The new 5G mobile network is on its way – but what does it mean for IoT? 

– I am often asked questions regarding 4G vs the new 5G network, says our IoT Director Andre Lillebakk. – In this article I share some reflections from my point of view. Hope it is useful and that it hopefully gives some answers!

Most mobile operators and media praise 5G and its future, and with good reason! The 5th generation of the mobile network provides new dimensions for speed over mobile technology, impressive response time and extremely low latency.

Global development

Verizon launched their 5G rollout in April in select cities in the United States, and at New Year’s they celebrate the launch of the new ultra broadband network in 50 cities. Since August 2018, Telstra has activated 5G in 10 of the major cities in Australia and is planning 25 more cities by the summer of 2020. Vodafone has already activated 5G in the UK, Spain and Italy and will roll out New Zealand at the turn of the year 2019/2020. In Norway 5G has been available since March 2020. In the coming years, international research and innovation in 5G will focus on evaluating 5G.

However, the 5G network is praised for its major improvements and new performance for the mobile network, but the impact this will have on IoT devices is not so clear.

4G VS 5G Network

Speed

In theory, 5G networks will offer up to 20 times the speed we currently experience on 4G. Data speeds up to 1GB per second are realistic. This is perfect for streaming HD video, gaming and other data intensive services. IoT devices use a modest amount of data and will not benefit from the new speeds in 5G.

Frequency range

Typical 4G networks use frequencies below 6GHz, where some 5G networks can utilize frequency ranges between 30 and 300GHz. Increasing the frequency reduces the wavelength of the signal.

Advantages of 5G frequency range:

• Higher data rates.

• The antenna can be shorter which means smaller mobile phones and routers etc.

• Supports a higher density of mobile devices in the same network. For example, in cities with very many mobile devices per base station.

This comes with some drawbacks:

• Higher frequencies do not extend as far. 5G networks will require much denser base stations (mobile cells) to provide the same coverage area as 4G.

• 5G signals are more directional to support higher density with mobile devices. In comparison, a 4G tower will beam data in all directions which means a larger coverage area.

But what about 4G LTE CAT-M1 and NB-IoT?

The fact is that these networks are also relatively new giving us some answers around the choice of IoT carrier.

Typical requirements for an IoT application are:

Send small (often only a few bytes per transmission), relatively rare packets of data. Although a device broadcasts its position or measured value every 30 seconds, it uses significantly less data than, for example, streaming Netflix in HD.

• Low power consumption – Battery-powered devices must last quite a long time, preferably between 5 and 10 years. It is not acceptable for an IoT sensor to have to change the battery frequently or charge every other day like your mobile phone!

• Low cost to be able to realize the rollout of millions of units.

• Large coverage area – Units are being rolled out in the vast country and not just in the cities!

Our 4G Cat-M1 and NB-IoT devices are designed especially with this in mind.

Conclusion

Unless you are working with virtual reality, autonomous vehicles or the like where real-time services are a requirement, then the speeds that 5G can potentially give you are not something most IoT applications will need.

4G provides longer range, which is significantly more important in a typical tracking or sensor application. In any case, in the coming years, 5G will not provide a large enough coverage area outside urban areas to be useful for IoT. In comparison with the 4G CAT-M1 and NB-IoT networks which already have a huge coverage area in Norway. And finally, 4G modems of the types we use in our products are significantly simpler and have a significantly lower cost that allows us to deliver a product with a much faster ROI.

Both 4G CAT-M1 / NB-IoT and 5G networks are the latest hot trend. But it is important to keep the focus on costs /benefits and what you need in your application. 5G is well suited for many and opens up completely new possibilities in digitization, but for typical IoT applications that we see today, 5G is probably not the right choice. Feel free to contact us for a no strings discussion.

This article was originally published on LinkedIn

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From reactive to proactive with Maritech AMS

If you ask our new Global Services Director Kjell Jørgensen to point out his favorite subject, the answer is likely to be proactivity.  

