IoT solution automates M2M connectivity of TNT barcode scanners

To assist field staff tracking shipments Australia-wide, TNT Express procured 3,000 handheld scanners – IoT machines.

TNT wanted an automated connectivity management solution which would allow SIMs to be deactivated when the devices were not in use. 

They also required a reliable connectivity solution so that scanner data could be uploaded quickly to the TNT network across Australia.

Visibility of device connectivity and notification of abnormal use or device failure was also required.

MobileCorp developed a solution utilising Telstra’s cloud-based M2M Control Centre and Telstra Jasper IoT SIMs. The solution allowed:

• automated activation and deactivation of SIMs
• near real-time connectivity status and diagnostics
• review of connection session history
• automated rule programming to control data usage
• pinpoint location of devices
• setting of business rules and customised alerts for abnormal activity or device failure

The carrier provisioning and installation of Jasper SIM cards into 3,000 handheld scanning devices was completed by the MobileCorp mobile managed services team in just under one week.

Based at the TNT Enfield depot, MobileCorp specialist technicians opened each device, inserted Jasper SIM cards, activated the SIMs with MobileCorp’s service desk, and tested the device connectivity, before distribution to depots around the country.