BONN/SHANGHAI: September 20, 2017. DHL Supply Chain has introduced a trial Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) application to improve yard management for inbound-to-manufacturing logistics for Huawei Technologies at an automotive site in Liuzhou, China.

"In leveraging Huawei's and China Mobile's NB-IoT technology, we were able to design and develop this unique solution that offers connectivity, smart operations and device management functions," explained Yin Zou, CEO, DHL Supply Chain Greater China.

DHL said inbound-to-manufacturing logistics processes can face time-consuming inefficiencies especially at sites that have high turnover of truck deliveries. Delays can occur unless trucks are directed to the right locations so docks are used efficiently and shipments are unloaded at the right places.

To solve this problem the logistics company and Huawei are integrating NB-IoT chipsets embedded in vehicle detectors to automatically collect dock availability in real time, which in return provides visibility to the dispatcher and drivers.

When a truck arrives the driver checks in via an app on his mobile, receives a queue number and an estimated waiting time. As soon as a dock is free the driver is notified and the inbound truck can be unloaded at the appropriate dock.

DHL said the trial has already halved drivers' waiting time of 40 minutes, significantly reduced the risks of manufacturing delays, and improved resource optimization.

"By 2025, Internet of Things have the potential to generate up to €1.77 trillion in additional value for the international logistics industry," declared DHL Supply Chain CIO & COO, Markus Voss.

"Together with Huawei, we want to pursue this path in developing cellular-based IoT technology able to connect to multiple devices across long distances. Our goal is to enable a more integrated logistics value chain through greater connectivity, enhancing the customer experience," he added.