Kjell has extensive international experience from the IT industry – e.g. as COO and Managing Director in Star Information Systems, five years of working for Merit in Switzerland, and two years for Logitec commuting to India. He is now in charge of strengthening our services as one Maritech – world-wide, with AMS (Application Management Services) as the corner stone and foundation all future services will be built upon.

What is AMS? 

The main objective for Application Management Services (AMS) is to take the customer support from being a reactive break-and-fix- service to a proactive offering. 

Here in Maritech we believe in achieving this through utilizing several best practice tools and a structured organization. On the tool-set side we have implemented the ITIL processes for incident, service request and change request. This gives the customer the benefit a clear and consistent definition of all things support. Furthermore, it secures a uniform approach to all customer requests. This provides the customer as well as the Maritech support organization with a structured workflow and hence a more efficient way of working. This is to the benefit of both parties. 

Maritech has also implemented a set of application monitoring probes, some generic and others bespoke to our own applications. Next to the traditional application monitoring tool, we have also constructed a set of process monitoring or process control checkpoints where we are able to give the customer an early warning when local data errors are about to occur. 

Global Competence teams 

On the support side, Maritech has re-organized and re-structured the support teams with one virtual, dedicated service desk and a combination of dedicated and allocated 2nd and 3rd line support resources. Through this, we are securing a timely reaction to all incidents and requests and taking the customer from being person dependent to office dependent. 

The services are a global offering and when the global organization is a part of this structured and uniform way of working through virtual teams and across timezones, all customers will experience better access to resources, swifter response and shorter resolution times. By utilizing global competence teams, customers across the globe will experience the same quality of service, the same reaction and resolution time and in the end the same customer experience. 

This will also enable Maritech to have not only extended service hours for ordinary tasks, but also a true 24/7 on call service for critical incidents. 

Best practice and efficient processes 

“I was engaged by Maritech to help in several areas, Kjell Jørgensen says. “My background has been IT service management and service deliveries for many years and my primary tasks now is to put together and establish a professional service delivery that is truly global, both across geography and business verticals.  

As the commercial aspect is core in any business, my goal is to help Maritech become more efficient in its service delivery. Furthermore, to help Maritech´s clients getting a more cost efficient support and service by utilizing best practices and common IT industry standard processes, procedures and tools.  

My belief is that when we get even better at what we are doing, not only by providing the customer with great business applications, but also with a complete set of professional global services, our customers will experience a better every-day life and an ability to focus even more on their core business and leave their business process support to us. “

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Maritech digitizes seafood logistics

We are now proud to present a completely new logistics solution for the seafood industry. Maritech Supply Chain is tailored to support and digitize complex processes across the supply chain, and simplifies secure interaction between exporter, carrier, terminal and customs clearance. 

Interdisciplinary innovation project

The solution is the result of the innovation project «Digitization of Norwegian seafood transport», where Maritech since 2017 has collaborated with Cermaq, Coast Seafood, Schenker and then Timpex, who were acquired by Maritech in 2019. The project has aimed to create a simpler and more efficient seafood logistics process by connecting exporters with carriers for digital interaction and document flow. The goal is improved data quality, cost control and transport utilization, as well as simplified planning, coordination and management of the processes at all parties. For now, the solution is launched for the Norwegian market. An international launch will be announced at a later stage.

Seafood logistics is an extreme sport

Every minute, an average of 25,000 seafood meals are sent out of Norway, 36 million per day. The logistics of this are very complex and require a high degree of precision, competence and flexibility – both in connection with the transport itself and in the planning phase. A number of uncertain factors also trigger several changes along the way.

