Electrical Connectivity for GPS and General Logistics Systems (GLS)

Any device that contains electronic circuitry is susceptible to electromagnetic interference. We’ve already alluded to hackers easily making a delivery disappear or send fake satellite signals to sidestep regulations. But if your GPS or GLS network is equipped with shielded cables and connectors, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing they’re designed to resist electromagnetic interference.

Shielded cables and connectors can withstand the harshest environments. Think about a cargo ship full of merchandise that needs to be tracked. That ship and each parcel it carries are exposed to saltwater and ocean air. These elementst alone eat away at contacts and other metal components; then consider rain, heat, UV exposure and other outdoor elements that put stress on cable jacketing and junctions. Your global positioning systems and general logistics systems must be able to endure these harsh conditions. 

This is where a product like the i8 Snaplock proves its value. Waterproof, cost-effective and customizable, the i8 connector series features thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) overmolding and a master-engineered design that ensures the cable can hold its properties well even in the harshest conditions. Its durable design also makes it an ideal for GPS/GLS applications, such as transportation, where vibration, strain and other factors tend to shorten the lifespan of less-rugged connectors.  

System technicians have seen instances where hackers have used smart bulbs to access home or office networks. System reliability can also be unpredictable due to high traffic, poor signal, or outdated firmware.

The environment also plays a role in the lifespan and dependability of connected lighting systems. Outdoor systems require specialized connectors and cables that can withstand the elements. Likewise, industrial systems must be impervious to dust, chemical exposure, high temperatures, and other factors specific to a factory or manufacturing environment. 

This is where a higher upfront cost pays off. Rather than piece together off-the-shelf solutions, working with a reputable cable and connector manufacturer allows technicians to design connected lighting solutions that are specific to an application and its environment. 

Electromagnetic interference from radio signals and other sources can cause electronic equipment to malfunction. Using shielded cable and custom cable assemblies can minimize the effects of EMI. 

Asset tracking refers to the method a company chooses to keep track of their merchandise. This can be done in several ways, including:

• Barcode labels
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
• Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID)

Another example of GLS working in tandem with GPS for asset tracking and monitoring is integrated 3PL services. 
This is vital, as it opens up another realm of companies that need to protect their processes with products like shielded cables for all the companies they serve. Any business shipping more than 100 orders per month or offering things like expedited shipping to their customers, from small retailers to delivery service providers, is a good candidate for and can benefit from investing in 3PL. 

Even the smallest companies have a lot to track. Having the right equipment is essential.

In hospitality, a hotel connected lighting system can indicate to staff when guests have checked out or left their rooms. With this information, staff can proactively manage cleaning services and streamline and improve the efficiency of room turnover. 

Global food demand is expected to increase by nearly 70% by 2050 – giving rise (out of sheer necessity) to a new era of agriculture. Insufficient land, droughts, and climate change continuously threaten food production. LED connected lighting systems are playing an integral role in the development of new farming practices that no longer rely on mother nature for crop output. These systems use photo-synthetically active radiation (characterized as a wavelength useful for horticulture) to increase the output of controlled environment farming. While researchers admit that indoor farming will never fully outpace traditional farming, it does add another layer of production impervious to current industry challenges.

For agriculture technology, check out iCONN’s i12 plastic connector series. The i12 series offers superior ingress protection from moisture and dust and larger wire gauges or bundles while keeping costs low and assemblies lightweight.

When you’ve booked a multi-million dollar performer, you can’t afford interference with audio or video signals. iCONN has worked closely with engineers who provide concert lighting and video solutions to avoid electromagnetic interference.