Information is an important part of logistics. Technology has enabled precise location tracking that provides detailed information to improve your time to deliver and other metrics. As technology improves, so does accurate location tracking. Ultra-wideband, or UWB technology, uses the ultra-wideband bandwidth to drive precision locating.
Ultra-wideband technology uses radio waves operating in higher frequency bands to transmit communications. Because it operates at a higher bandwidth than other short-range communication tech, UWB more accurately measures position and distance.
What is Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and How Does it Work?
UWB is technology you use to transmit information across bandwidths greater than 500MHz. It is a short-range solution that works by transmitting information in short pulses. While it is similar to wireless technology or Bluetooth, UWB has greater range and can track locations down to the centimeter. Because it works through different frequencies, UWB signals don’t interfere with other devices or external noise. UWB devices also use less energy than similar technologies.
How Does UWB Work?
Like other communication technology, UWB works with a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter sends a series of short signals to the receiver and measures how fast the signal is traveling. The receiver calculates the difference of arrival, which is refers to the time difference between signal transmission and arrival. UWB uses this information to determine the location of the transmitter. Since UWB is faster than similar technology, it can track locations more precisely without impact from obstruction or reflections.
It allows devices to talk to each other faster and with minimal interference. Some companies are already using UWB in mobile devices. For example, Apple uses UWB in the smart tags you place on objects to locate them with your phone.
Since UWB has high-bandwidth capability, you can transfer multiple audio and video streams between two devices. Bluetooth operates on a lower bandwidth, which limits data volume and transmission speeds. Bluetooth is great for devices that are close together, but it’s not as accurate at farther distances.
UWB uses less power than Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. While in use, a UWB-enabled device can use as little as 4.9 megawatts while accurately sending and receiving information. They have a long battery life, meaning you don’t have to service and replace them as often.
Additionally, since multiple people use wi-fi networks, you tend to see more interference with Wi-Fi powered communication technology. If you’re using Wi-Fi in your logistics tracking technology, your data may not be as accurate if your containers are moving through an area with a crowded network since high volume slows signals.
Bluetooth is common in electronics and smart devices. Since it is more widely available, Bluetooth sensors and receivers are less expensive and easier to procure. It is often used to transmit information between close-range devices such as wireless printers, headsets, computers, and hands-free devices and to tether close-range objects.
Since UWB is faster and uses less power, manufacturers of smart home devices are switching over from comparable technology. UWB allows smart home devices to quickly transmit and relay information, even with obstacles such as walls and doors.
You can activate UWB with a point-and-trigger system similar to a remote control. Homeowners can point their phones at their smart home devices and easily control them. Since these devices aren’t bogged down by other Wi-Fi users, they are more reliable.
Uses of UWB Wireless Communication
UWB has a variety of industrial applications to improve your operations, including:
- Real-time location tracking: UWB sensors provide accurate indoor positioning and tracking of everything from inventory to people. Use them to track your most valuable assets and prevent losses.
- Secure building room entry and exit: UWB devices are harder to manipulate, and you can get encrypted devices to grant authorized people access to your indoor facilities. UWB devices also unlock a door when someone is a certain distance away, so they don’t have to fumble for a fob.
- Hands-free payment and billing: Instead of having to hold their phone up to a sensor, your customers can select your business from a list of nearby recipients, enter their payment amount, and transmit it.
- Smart keys: UWB-powered smart keys use encrypted signals and proximity to open doors. When a person with the key reaches a certain distance from the door, it automatically unlocks.
Why Logistics Operations Should Adopt UWB Technology
UWB technology applications can pinpoint locations to the centimeter, giving you much more accurate logistical data. You can get instant, real-time updates on your assets to effectively manage them. UWB applications let you identify potential logistical disruptions faster, so you can inform your customers and start finding solutions to get your merch to its location on time.
Real-time tracking also gives you more control over your inventory. If you’re close to stocking out of a certain item, you can easily estimate when you will receive a new shipment. This information is vital for planning sales or coming up with alternatives if you know your inventory is significantly delayed.
Unlike other wireless communication, UWB isn’t affected by interference, so you can track items in other rooms or items that are moving quickly. UWB is also encrypted, making it very secure. You can easily control access to your warehouses and other facilities. Track machinery such as forklifts and other necessities so your team doesn’t have to spend time looking for them.
UWB also aids in loss prevention. Since you can accurately pinpoint, an item’s location, you don’t have to waste time tracking it. Tracking sensors also help minimize theft because you can identify the location of stolen merchandise, which helps save money over time.
Surgere’s IoT solutions utilized UWB to accurately monitor your assets and improve operations. We customize the right blend of engineering, hardware, sensors, and software that gives you real-time visibility into your supply chain.
We have extensive experience in logistics and know that each company needs its own solution. Our team works closely with you to assess your needs and create a custom solution that drives valuable insights into your supply chain. Get more accurate data about your supply chain with Surgere. Contact us today to find out how