– Seafood logistics is an extreme sport, says project manager at Maritech, Ajdin Rizvo. – We are very impressed with those who make this flow well every single day, keep a cool head and get Norwegian seafood out into the world. An example is that booking of shipping must take place several days in advance, which means that everything must take place on forecasts. At this point, it is not known for sure what the catch will be, which buyers will have what and where they are. There is also no guarantee that the trucks will reach Gardermoen airport on time, they may get stuck on a mountain pass or lose a ferry and arrive late. The uncertainty places very high demands on all links in the supply chain. Furthermore, the processes today are characterized by costly and time-consuming manual routines, which also provide vulnerabilities related to errors and personal dependence.

Improved working day, profitability and sustainability

The new solution supports, among other things, document flow and communication, invoice processing, price management and processing of customs documents. All changes are visible and traceable, which ensures correct data, simple documentation and reduction in waiting time throughout the entire value chain. Documents related to the shipment are made available to the carrier as soon as they are created, and the terminal has a full overview of incoming and outgoing goods and shipments. This makes it possible to handle sudden changes more efficiently, and you achieve improved predictability.

Bjørnar Kvalsnes, product manager at Maritech, says it is a milestone for the company to finally be able to offer a solution that handles seafood logistics. – This has long been on the wish list, and it has been both educational and demanding to work with digitization of these processes. The collaboration with the project partners has been close and important, the support from Innovation Norway has also been crucial. The result is a tool that will both assist people, reduce risk and increase profitability. Together, we have found a “best practice” that will benefit all parties, and also provide an important sustainability gain in the form of improved capacity utilization for trucks, aircraft and ships. In this way, we can also contribute to giving our customers a greener operation, he concludes.

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We are here to help you get better control and traceability through the entire supply chain.

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Our five best recommendations for quality assurance of logistics assignments

How can you reduce the risk of errors, omissions and delays related to your logistics assignments? Read the recommendations from our experienced logistics team.

1. Facilitate easy document sharing

To ensure effective collaboration, arrangements must be made for everyone to have access to the documents they need, when they need them. An electronic document management solution is a good investment for most companies. Unnecessary use of time, inefficiency and delays due to missing documents is reduced. All needed documentation is ready for the carrier so that you do not have to search through email to find what is necessary for the transporter.

2. Make sure that the carrier receives complete logistics assignments

Inadequate information requires resources for follow-up, and at the same time increases the risk of errors and omissions. A fully or partially manual process also entails additional costs related to control and documentation. With a digital solution that is integrated with your TMS system (Transport Management System), all necessary information will automatically be registered, documented and available. The logistics manager only needs to make simple adjustments to the assignments as necessary. You no longer need to personally coordinate with the transporter to ensure that everything is right at once.

3. Traceability is a prerequisite

Today’s customers expect full tracking of their logistics assignments. In addition to being able to easily keep up to date, you avoid spending unnecessary time on manual status updates and handling inquiries.

4. Offer your customers automated pricing

Automatic pricing ensures that your customers get the correct price according to their agreements. Ensuring that the customer gets the right price every time strengthens the customer’s trust in you as a carrier.

By using automatic pricing, the customer will also receive “instant feedback” on their bookings and need not wait for this to be done manually. At the same time, as a carrier, you save valuable time by having this run automatically.

It is important to make sure that all price agreements are always in place correctly. It should be possible for customers to select and sign electronically.

5. Provide your customers with a full overview over their costs

By integrating the invoicing solution with the booking system, your customers have an up-to-date overview of their transport costs at all times. The customer will be able to look back on their bookings of logistics assignments and easily check that the invoice is correct against what has been agreed. A correct invoice also ensures faster payments from your customers.

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Maritech acquires EDI-Systems

Maritech + EDI-Systems

Maritech Systems AS today announces that the company is acquiring EDI-Systems AS, market leader in the segment of solutions for third-party logistics for cold storage in Norway.

Maritech is a world-leading provider of software for the seafood industry, and the acquisition is a part of Maritech’s strategy for growth through expansion in the value chain, functionality, and geography.

