The FINANCIAL — A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, owner of one of the world’s largest shipping lines, is using AT&T Internet of Things (IoT) technology to connect its refrigerated containers. The agreement between Maersk and AT&T is one of the largest Industrial IoT deployments of its kind.
Maersk is working with AT&T to track and monitor the condition of refrigerated containers with perishable goods. Before, onsite supply chain managers would spend time manually checking the condition of each container. Maersk now has near-real time visibility into the conditions of each refrigerated container at almost any part of its journey during the supply chain. Their shipping supervisors can monitor mechanical performance to help ensure the equipment is in proper working condition, according to AT&T.
“Every day we’re responsible for shipping perishable goods around the world,” said Maersk Line’s Vice President and Head of Assets & Deployments, Amdi Krogh. “AT&T’s technology helps us improve the level of services we provide, helping ensure they are optimized and arrive in the proper condition – no matter the length of the journey.”
“We help companies better manage their delivery process and offer service their customers can depend on,” said AT&T’s Regional Vice President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, John Vladimir Slamecka. “One of the largest shipping container companies in the world can keep its customers informed about the location and condition of each shipment, helping them operate more efficiently and giving them peace of mind about their cargo.”
Maersk has connected over 290,000 of its refrigerated containers to the AT&T network. Each unit uses a remote container device (RCD) that has a 3G High Temperature SIM card, a GPS unit, a ZigBee radio and antenna, and multiple interfaces for connecting into the refrigerated container’s controller. The RCD can operate with two-way connectivity from just about anywhere in the world.
AT&T develops IoT technology for industries such as supply chain, insurance, industrial asset tracking and smart cities. The solutions include smart meter management, connected vehicles, smart city street and traffic lights.
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