IoT

Digital transformation is happening everywhere, fueling the demand for the Internet of Things (IoT) to connect software-enabled smart devices required to enable greater efficiency and transparency across markets. 5G will further accelerate IoT implementation across an array of converged platforms.

Connectivity is essential for IoT applications to collect data of all sorts from sensors to surveillance and then turn it into actionable business and operational insights. Affordable, ultra-reliable, and low latency are top requirements to field a satellite IoT offering.

Service providers recognize the potential increased market share if they can successfully enable affordable, ultra-reliable, low latency satellite IoT. Today, service providers can unlock the opportunity of satellite IoT on their existing ST Engineering iDirect hub architecture. Learn more about the technology to get started. Or learn more about the insatiable market opportunities here.

IoT Connectivity
  • The maritime market includes vessels traveling overseas, along coastal waters, or through shipping channels. Asset tracking and monitoring of cargo along shipping routes create an insatiable demand for IoT. IoT helps automate and increase fleet efficiency for logistics, supply, maintenance and operations.

    IoT is already in use on many large commercial vessels while cruise, ferry, and leisure markets are expected to grow as vessels add dedicated equipment for IoT sensor data. Fishing vessels rely on IoT for Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS). Whether mandated or not, VMS are used to monitor and report on fishing catches as well as information exchange.

    Learn more with our Maritime Application Brief.

  • The multi-modal global supply chain is exceptionally suited for satellite IoT solutions. Companies are equipping their fleets with sophisticated computers and devices.

    Trucking fleets use IoT to power fleet management applications, predictive analytics and accurate reporting. IoT enables applications such as Electronic Logging Device compliance and event detection to trigger workflows such as repairs or alerts.

    Rail: The industry is seeking to reduce its lifecycle costs for large network infrastructure through the integration of smart connected services. IoT enables integrated asset management, predictive maintenance, intelligence sharing, and safety services. These new connected services will improve decision making for system capacity, safety, scheduling, and dispatch.

    Learn more with our Transportation Application Brief.

  • The advantages of IoT for the oil and gas industry lie in creating value through an integrated deployment strategy. IoT will allow the industry to digitize, optimize, and automate processes that were previously unconnected to save time and money, and to increase safety.

    Energy exploration, production, refineries pipeline monitoring, and SCADA services are primary use cases for IoT, however today the IoT data collected is used mainly for real-time control or anomaly detection.  A great deal of additional value remains to be captured by using more data and by deploying more sophisticated IoT applications, such as using performance data for predictive maintenance or to analyze workflows to optimize operating efficiency.

    Mining and construction are similar use cases where site operations and asset tracking can rely on IoT for valuable data. Drones for beyond line of sight are being used for inspection and survey, yielding data also.

    Learn more with our Energy Application Brief.

    Learn more with our Construction and Mining Application Brief.

  • The geographic scale of modern farming limits the use of many terrestrial and wireless connectivity options, so satellite connectivity will be key to spurring an array of use cases for remote farming areas. Smart farming practices enabled by IoT can automate the collection of data around weather, soil conditions, crop growth, or cattle health and gain better control over the agricultural process.

    Precision Farming or Smart Farming, utilizes drones, satellite monitoring and sensor technology to enable farmers to closely monitor their practices and optimize inputs such as water and fertilizers to achieve better crop quality and yield. Digital technology enables them to collect data to observe, measure and analyze the individual requirements of fields and crops.

    Learn more with our Agriculture Application Brief.

  • Civil infrastructure and the public sector in general rely on utilities. Public/private partnerships are preparing for this with increased investment into smart grid infrastructure, automation, redundancy, predictive maintenance, and the modernization of the poles and wires of the grid. IoT also enables critical monitoring, reporting and security of infrastructure such as dams, water levels, and power plants.

    By reducing or optimizing costs to serve customers, IoT connectivity can give utility companies data and insight on operations from generation to distribution. This enhanced visibility can reduce the manpower and service visits necessary to make repairs, decreasing downtime and thereby enabling utilities to streamline operations, meet demand spikes, increase customer satisfaction, and maximize revenue.

    Learn more with our Utilities Application Brief.