Mobile Equipment Telematics: A Game-Changer for Your Business

Every day, we monitor and measure our environment even more than yesterday, then we use those measurements to try to build ourselves a better future. We aim to improve our health, our economy, the condition of our planet – nearly every aspect of our existence.

But utilising data effectively is more than just collecting and analysing it at random. We need a deep understanding of the data we obtain – what it means, and ultimately, what is the best way to use it. So it’s not helpful to gather all measurable data. Instead, we must fully define the overall system and be very selective if we want to get the best possible results with our measurement data.

With the huge range of sensors available, you can find at least one, often more, for just about every kind of measurement you can imagine. But the nature of the data points you collect is not the only issue to consider. Different sensors frequently offer a choice of installation methods, and operators must take into account environmental and safety requirements.

Here are some examples of sensors in use today:

• Temperature (and humidity) sensors
  • Monitor the heat (and moisture) in a defined space (e.g. trailer compartments) or on solid surfaces.
• Motion sensors
  • Sense movement with technologies such as passive infrared (PIR), microwaves or ultrasonics.
  • Most often used in security systems, as well as automated systems such as doors, air conditioning, and heating.
• Level sensors
  • Monitor the level of liquids or solids.
  • Specific technology depends on what material is to be monitored.
• Pressure sensors
  • Monitors weight or direct pressure.
• Proximity sensors
  • Monitor objects that approach the sensor
  • Utilise technologies such as:
    • Electromagnetic induction for metal objects
    • Capacitive sensing can detect and measure anything has a different dielectric constant to the air
    • Photoelectric sensors transmit a beam of light that reflects back from nearby objects
    • Ultrasonics bounces a high frequency sound signal from approaching objects

Aplicom devices offer a large selection of interfaces to cover the needs of different users. All devices include an internal acceleration sensor to monitor movement. Positioning is handled with internal GNSS. Input signals vary from digital (0 or 1) to analogue (voltage and current) and pulse counters.

There are several bus level interfaces available in Aplicom devices:

• RS232 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RS-232) – standard serial communication port widely used in communication between devices. In Aplicom devices, the serial port accommodates a very large selection of RS-232 sensors, including humidity, temperature, motion, pressure, level measurement and distance.
• RS485 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RS-485) – balanced serial communication bus supporting multipoint systems. Aplicom supports RS-485 sensor networks with a large array of different types of sensors.
• SAE J1939 CAN (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAE_J1939) – vehicle communication bus used for communication and diagnostics in vehicle components. Sensors that support SAE J1939 can be connected to the Aplicom CAN bus.
• K-line (ISO-9141) (https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:9141:-2:ed-1:v1:en) – a single-wire serial communication bus used on vehicles. It is a commonly used diagnostic connection between the Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) on the vehicle and the diagnostic equipment (scan tools and data loggers) and is based on the ISO9141 specification. The Aplicom tachograph receives real-time data (D8) with K-line. It includes information about driver status, vehicle condition, and many other variables.
• 1-wire (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1-Wire) – device communication bus that provides data, signalling, and power over a single conductor. In Aplicom devices, 1-wire is used for identification purposes (iButton or RFID reader) and for temperature measurements, using up to 12 sensors.
• BLE (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth_Low_Energy) – connectionless mode, where BLE sensors advertise their data to the Aplicom A11 device with a BLE option.

From the earliest stage of planning a project using sensors, be sure to check your Aplicom devices and their interfaces. This will help you to select the right devices for your specific needs. Then the project will run smoothly and you will be more effective and time efficient.

If you have any questions, Aplicom is always available to provide support. Just contact us at: sales@aplicom.fi

The global shutdown of 2G and 3G networks has been on the cards for some time now, although the exact dates of the shutdown vary quite a lot around the world. Many operators have already closed their 2G networks, and 3G will be next, but in the Nordics and Baltics, 3G is being switched off before 2G. As the traffic in these networks steadily diminishes, operators have been speeding up the shutdown and most of the older networks will be closed before the end of 2025.

Why shut down 2G and 3G?

The main reason to shut down the 2G and 3G networks is the evolution of telecommunications technology. 2G and 3G have become outdated, and newer technology, such as 4G and 5G, offers faster speeds, more reliable connections, and better coverage.

Moreover, the demand for mobile data has increased exponentially, and the older networks are unable to handle the high volumes of data traffic. By shutting down the 2G and 3G networks, mobile operators can free up valuable spectrum, which can be used for newer technologies.

Impact on telematics applications

When the 3G network is no longer available, what will happen to the telematics devices that rely on it? The most obvious impact is that these devices will no longer be able to communicate with the network. In practical terms, many of them will be unable to transmit or receive data. In some cases, they might be able to utilise the 2G network, but network speed can be a limiting factor as the transmission speeds in 2G networks are much lower than those in 3G networks. On the other hand, many devices can still use 2G networks without any issues.

