Achieving efficiency in factory logistics with a wide-area positioning system using BLE beacon and LPWA technology

Background/issues

Futaba Sangyo Co., Ltd., which is carrying out demonstrations with Nagoya Institute of Technology, is facing mounting challenges at manufacturing sites, such as aging workers, staff shortages, efficiency improvements and cost reductions through work style reforms, and quality demands through traceability. In order to respond, we were promoting IoT and digitalization.
On the other hand, in logistics, progress has not been made in solving issues such as improving efficiency such as understanding inventory status in real time and shortening logistics time.

Introduction Results

Our products, "FCS1301・timbe (both BLE beacons)" and "directional receiver" were adopted by Futaba Sangyo Co., Ltd. to identify the inventory location in logistics. I was involved in demonstration experiments and operations of process logistics and achieved results.
By attaching a BLE beacon (FCS1301, timbe) to logistics inventory, location information within the factory can be identified.
In addition, by using the LPWA communication module (LoRaPAN) developed by Nagoya Institute of Technology's Otsuka Laboratory to collect transmission data from BLE beacons, even in environments where LAN construction is difficult such as factories, it can be used over a wide range without the need for a communication carrier. You can now easily build a private network and easily collect data.
After the system started operating, we were able to use the newly collected data to take measures such as reviewing the actual inventory status and work processes/times that tend to take a long time, such as revising the work or changing the layout, thereby reducing personnel costs. Contributed.
In addition to reducing labor costs, it was discovered that processes that take employee safety into consideration were time-consuming, and contributed to the realization of a layout change that simultaneously satisfied work efficiency and safety.

IoT Solution - FCS1301 | Beacon Device

IoT solution - timbe | Beacon device

Positioning Solutions - Directional Receivers