Onecom has signed a UK partnership agreement to sell, support and develop Sony’s Internet of Things (IoT) products and services as the exclusive UK-headquartered partner for tracking solutions, while additionally collaborating with Sony Mobile Communications on a range of solutions driven by smart connected devices for use in cross vertical applications, including business, infrastructure, transport and the public sector.
This first service combines hardware, software, a cloud-based user application and analytics to support organisations, track assets and increase productivity. The tracking service will help to increase utilisation and logistic workflow, and save time finding misplaced items. Digital fencing is one of the features that helps keep track of valuable assets. The tracking solution may be integrated with asset management software to add even more value to customers.
Johan Svenér, VP, Sony Mobile Communications IoT Business Group Europe, said: “Our tracking solution has so far mainly focused on the healthcare business segment, but the solution has a huge potential to add value in a variety of different businesses, and we see that Onecom is very well suited to make the service available across segments.
"In the manufacturing and transport industry, equipment is constantly moved around, misplaced, or even lost. Several hours in a working day can be wasted searching for equipment or assets. In fact, this solution allows the staff to spend more time on actual duties. We make it easier to find equipment, which cuts time, stress and frustration. This solution provides a new tool for production staff and management to track, trace and improve workflows and will help any facility to increase efficiency based on actual usage patterns and logistics. Also, by keeping track of the equipment, we reduce the risk of having to order new equipment if the old gets lost. That is actually a common problem today, and a totally unnecessary cost – as well as costs due to buffering equipment, so buying more equipment than you actually need."
Darren Ridge, CEO at Onecom, said: “This agreement confirms Onecom’s position as an innovator and leader in IoT in the UK and beyond. We are already seeing the immense benefits in innovation and productivity that come with the deployment of IoT technology, yet we are only scratching the surface of the virtually limitless possibilities it will bring."
