Global IoT container tracking: 5 key strategies

Deploying and tracking a global fleet of shipping containers requires careful consideration of several factors. Key questions include:

1. Where will your devices be deployed?
2. What’s their expected lifespan?
3. How will you troubleshoot issues?

Utilizing IoT container tracking with global connectivity, optimized battery life, troubleshooting tools, and accessible connectivity management can solve the unique challenges that container tracking companies often face.

Let’s explore five key strategies to optimize your container tracking setup. These insights are valuable whether you’re developing a new IoT project or already managing a deployed fleet. Like our trusted customer Maersk, a global shipping leader, we’ll guide you in enhancing your next project and improving your current container tracking IoT system.

1. Use non-steered SIMs for reliable signal quality

Choosing the right SIM card is key to ensuring consistent connectivity for container tracking. And we’re not just talking about the form factor – though there’s plenty to discuss there (have you heard about SoftSIM?) – but how the SIM card actually functions.

Non-steered vs. steered SIMs

Non-steered SIM cards, which aren’t locked into prioritizing specific networks, automatically connect to the strongest available signal. In contrast, many network operators offer eUICC SIM cards with network steering through a PLMN list (Public Land Mobile Network), which can result in weaker signal quality and higher battery consumption.

We take a different approach with our SIMs:

• No PLMN list by default to avoid weak signal selection and reduce registration times
• Radio module selects networks based on 3GPP standards
• Minimum signal strength threshold: -85 dBm (based on European Telecommunication Standard)
• Our non-steered SIM cards are integrated across 680+ networks in 180+ countries, ensuring containers always have the best available connection, resulting in enhanced tracking accuracy and reliability

Our global coverage addresses a key challenge in container tracking: ensuring reliable signal quality, no matter where devices may roam.

Benefits of non-steered SIMs

• Stronger signal quality: Non-steered SIM cards automatically connect to the best network available, providing optimal signal strength wherever the container is located. For example, when a container travels through rural or remote areas, a non-steered SIM card can dynamically select the network with the strongest signal, reducing connectivity issues and maintaining uninterrupted tracking. Asia Mobiliti ran network roaming tests comparing steered and Onomondo non-steered SIM cards and found better signal quality with Onomondo IoT SIMs on average.
• Reduced downtime: When network conditions fluctuate or become congested, non-steered SIM cards can seamlessly switch to a better network. This capability minimizes downtime and packet loss, ensuring reliable and continuous data transmission for your assets.

Key question for your provider

Ask: “Do your SIM cards have SIM-steering?”

2. Avoid vendor lock-in to future-proof your tracking system

Do you know if you actually own your SIM cards?

Understanding the commercial and technical constraints with your connectivity provider is vital for future-proofing your container tracking solution, because that’s how you avoid vendor lock-in.

The value of ownership

When you are locked into a specific provider, it can limit your ability to adapt to new technologies or providers as your needs change. Many companies find themselves stuck with the inability to change providers face significant hurdles and costs when switching providers.

Freedom to Leave: Owning your SIM keys

We call the ability to switch providers as you please the Freedom to Leave, and it starts with owning your SIM keys. When you own your SIM keys or have access to an eSIM platform like SGP.32, you can easily adapt your solution as needed to ensure your tracking solution remains agile and scalable.

Benefits of avoiding vendor lock-in

• Provider flexibility: Without vendor lock-in, you can switch network providers when beneficial, such as for expansion or adopting new technologies. Another example of this is by utilizing an eSIM IoT platform to switch operator profiles OTA, which is something you can start testing yourself.
• Hardware adaptability: Ensure your tracking devices are compatible with various network technologies, both for current requirements and future advancements. For example, consider devices that operate on 3G but are also equipped to support LTE-M when older technologies such as 2G and 3G are retired. This flexibility helps your devices stay functional as network technologies evolve, reducing the need for costly device replacements down the line.

We prioritize open and accessible connectivity solutions at Onomondo, allowing you to maintain operational flexibility. That’s why we’ve always supported the Freedom to Leave, giving you full control over your connectivity. And that’s why we work with different hardware partners to make sure you have the technology and hardware you need to future-proof your fleet.

Key question for your provider

Ask: “Am I technically able to switch my SIM keys to another operator?”

3. Maximize device efficiency with low power consumption

Container tracking devices face harsh and unpredictable conditions for extended periods, making power efficiency crucial. Battery replacement or charging is often impractical, especially for containers on the road or at sea for weeks or months.

Strategies for optimizing power consumption:

There are plenty of network technologies to choose from when it comes to optimizing power consumption. But what about how the device is transmitting data to its endpoint, such as IoT clouds? Consider these strategies for optimizing an IoT device’s power consumption to extend its lifespan and minimize the need for frequent maintenance.

