Internet-of-Things firm completes asset tracking trial for UK MoD
HMNB Devonport is the largest naval base in Western Europe, making it a challenge to locate equipment efficiently. (Photo: Smarter Technologies)
UK-based Internet-of-Things (IoT) solutions provider Smarter Technologies has completed a government-furnished equipment (GFE) asset tracking trial at HM Naval Base Devonport.
The trial, undertaken on behalf of the UK MoD, saw Smarter's Orion IoT data network used to track ‘mission-critical’ GFE.
The MoD sought to trial how technology could be used to increase efficiency at the large naval base.
Some 200 pieces of GFE were selected to be tracked, including waterfront assets such as pontoons and mobile cranes.
Over 15 weeks, 3.2 million performance records were generated using real-time data that could be remotely viewed on demand.
During the trial, the average time to locate and check items was reduced by over two thirds due to the ability to track the location of assets in near real-time.
Smarter Technologies said other benefits included monitoring contractor performance and capturing trends in equipment and fleet usage.
Orion uses a low-power ultra-narrow low band 433MHz UHF radio system.
More from Defence Notes
-
UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens
The UK has recently deployed a Type 45 destroyer to Cyprus and has bolstered its presence in the Middle East in recent weeks with supporting air power to protect neighbouring countries’ air defences.
-
White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
-
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.
-
New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace
As uncrewed technology continues to play an increasingly central role in modern military activities, New Zealand’s recent acquisitions point towards its the force’s focus on cost-effective capability.