GXC’s Onyx LTE Network Transforms Poultry Logistics and Warehousing

Introduction: Revolutionizing Warehouse and Logistics with GXC’s Private Cellular Networks

Faced with persistent connectivity challenges across its expansive 50-acre facility, one of the nation’s top poultry producers turned to GXC to implement a private cellular network solution. This deployment aimed to overcome limitations posed by unreliable Wi-Fi, which had negatively impacted essential operations, including inventory tracking, data logging, and compliance with food safety regulations. The deployment of GXC’s Onyx LTE Private Network addressed these challenges by delivering reliable, seamless, and secure connectivity across all indoor and outdoor areas, setting a new standard for operational efficiency in warehouse and logistics management within the poultry processing sector.

Overcoming Connectivity and Efficiency Challenges in Poultry Logistics

The poultry processing plant faced significant challenges that compromised operational efficiency, data communication, and compliance with industry regulations. Key issues included:

• Unreliable Connectivity: Existing Wi-Fi infrastructure proved insufficient, particularly in outdoor areas, leading to inconsistent connectivity that disrupted essential operations such as inventory tracking and vehicle logging.
• Unique Wireless Environment: The facility’s use of refrigerated trailers (reefers), which act as radio wave reflectors and absorbers, created a challenging environment for traditional wireless networks. This resulted in communication dead zones and hindered the transmission of critical data.
• Manual Data Logging: Paper-based logging and data entry processes led to potential errors and inefficiencies, impacting inventory tracking, regulatory compliance, and overall operational productivity.

The primary objectives of the project were to establish a reliable and secure network capable of overcoming these limitations, enhance operational efficiency, improve data accuracy, and support a seamless transition to digital logging processes.

GXC’s Onyx LTE Network Solution for Seamless Connectivity

GXC deployed its Onyx LTE Private Network to address the facility’s connectivity issues comprehensively. The solution encompassed:

• Reliable Coverage Across the Facility: The private cellular network provided seamless coverage across loading docks, staging areas, and security gates, ensuring consistent connectivity for all critical operations.
• Redundant Access Points: Two network access points were configured for redundant operation, delivering excellent signal strength and resilience throughout the target coverage zone.
• Transition from Paper-Based to Digital Logging: By enabling tablet-based data logging, the solution streamlined processes, reduced data entry errors, and enhanced the speed and accuracy of inventory tracking.
• Warehouse Management System (WMS) Integration: Integration with the WMS improved efficiency in inspection, data logging, and regulatory compliance by capturing and transmitting data in real-time.

Key Benefits of GXC’s Private LTE Deployment in Warehousing

The implementation of GXC’s private cellular network yielded numerous tangible benefits for the poultry processing facility, including:

• Enhanced Connectivity: Reliable and consistent wireless coverage supported seamless communication and real-time data exchange across the entire facility, overcoming the limitations of previous Wi-Fi deployments.
• Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings: The transition from manual, paper-based logging to digital logging significantly reduced data entry errors, streamlined processes, and lowered operational costs.
• Improved Inventory Management: Integration with the WMS enabled precise control and tracking of inventory, optimizing the scheduling of material staging and loading, which reduced operational uncertainties and maximized resource utilization.
• Increased Security and Compliance: Enhanced connectivity improved oversight of outdoor spaces, allowing for more accurate inventory and security data, critical for regulatory compliance and food safety standards.
• Support for Business-Critical Applications: The network supported various applications, including Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and push-to-talk communication, enabling better coordination among personnel.
• Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): The deployment required fewer access points than a comparable Wi-Fi solution, reducing costs while offering superior coverage and connectivity.

Setting New Standards in Warehouse & Logistics with Private Cellular Networks

The successful deployment of a private cellular network at the poultry processing facility sets a benchmark for connectivity solutions in the food processing and logistics industries. This project demonstrates how private cellular networks can drive significant operational improvements, enhance regulatory compliance, and support the adoption of advanced technologies like IoT and real-time analytics. The model is replicable across other food processing and logistics facilities, promoting innovation and sustainability within these sectors.

Why GXC’s Onyx LTE Network Outperformed Traditional Wireless Solutions

The decision to deploy a private cellular network was driven by the unique challenges faced by the poultry processing plant, including connectivity issues created by steel reefers and the limitations of traditional Wi-Fi. GXC’s Onyx LTE Private Network offered a scalable, secure, and flexible solution, providing reliable coverage in challenging environments and enabling a seamless transition to digital processes. This approach allowed for improved network control, enhanced data privacy, and the ability to support a wide range of critical business operations.

GXC’s Leadership in Private LTE Solutions for Logistics

GXC played a central role in developing and implementing the private LTE network. Through its proprietary Onyx platform, GXC provided comprehensive coverage, enabling secure, resilient, and scalable connectivity that supported the facility’s critical operations. GXC’s expertise in private cellular mesh technology, built on years of advanced research, positioned the poultry processor as a leader in the adoption of private cellular networks within the food processing industry.

The private cellular network is currently in production, with ongoing optimizations to support additional applications and extend coverage to the facility’s interior.

Transforming Warehousing Operations with GXC’s Private Cellular Network

GXC’s award-winning deployment at the poultry processing plant demonstrates the transformative potential of private cellular networks to revolutionize warehouse and logistics management. By addressing critical connectivity challenges, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting innovative digital solutions, this deployment sets a new industry standard. The success of this project highlights the value of private cellular networks in driving technological advancements and operational excellence across a range of industries.