Cold storage systems

The Sortland company EDI-Systems specializes in WMS systems for warehouse hotels and cold storage and has, since 1996, built a leading position in the Norwegian market. Their solutions are used by seafood companies and other companies that rent out cold storage services. The acquisition will be formalized on the 31st of  August, and the employees will be integrated into Maritech’s logistics team.

“We are delighted to welcome EDI-Systems as the newest members of the Maritech team,” says Odd Arne Kristengård, Acting CEO of Maritech. “Their solutions, customers and expertise are a natural fit with our business and further plans. Many of our customers already use their systems; they will benefit from an improved cold storage integration. EDI-Systems also delivers solutions for quality registration for fisheries and that likewise will be a good fit in the Maritech product range. At the same time, we will strengthen our expertise regarding 3rd-party warehousing and will now cover an even larger part of the value chain in the seafood industry. Furthermore, this acquisition also represents opportunities in other industries, related to new and existing logistics customers.”

A perfect fit

EDI-Systems` founders Robert Hansen (CEO) and Are Selnes (CTO) both work in the company and have until now each had a 50% ownership interest. “We are proud of what we have built and are now looking forward to new milestones as part of Maritech,” says Hansen. “There is no doubt that our solutions fit well into the Maritech portfolio, and we have a number of common denominators – also beyond the anchoring in seafood and software. It is also exciting to be part of a skilled logistics team, where we probably have a lot to learn from each other. We see this as a win-win for both EDI-Systems and Maritech and look forward to working together in the time to come.”

www.edi-systems.no

Photo: Are Selnes, CTO EDI-Systems (to the left), Raymond Haga, Finance and Business Management Director Maritech, Robert Hansen, CEO EDI-Systems

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Maritech acquires 100 % of IoT company Lillebakk

Maritech continues to expand and makes another strategic acquisition.

Maritech today announces acquiring all shares of the Norwegian IoT company Lillebakk AS. The two companies have been cooperating closely since 2017, when Maritech became majority shareholder in Lillebakk. Since then, they have been cooperating in several projects related to IoT, automation and analytics. Now they will be fully integrated and localized together in Molde, Norway.

Automation and industrial IoT

Lillebakk was established in 2013 and is a fast-growing company focused on automation and Industrial IoT. In 2019 10 employees delivered a revenue of 25,5 MNOK, mainly derived from IoT and the cloud-based solution LINSiGHT. LINSiGHT is tailored for seafood, energy, industry and public sector, and will be developed further for the different segments. Including Lillebakk, Maritech has approximately 100 employees and an annual revenue exceeding 100 MNOK (2019).

“The acquisition is well aligned with our growth strategy,” says Maritech’s CEO Janne T. Morstøl. “We have a strategy to expand in the value chain, and automation and Internet of Things are key competencies to drive quality, productivity and data-based daily operational decisions. Lillebakk’s products and knowledge will allow Maritech to offer solutions for smarter production to seafood customers in Norway and internationally.”

“I am convinced that this is a good solution for Lillebakk,” says Andre Lillebakk, CTO and co-founder of Lillebakk. “For us, our great employees and for Maritech. The recent years has been an adventure. We were two brothers who started a company from our home offices. And here we are today, after quite a journey. As an entrepreneur, it is obviously emotional to hand over your company to someone else. However, as we have experienced some rough months lately, we have considered several options for the future. After a thorough process, we have concluded that integrating with Maritech is clearly the best option.

Becoming a part of Maritech will ensure both speed, competence and stability for our team, our customers and our suppliers.

Andre Lillebakk, CTO and co-founder of Lillebakk AS

Better together

“We are pleased to welcome our new colleagues to Maritech,” says Odd Arne Kristengård, COO of Maritech and acting CEO of Lillebakk. “The Lillebakk team has extensive knowledge and experience in automation and IoT. Jointly, we will have a strong team in data analytics with predictions and prescriptions with machine learning as next step. This acquisition will also strengthen our development team and expertise related to cloud-based technology. Currently, we are preparing our first product joint launch, which will be a milestone in a few months´ time. We are looking forward to working even closer together, creating better and more efficient solutions for our customers.”

