Swiss Post and Swisscom span joint network for the Internet of Things
Swiss Post and Swisscom are now collaborating on the Internet of Things. Swisscom operates the so-called Low Power Network for both companies and can now rapidly expand the network thanks to Swiss Post’s additional locations.
At the touch of a button, a consignment is registered for collection, sensitive parcels trigger an alarm if the temperature is exceeded or it becomes clear where a consignment has been opened without authorization. Real-time information like this helps Swiss Post to continuously improve, speed up and safeguard its services. With the Low Power Network (LPN), the relevant information can already be transmitted cost-effectively and independently of the power grid. Swisscom has set up such a network throughout Switzerland. Swiss Post is contributing additional locations for receiving stations and its experience from the use of its own pilot network to the new partnership. Both companies want to strengthen their position in the development and implementation of the Internet of Things through this collaboration, as detailed in a press release on Wednesday.
One push of a button with a big impact
The digital networking of things offers countless possibilities. Swiss Post has developed and tested a wireless smart button to reorder products in a hospital that are running low in the medicine cabinet at the touch of a button. Swiss Post has also installed smart buttons in the facility management building at its headquarters in Berne. At the touch of a button, employees can notify Facility Management if something needs to be cleaned or if a coffee machine is faulty, for example. Claudia Pletscher, Head of Development and Innovation at Swiss Post, emphasizes: "Thanks to the partnership, we can focus on the development of specific use cases and expand more flexible and intelligent services based on the networking of things. Good coverage and network quality are key to this."
One network for all
The two partners are focusing on a joint network on which they want to develop applications together and which is also open to third parties. Christian Petit, Head of Swisscom Enterprise Customers, expects the partnership to provide even more momentum for digitalization: "We are looking forward to working with Swiss Post. The Swiss economy will also benefit from the partnership - and it can already use the network for new applications today. The first commercial applications such as parking spaces, condition and customer feedback measurements and environmental data collection are already in operation."
Swisscom was one of the first providers worldwide to implement a national expansion: The Switzerland-wide Low Power Network has been in operation since fall 2016. The partnership with Swiss Post is accelerating the further expansion of the network. By the end of 2017, 90% of the population in Switzerland will be covered by LPN. Swisscom is open to further partnerships.