1. Implement low-power technologies

Leverage connectivity technologies designed for IoT applications:

• LTE-M and NB-IoT: These LTE-based low-power wide-area networks (LPWAN) significantly reduce power consumption as they are built specifically to meet the needs of power-constrained devices such as trackers. (Learn how NB-IoT compares with LTE-M here.)
• LTE Cat-1bis: Cat-1bis, in particular, offers a balance of data speed (up to 10Mbps downlink rates) and energy efficiency, ideal for reliable tracking with extended battery life.
• PSM and eDRX: Amplify power savings with low-power techniques exclusively built for LPWAN. Always confirm with your network provider if they support these power-saving features.

2. Optimize data transmission

Reduce power consumption without adding any extra device logic:

• Reduce transmission frequency: Transmit data at strategic intervals.
• Optimize packet size: Minimize data overhead.
• Onomondo Connectors: Reduce power consumption by up to 45% in tests.

Our global network supports low-power IoT applications, leveraging efficient protocols like LTE-M, NB-IoT, and Cat-1bis, and simplified IoT Cloud Connectors. This ensures devices last longer on limited power, crucial for maintaining continuous asset visibility.

Key question for your provider

Ask: “What features in your platform can reduce power consumption on my device?”

4. Utilize real-time visibility for proactive issue management

Real-time visibility into container movements is vital for efficient supply chain management. Without it, companies experience blind spots, resulting in delays and costly inefficiencies in the supply chain.

Ronen Mikdashi from T42 said, “If a freight-forwarder delivers millions of containers with IoT devices, they would need to have a large remote team around the world, just to replace the batteries every few months; a significant challenge in terms of resources, investment, and management.” Access to up-to-the-minute data allows you to quickly address issues, minimize disruptions, and maintain the integrity of your shipments.

Benefits of real-time visibility:

1. Real-time network insights

• Precise location and status tracking: Know where your containers are and their current condition at any moment.
• Proactive issue resolution: Detect and address problems before they escalate.
• Troubleshooting tools like Traffic Monitor and Network Logs: Provide access to live data packets for immediate analysis (e.g., Intoto reduced time-to-resolution by 86% using Onomondo’s tools).
• Critical for high-value cargo: Enables immediate action in case of deviations or security issues.

2. Proactive alerts and analytics

• Automated anomaly detection: Set up alerts for unexpected route deviations or network problems.
• Webhooks: Facilitate real-time notifications and automated responses (e.g., Onomondo webhooks provide data for custom alert systems).

Onomondo’s real-time visibility solution

Onomondo’s platform includes Insight Tools that provide reliable, real-time network visibility, along with webhooks that allow you to set up custom alert systems. Together, these features enable a swift response to potential issues and help maintain supply chain efficiency. This end-to-end visibility also enhances security by monitoring data packets sent from devices on containers, helping to detect unauthorized access. Operationally, it allows technicians to be dispatched with a clearer understanding of the issue before they arrive, improving overall efficiency.

Key question for your provider

Ask: “Can I view the data sent between my devices and the network in real-time?”

5. Simplify operations with a single global connectivity provider

Managing connectivity across multiple countries with different providers creates complexity. Juggling data plans, roaming agreements, contracts, and varying coverage quality adds to operational overhead. Opting for a single provider that offers comprehensive global coverage can simplify operations, reduce administrative burden, and enhance operational efficiency.

Benefits of a single global provider:

1. One SIM for global coverage

• Seamless connectivity: One SIM card works worldwide, ensuring continuous connectivity regardless of location.
• Simplified logistics: Eliminates SIM card swapping and managing multiple providers.
• Extensive coverage: Onomondo, for example, provides access to 680+ networks in 180+ countries.

2. Unified billing and management

• Reduced administrative burden: Less paperwork and fewer contracts to manage.
• Streamlined operations: Single platform for billing and reporting for all devices, regardless of location.
• Cost-effective data plans: Options like pay-as-you-go ensure you only pay for the data used.

Onomondo’s global connectivity solution

Onomondo offers a global connectivity solution that provides seamless coverage in over 180 countries, making container tracking straightforward and efficient with a single point of contact for all your connectivity needs. This scalability, combined with our strong ecosystem partnerships, also supports compliance with different regulations globally, ensuring that all necessary legal requirements are met, particularly in regulated industries.

Key question for your provider

Ask: “Do you have coverage if my device needs to go to [your next deployment location]?”

Ensuring global operational efficiency with smart containers

By following these five connectivity strategies—

1. Using non-steered SIM cards for optimal connectivity
2. Avoiding vendor lock-in
3. Optimizing power consumption
4. Leveraging real-time network visibility
5. Choosing a single global provider

—you can create a global IoT container tracking setup that’s both efficient and resilient. These best practices will help future-proof your tracking systems, maintain operational flexibility, and improve logistics efficiency.

At Onomondo, we’re focused on providing the tools and technologies to enhance supply chain visibility and efficiency, both now and for the future. With our global network, power-efficient solutions, scalable platform, and real-time insights, we give you the resources to take your logistics operations to the next level.

Want to see how it all works? Get in touch with our team and we’ll help you make the right choice.