Impact on Aplicom devices

Aplicom A-Series devices allow you to choose your radio access technology. This applies to both SDK and Aplicom Telematics SW users. In the Aplicom configurator Parameters section, there is an option for radio access with these options:

• Only 2G
• Dual, prefer 2G
• Dual, prefer 3G
• Only 3G

If you have configured your devices to use only the 3G network and the network is closed, they will lose connection. In dual mode, the connection might slow down if an unavailable technology is preferred. So please check your connectivity options and the availability of networks in your operating area.

Conclusion

The shutdown of 2G and 3G networks is a necessary step in the evolution of technology, and it will pave the way for newer, faster, and more reliable networks. However, it will also have an impact on telematics devices and users need to be proactive in reducing its effects by upgrading to newer networks and ensuring that their devices have the necessary hardware and security features.

The best way to proceed is to check your operator’s shutdown schedule and make a plan that takes the schedule into account.

Please contact Aplicom sales for more information about migrating into 4G networks.

June 2023 Newsletter out now, read it here

The automotive industry requires that the production of parts and components follows the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) outlined by the AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group).

PPAP makes sure that quality variations in the manufactured product are minimized. It consists of procedures and documents for each product development phase to ensure uniformity, reduce the chance of errors, and verify that the customer’s requirements and expectations have been fulfilled. The production process can only begin when the process and the product have been approved.

The APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning and Control Plan) requires PPAP. The APQP code serves as a standardized reference framework that defines the techniques and measures for the development of new products and processes in automotive manufacturing. APQP is one of the most important ways to develop the productivity and quality assurance of subcontracting and manufacturing processes in the automotive industry around the world. APQP is part of the IATF16949 standard.

Aplicom supplies tens of thousands of telematics devices to various industries, including machine and equipment manufacturers. We implemented the PPAP process as part of Aplicom’s quality management system in the period 2019-2022. People from our quality management team and our supply chain participated in the work. The role of production experts was significant in breaking down the manufacturing process for analysis. We also hired an external consultant to assist in this work.

The P-FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis) we performed on the supply chain and our production revealed a few potential reasons for failure. We evaluated their RPNs (Risk Priority Numbers) and took corrective measures according to an agreed schedule. As a result of this work, we also identified some development ideas related to production technology, and have been evaluating their feasibility as part of our continuous development.

At the centre of Aplicom’s quality management plan is the automatic electronic testing phase of our telematics devices, which enables all (100%) of our production output to be tested. According to feedback received from customers, the testing method and system in question is thought to be very good from the quality point of view. The implementation of a realistic Control Plan is therefore quite easy.

We received several PSW (Part Submission Warrant) approvals from various equipment manufacturers in the period 2020-2022. The PPAP process has been integrated into the Aplicom quality management system, which covers the standards ISO9001 and ISO14001.

Aplicom has the ability to work according to PPAP procedures and add customer-specific requirements to the production process.

If you have any questions, Aplicom is always available to provide support. Just contact us at: sales@aplicom.fi

“Change is the only constant in life”

Heraclitus

Keeping Heraclitus in mind, one of the key factors for creating a successful, user-friendly Internet of Things (IoT) system is over-the-air (OTA) device management. If it is taken into account from the very start of the design phase, it will become a natural part of your workflow. The reputation of your IoT system depends on how it can help your users to handle the changing requirements of the market. Device management helps you to keep your fleet operational, while doing it remotely saves costs and gives you the ability to respond fast to changing situations.

Let’s look at what device management is in practice and how it helps you to run your operations.

The three most important factors are:

1) Configuring devices during their operational lifetime
2) Diagnosing potential issues and
3) Keeping your fleet secure

Device lifecycle management

Operating IoT devices starts with device onboarding – in other words, installing the device and setting up the correct configuration. Depending on the situation, just one configuration might be enough, but this is rarely the case. For example, it could be that network configuration changes or data transfers to and from the device should be optimised to save costs. Naturally, there is also the end-of-life, when a device is in a vehicle which is no longer part of your fleet.

Key topics in lifecycle management:

• Onboarding and initial configuration
• Managing and deploying different configurations easily when running a mixed fleet
• Adapting to changing situations
• Optimising the cost
• Removing devices from the fleet

Remote diagnostics

What happens if you are not getting data from the device, and you don’t have physical access to the device? The only way you can get more insight into what is happening is through a device management service. Usually, the check starts from the connection – in other words, is the device connected to a mobile network and device management? If the connection is active, you can see the diagnostics history of the device and start pinpointing where issues might be. You can also proactively scan the devices in your fleet for changes in behaviour.

Key topics in remote diagnostics:

• Solving connectivity issues
• Collecting usage statistics
• Identifying non-typical behaviour
• Logging events

Device security

Unfortunately, the overall picture of security threats is always changing. New challenges evolve and require new actions from the IoT system. Security threats can be related to such things as access control or vulnerabilities in device software. Being able to deploy security updates means that customers can always be sure about their data security.

Key topics in security:

• Updating software
• Managing authentication and access control
• Changing encryption keys
• Wiping devices remotely

Aplicom Device Management

Aplicom devices support OTA functionality as standard. We strongly encourage you to include it in your IoT system design from the very beginning. The devices contact the device management server to check for new software or configurations and download them. After a reset, the device starts again with a fresh new setup. This approach allows any changes to be made automatically to the whole fleet.