Telecommunications provider Telkomsel and Chinese technology company Huawei have opened Indonesia’s first 5G smart warehouse and 5G innovation centre.

The facility in Bekasi Regency, West Java, showcases the potential of 5G technology to transform warehouse management, boosting operational efficiency and creating opportunities for the logistics industry to support the digital economy.

“Huawei’s 5G smart warehouse stands as both a wake-up call and a quintessential model for the ecosystem, demonstrating the immediate and seamless integration of 5G technology into digitalisation efforts,” said Ir Ismail, from Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication & Informatics. “This integration evidently yields innovations that extend benefits beyond the logistics sector to a multitude of industries. Such advancements are attainable solely through the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, united in the pursuit of accelerating the nation’s digital transformation.”

Mr Long, CEO of Huawei Indonesia (consumer.huawei.com/id), added: “At last year’s Solo 5G summit, together with industry partners, we pledged to boost the 5G ecosystem. The 5G smart warehouse is a testament to the value that 5G technology can bring to traditional industries in Indonesia.”

And Indra Mardiatna, Telkomsel (www.telkomsel.com) director of network, said: “Aligned with Indonesia’s vision of pioneering innovations that propel the nation’s advancement, Telkomsel remains steadfast in its commitment to deliver superior connectivity and inventive services designed to foster empowerment and catalyse expansive opportunities for entrepreneurial growth within the country. We are optimistic that the deployment of the 5G smart warehouse alongside the 5G innovation centre will inaugurate a transformative era for professionals within the logistics sector, particularly by enhancing managerial competencies and amplifying the operational efficacy of warehousing systems.”

The 5G smart warehouse leverages technologies such as IoT and big data analytics to streamline operations, enhance safety and security, increase efficiency, reduce energy consumptions, and lower potential unexpected losses.

Warehouse managers can use digital twins and real-time data analysis to optimise inventory management and prevent stockouts.

The 5G network also facilitates swift and accurate communication between staff and autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), ensuring efficient goods movement. Additionally, intelligent security systems powered by video and infra-red sensors ensure warehouse safety.

Huawei’s 5G BTS technology powering the warehouse features an energy consumption of 5W, equivalent to a single energy-saving light bulb, making it sustainable for the future.