UK IoT provider Smarter Technologies has concluded a successful capability assessment trial of its asset-tracking systems with the UK Navy.

The test was at HMNB Devonport, with follow-on demonstrations now also planned for HMNB Portsmouth and other military establishments.

They used the Orion IoT data network, and its associated tracking tags and sensors. This has a proven track record in other sectors. Over the past 15 years, it has helped recover over £40m of stolen assets, including cash, working directly with security firms and supporting regional police serious organised crime units.

Smarter Technologies’ high-value asset tracking capability has been honed with the expert advice and support of Mark Roche, head of global risk at Smarter Technologies. He has over 20 years of direct experience and expertise in the organised crime world, both as a covert police officer in serious crime units, and from his dedicated high-value asset recovery role at Smarter Technologies.

Using the Orion network and specialist tracking devices, Smarter Technologies has a 95% recovery rate for high-value assets that have been suitably protected by their system, and the capability is in permanent use with many of the world’s leading security companies.

Roche’s national recovery rate using the Orion system has been recognised with over 15 commendations from various regional serious organised crime units. His efforts have not only recovered stolen goods, but the technology has provided the necessary evidence to ensure arrests and convictions.

The asset tracking capability is multi-functional and uses the Orion IoT data network technology, which is said to have greater range, penetration, sample rate, power efficiency and security than some rival systems. The data network is a low power, ultra-narrow band 433MHz UHF radio system that can penetrate concrete ammunition bunkers, large fuel installations and even underground facilities, without affecting munitions, radio systems or sensitive equipment, so is suitable for use at naval dockyards, air bases and other military establishments.

Its properties help defeat organised crime, but they also make the Orion network versatile for other tasks such as routine asset tracking, smart metering or remote monitoring across large military estates and dispersed building complexes.

The signal is all-but guaranteed and it is rarely affected by dead spots or range limitations. Its specifications and technical operation are consistent across all regions of the world and it is unaffected by the European channel availability constraints.

It is simple, scalable, easily configured and can be deployed rapidly and globally, making it particularly suitable for use in defence.

“This incredible track record of stolen asset-recovery showcases the asset-tracking effectiveness of our unique Orion IoT data network,” said Matt Walker, product manager for Orion at Smarter Technologies. “We recently reported on the success of the MoD Devonport trial, which applied Orion’s impressive capabilities to meet the requirements of the Future Maritime Support Programme, and we will shortly announce further demonstrations at other MoD establishments.”