Retail News CRM

Tag: Internet of Things

  • CMHK signs NB-IoT agreement with Sino Group

    CMHK signs NB-IoT agreement with Sino Group

    China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK) and property developer Sino Group have signed an agreement to deploy a narrowband IoT network across Sino Group’s residential and commercial properties.

    The partnership aims to develop pre-5G infrastructure initially focused on the provision of smart home, smart shopping mall and smart property management solutions.

    The deployment will support Hong Kong’s transformation into a smart city and help accelerate social development, the companies said.

    Under the partnership, IoT and big data technologies will be applied to enhance the agreement of Sino Group’s commercial tenants, improve the group’s property management efficiency and facilitate environmental protection.

    “The 5G evolution is crucial to shaping Hong Kong into a smart city, and CMHK is imperative to proactively develop 5G mobile service applications towards advancing the development of Hong Kong’s 5G mobile communication network,” CMHK director and CEO Sean Lee said.

    “With plans to upgrade our existing base station equipment, we are well poised for the arrival of 5G and the future Internet of Things. We are extremely excited about our partnership with Sino Group to further its property network coverage, and support its future development.”

    CMHK was awarded the first trial permit for 5G tests among Hong Kong operators by the Office of the Communications Authority in March. The operator plans to commence lab tests with 5G commercial equipment using the assigned 5G trial spectrum later this quarter.

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  • NEC sets up open-source software center

    NEC sets up open-source software center

    NEC in Japan and NEC Technologies India have established the “OSS Technology Center,” an organization specializing in technical support related to the use of open source software (OSS).

    The new organization began operations July 1, with approximately 50 staff based out of NTI, consisting of experienced OSS engineers who are well-versed in OSS solution architecture, as well as essential software development and support capabilities.

    The OSS Technology Center aims to strengthen the organizational structure for supporting global enterprises in building systems based on OSS, to reinforce collaboration with international OSS vendors and to provide rapid technical support to users who construct systems operated globally using OSS.

    Moreover, the new organization will actively carry out development of new network functions related to Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and application platform functions, such as container and Platform as a Service (PaaS).

    All of these are part of the OSS Technology Centre’s OpenStack-based development activities, in addition to its contributions to making source codes openly available by providing them to the OSS community.

    In recent years, the need for enterprises to capitalize on OSS, particularly OpenStack, in cloud computing, big data computing and SDN/NFV, has become increasingly pronounced.

    Also, in terms of next-generation ICT technologies, there are heightened expectations towards OSS applications in areas related to Systems of Engagement (SoE) and Internet of Things (IoT).

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  • The future of cross-border eCommerce

    The future of cross-border eCommerce

    Unrestricted by geographic borders, today’s consumers are buying from international merchants more than ever before.

    While B2C eCommerce sales in Asia Pacific are projected to increase at moderate double-digit rates through to 2019, consumers are increasingly expecting brands to maintain service levels with prompt delivery and regular updates on their order status.

    Nevertheless, retailers serving eCommerce customers in other countries often face challenges  with customs procedures, regulatory requirements and taxation issues. These complications can lead to delays in shipping, as well as making it hard to predict delivery times.

    With the final part of the delivery journey (the “last mile”) being the most important touchpoint between a brand and a consumer, having the right fulfilment strategy is vital.

    Technology helps determine the efficiency of cross-border eCommerce. For example, Flexible Order Management Systems and Warehouse Management Systems are software packages designed to support eRetailers with multi-channel sales and distribution. They help to improve order accuracy as well as drive efficiency in processing orders.

    Moreover, data analytics offer businesses insights into buying behaviour, sales cycles and trends, as well as help with troubleshooting.

    Internet of Things (IoT) technologies also play a significant role in last-mile fulfilment by connecting parcels, machineries, logistical equipment and transport vehicles, thus driving dynamic new business models.

