiot will be showcasing its cutting-edge technology at the Transport Logistic Exhibition in Munich, Germany, from May 9th to 12th 2017.
