Pallet Alliance has added the LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN connectivity protocol to its IoT-enabled IntelliPallet platform, a supply chain managed service to be integrated into wooden pallets. The new capability is the result of Pallet Alliance’s collaboration with Semtech, a supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms, and Viaanix, a full service IoT integration firm.
Pallet Alliance, a third-party pallet management and logistics provider, offers IoT-enabled location and environmental sensors to be integrated into wooden pallets. The company’s IntelliPallet platform was introduced last fall with both AT&T mobile (cellular) and CalAmp Bluetooth connectivity options.
These three IoT connectivity protocols complement each other’s capabilities:
• Mobile/cellular systems provide precise in-transit data for point-to-point location for high-value shipments in outdoor environments, but require adequate network coverage and have higher power consumption.
• WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity can deliver higher bandwidth and function well in indoor environments, but may have limited range.
• The LoRaWAN protocol delivers secure, long-range connectivity for tracking high volume shipments with low cost sensors and devices, with low power consumption, but may have limited data packets and frequency of reporting.
Having this range of connectivity options enables the IntelliPallet system to implement pallet tracking options tailored to each use case.