Read more about Maritech

Read more about Lillebakk and LINSiGHT

Photo: Odd Arne Kristengård, COO Maritech and Andre Lillebakk, CTO and co-founder Lillebakk

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Launched new salmon report at North Atlantic Seafood Forum

We are proud to announce the NASF launch of our new salmon report provided through seadatacenter.com.

This week we are attending North Atlantic Seafood Forum (NASF) in Bergen, Norway. The event is the largest seafood conference in the world, with over 900 attendees and speakers from over 35 countries. A perfect venue for the launch of our new salmon report.

The report is created by our analytics team, including our Icelandic division at Sea Data Center. “We are very pleased with the result”, says Anna Björk Theodorsdottir, Managing Director at Sea Data Center, part of the Maritech Group. “The report gives a unique overview of salmon prices, trends and supply. Also, it is automatically updated and can easily be tailored to the customers´ preferences. It will be valuable to a broad range of companies and roles through the salmon value chain. As well as for media, analysts and investors. “

“You can not get this information as easily anywhere else. All open data in the world is collected in one place, this is quite unique.“

Anna Björk Theodorsdottir, Managing Director of Sea Data Center

Photo: The Maritech team at North Atlantic Seafood Forum 2020. From the left: Anna Björk Theodorsdottir (Managing Director Sea Data Center), Erik Outzen (VP Business Solutions), Klas Vangen (Sales Director), Janne T. Morstøl (CEO), Tone Mykløy Helseth (Key Account Manager)

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Welcome to our new logistics team

March 1st we reached a milestone, when our logistics team, formerly Timpex, became a fully integrated part of Maritech.

Through the last 30 years Timpex has specialized in software solutions for logistics, transport and customs clearance. The company has established its position through focusing on innovation, highly skilled employees and close cooperation with customers. When Maritech acquired Timpex in October 2019, the companies already knew each other well. Since late 2017, Timpex and Maritech have been cooperating through a common transport project, which is scheduled for launch this summer. The outcome will be a portal for seamless interaction between exporter, transporter and customs. The solution is tailor made for the seafood industry and will increase quality and efficiency through the value chain.

“We are proud to welcome our new colleagues to Maritech. They represent a valuable addition to our team, as people and professionals. We know them as experienced, competent and sincere, brilliant at building strong long-term relationships with customers and partners.”

Janne T. Morstøl, CEO

Frank Bergdal (picture above) is Regional Sales Manager in the new Maritech logistics team. For the last decade he has worked in both the seafood and logistics industry, and he joined Timpex in 2019. “Obviously, this new direction fits my background and competence perfectly”, he says. “I am very enthusiastic that we have become a part of Maritech. Timpex and Maritech are a great match, both in terms of people, products, philosophy and customers. The upcoming months will be exciting for us all, and we are looking forward to growing further together as one company.”

Maximize your profitability

Maritech’s latest solution is a native cloud application that streamlines seafood procurement and sales from any device, anywhere.

For more than 40 years, Maritech has delivered software supporting the purchase and sales of Norwegian seafood. At this year’s Aqua Nor in Trondheim we launched DGS Purchase and Sales. The solution allows you to automate and control the purchase and sales process with efficient box-level tracking. ​

​Best practice processes

Purchase and Sales simplifies complex seafood processes and enables you to maximize your profitability. ​You can fully control your inventory, what you have to sell, margins and your customers and vendors.​

Full traceability

The solution gives you full and verifiable traceability from origin to customer, to comply with requirements from customer, government and certifications bodies.

Automation

Maritech automates your processes for importing data to support traceability and control, invoicing, document and data flow for more effective handling and remove manual errors. ​

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