Find and connect

Full transparency with regard to processes and goods as well as the rapid availability of the associated data are essential for companies to make the vital leap into the world of digital business models and not lose touch with new business models. Localino, the specialist for localisation solutions, has successfully achieved this thanks to IoT from Vodafone Business.

The Challenge

Secure and transparent data transfer

Virtually all Localino customers share a desire for transparency and easy availability of data in their business operations: as soon as goods, tools or vehicles involved in processes move away from permanently installed sensors, for example, location and usage data quickly become a ‘black box’. This applies to industries such as production, logistics, healthcare and many more.

The aim of the solutions offered by Localino is therefore to be able to monitor and analyse processes end-to-end. The data collected contributes significantly to controlling processes and thereby increases their efficiency. This is also important for companies in order to counter demographic developments such as skilled labour shortages, or to increase their attractiveness as an employer. One example is the efficient and stress-free navigation of employees to their next place of work.

Depending on the area of deployment, Localino develops its own suitable hardware components for localisation, machine interfaces and intelligent software tools. Among other things, Localino relies on an IoT connection via mobile communications for the onward transport of the data collected from the tracked objects. Here, the company opted for close cooperation with Vodafone Business and the use of the Global Data Service Platform of this digitalisation partner.

The Company

Innovative specialist for localisation services

Localino was founded in 2015 as a "garage business" by the two managing directors Dr Steffen Heuel and David Löher. The company initially focused on indoor localisation, but soon expanded its solutions to outdoor areas.

It also developed interactive software modules and platforms as well as interaction options between people and machines, vehicles, management systems and much more. Today, Localino is a full-service system provider that implements customer requirements in the field of localisation - both indoor and outdoor - as well as for the digitalisation of processes.

The team now includes experts from various disciplines such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, IT, network technology, project management, lean management and others.

The Solution

Optimisation and control of process chains

If the focus of a localisation solution provided by Localino is on outdoor use, the objects, goods or machines to be tracked are fitted with an outdoor tag developed by Localino. This is used for road or rail vehicles, transport containers, load carriers or larger machines, for example. The compact tag determines its position via GPS and sends it to Localino's backend platform.

The company generates added value with its specialised analysis and system solutions - from patented software algorithms for tracking and the seamless transition between indoor and outdoor localisation, if required, to the flexible integration of the collected and processed data into customer systems.

David Löher, Managing Director and one of the founders of Localino, illustrates the benefits with an example: "We developed a solution for a rental company for large construction machines, such as excavators, soil compactors and similar equipment. He wanted to know when and where his machines were actually being used by his customers. This not only provided a better overview of where the machines are currently located, but also provided transparent information about when they are just waiting to be used and when they are actually in operation. This was the key to billing according to actual utilisation time - and thus the basis for a new business model."

Localino uses the Global Data Service Platform (GDSP) from Vodafone Business to provision the IoT SIM cards used in the tags. This allows Localino to add or deactivate the required SIM cards itself as required. "The collaboration with Vodafone always takes place on an equal footing. Together, we provide convincing and turnkey localisation solutions for industry and SMEs," says David Löher, summarising the experience gained from the cooperation. "It is clear time and again that we think alike and both focus on the benefits for our customers."

The Advantages

Creating added value with localisation data

The outdoor tags developed by Localino provide the basis for the respective customer solutions with positioning via GPS in outdoor areas and data transmission via the Vodafone network. However, the company's expertise is particularly evident in the algorithms used for localisation and the flexible integration of the collected and processed data into the customer systems.

David Löher founded Localino together with Dr Steffen Heuel. He is responsible for the commercial area, strategy development and project and process management. We spoke to him about the benefits and implementation of localisation technologies and the collaboration with Vodafone Business.

What was the basic idea behind the founding of Localino?