    One interesting aspect in IoT-enabled last-mile fulfilment is the flexible delivery address. This offers recipients greater accuracy about expected delivery times, enabling them to specify a change in address if necessary (such as having their parcel delivered to their workplace instead of their home).

    It is crucial for retailers to work with the right fulfilment partners, especially with consumers demanding greater flexibility in shipping options. Partners that offer both domestic and international delivery options at affordable rates will allow businesses to meet customers’ wishes regarding deliveries.

    Another key consideration is a fulfilment partner’s ability to overcome the legal limitations of each country. Duties and taxes, import and export laws, packaging and returns, and varied consumer privacy and protection laws hinder prompt door-to-door delivery. A fulfilment centre in the right location is an asset to online and offline merchants, who will be seen as reliable while slashing costs commonly associated with cross-border logistics.

    eCommerce consumers have zero tolerance for delivery delays or problems. Retailers, logistic service providers and fulfilment centres all play an integral role in ensuring the “last mile” is a success. The entire eCommerce chain needs to collaborate to ensure delivery times are prompt, costs are kept low and customer experiences stay positive.

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  • Internet of Things China gains momentum

    Internet of Things China gains momentum

    The Chinese are appearing quick to embrace the Internet of Things, in turn driving demand from businesses and app developers for enabling technology.

    Jasper, a global Internet of Things (IoT) platform leader, says three months after it made its enabling software available in China, more than 500 enterprises have activated trial accounts on the China Unicom Control Center IoT platform.

    The enterprises, serving a growing demand for Internet of Things China services, included retail, connected cars, theft prevention and wearables.

    A large number have already converted their trial accounts into paid accounts enabling them to deploy their IoT services to customers across China.

    “We see significant appetite across China to capitalise on the Internet of Things,” said Cindy Patterson, chief customer officer at Jasper.

    “The response and market adoption illustrate the demand for an IoT platform that can help enterprises rapidly and cost-effectively launch, manage and monetise their IoT services throughout China and globally.

    “Forward thinking companies across industries have been quick to adopt the Control Center IoT platform. These innovators are seizing the opportunity to transform their businesses with IoT services in ways that add value for their customers while growing their revenues,” she said.

    “The diversity of industries represented by these companies is remarkable and it is exciting to see this level of activity in such a short time period.”

    The combination of China Unicom’s mobile network and Jasper’s IoT service platform enable fast time-to-market for businesses, and provides a flexible, turnkey solution that can be configured to meet the specialised needs of businesses across any industry. For example:

    • Several major retailers have selected the IoT service platform from China Unicom and Jasper to deliver wireless POS and mobile payment services.
    • Jasper’s Control Center is being used to connect aftermarket theft detection devices to enable more robust theft prevention services nationwide.
    • Two of China’s 10 largest auto manufacturers are now using Control Center to cost-effectively deliver connected services in cars. One manufacturer is using Control Center to enable a new line of budget-friendly vehicles, giving more people access to value-added connected services in their cars.
    • A large provider of consumer hotspots, which wanted powerful nationwide connectivity and mobile service management, provisioning and real-time diagnostics, chose to deploy on Control Center to ensure the best service for its customers.
    • Several aftermarket telematics service providers have selected Control Center to deliver connected IoT services to vehicles in China.
    • Personal health device manufacturers are leveraging Control Center to transform their hardware-based businesses to service businesses.

    China Unicom is the only operator in China using the same 3G and 4G technologies as the majority of mobile operators worldwide, enabling seamless entry into the Chinese market for multinational enterprises. Jasper partners with 27 mobile operator groups worldwide, representing over 100 mobile operator networks – enabling enterprises to configure their services on Jasper’s platform once and easily turn on services on other operators worldwide.

    Jasper describes itself as a global Internet of Things (IoT) platform leader. It has designed a cloud-based IoT platform to enable companies of all sizes to rapidly and cost-effectively launch, manage and monetise IoT services on a global scale.

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