David Löher: Dr Steffen Heuel and I have realised that the location of moving objects in many processes is often an unknown. However, it would be desirable to know where these objects are at all times in order to be able to use this information for process control. That is why we have set up Localino on an interdisciplinary basis and set ourselves the goal of developing innovative localisation solutions and making them available as an integral part of processes.

How did you realise these goals technically?

David Löher: Of course, our tags are an important component, which rely on various technologies depending on the application – including ultrawideband, Bluetooth Low Energy, LTE-M, narrowband IoT and, of course, GPS. Another essential component is our intelligent software, for example through patented algorithms for localisation or the seamless integration of data into our customers' systems.

Which areas or sectors do you focus on?

David Löher: Our technological goal is to be able to locate everything that moves. Today, we offer customised solutions for production, logistics, healthcare and transport. Our systems are used to minimise search efforts, digitally control processes and efficiently manage vehicle fleets, among other things.

What role does the IoT solution from Vodafone Business play in this?

David Löher: For outdoor localisation in particular, we need to reliably transport the data captured by our tags to the backend. Machines are not always only used in densely populated regions, and goods are often transported abroad. With Vodafone Business, we have the right partner at our side – thanks to its IoT expertise and excellent network coverage.

How do you rate the cooperation with Vodafone?

David Löher: From the outset, it became clear that both companies have similar values and requirements. We appreciate working together as equals and the pragmatic approach to new tasks and challenges. As a digitalisation partner, Vodafone provides us with an essential building block so that we can in turn implement customised and innovative solutions for our customers.

Indoor and outdoor tracking technologies are developing rapidly. 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and the Internet of Things (IoT) are enabling real-time location data collection with unprecedented precision and efficiency. Companies in industries such as logistics, retail and healthcare benefit from these advances as they can optimise their operations, improve the user experience and develop innovative services.

5G as a driver for high-precision tracking

The introduction of 5G technology has revolutionised the tracking of objects and people. Compared to previous generations of mobile communications, 5G offers significantly lower latency, higher bandwidths and more reliable connectivity - essential prerequisites for real-time localisation systems.

In Industry 4.0, 5G is used to network machines, vehicles and mobile devices. The high speed and capacity of 5G networks enable smooth communication between IoT sensors, further improving the accuracy of tracking systems. Especially in environments with many moving objects or poor reception, such as in warehouses or on factory premises, 5G offers stable and uninterrupted transmission of position data.

The role of AI in indoor and outdoor tracking

The constant tracking of a large number of objects and people generates a considerable amount of data. The use of artificial intelligence is indispensable for processing and analysing this data. With the help of AI-supported algorithms, companies can recognise patterns, accurately predict location information and make decisions in real time. Especially in complex environments such as shopping centres, airports or industrial plants, AI enables more precise navigation and object tracking.

Another advantage is that the use of machine learning continuously improves the accuracy of indoor positioning systems (IPS) and outdoor positioning systems (OPS). Sensor fusion technologies combine various data sources - including GPS, WLAN, Bluetooth and UWB (ultra-wideband) – and thus enable precise location determination. In logistics, for example, goods movements can be tracked in real time, reducing search times and optimising processes.

Advantages for companies and consumers

The combination of 5G and AI in location tracking offers numerous advantages:

Market development and future outlook

The market for indoor and outdoor tracking is growing continuously. According to forecasts, it will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% in the coming years. The increasing demand for seamless navigation and location-based services will continue to drive this development.

In future, companies will increasingly rely on hybrid tracking solutions that integrate both indoor and outdoor localisation. Advances in the widespread availability of 5G networks and AI-supported data analysis will help to further increase the accuracy and efficiency of these systems.

Conclusion

5G and AI are the key factors for the next generation of indoor and outdoor tracking. Companies will benefit from more precise location information, more efficient processes and improved customer experiences. As these technologies continue to advance, the way we move and interact in our environment will change forever.

Would you like to take advantage of the opportunities offered by digitalisation? We would be happy to advise you on the right solutions for your company!