“I have no Wi-Fi reception again!” This sentence is really annoying – and costs companies a lot of money in the long run. Nobody wants Wi-Fi problems, especially in logistics centres. After all, comprehensive Wi-Fi is essential so that all devices and machines used in the yard, in the hall and in the various offices can communicate with each other. Whether it's a mobile hand scanner, a pick-by-voice device or even the mobile phone of a delivery driver who wants to know which ramp to go to – all these devices should be able to exchange data with each other at all times. However, this is only possible if there is reiable Wi-Fi throughout the entire yard and in every last corner of the hall. Read here how this can be achieved in a new building or with the help of Wi-Fi optimisation in the existing network.
Life’s not exactly easy for Wi-Fi signals, especially in industrial environments (such as warehouses): there’s hardly any room for reflection due to all the concrete, they bounce off metal boxes and it’s not easy to reach all the way to the top. Wi-Fi in logistics halls is particularly challenged by:
Temperature extremes or a high dust load are also a factor. It is therefore worth choosing a hardware provider that specialises in industrial environments whose devices are dustproof, water, vibration and temperature resistant.
But what does Wi-Fi planning in logistics look like? The be-all and end-all is a detailed discussion of the requirements. What bandwidth should the industrial Wi-Fi have? How many clients need access to the network? Which connections are required? How far does the wireless coverage need to be extended? Climatic conditions and the structural environment also play a major role.
Another important step in planning an industrial Wi-Fi infrastructure: simulation. It reveals whether the Wi-Fi access points are planned in the right places even before installation. However, it can also happen that a simulation is not sufficient, for example because the building is too angled or it is not entirely clear what material the walls are made of. In this case, a control measurement is carried out on site.
Another motto in Wi-Fi planning: “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” When setting up the wireless network, it is therefore essential to consider the weakest devices in the company, such as mobile hand-held scanners, which only have a low transmission power. The access points must be set up accordingly (or, in the case of existing hardware, adapted) so that smooth roaming is possible and wireless coverage is guaranteed everywhere. If all parameters are set correctly, the clients decide for themselves at the right moment when to switch to the next access point.
Of course, existing Wi-Fi networks can also be optimised to increase performance. The first step in this process is the site survey analysis, which is done using certain software. This type of analysis provides reliable information about where there are problems with the signal. How high is the signal-to-noise ratio? Does the changing inventory pose a problem? Is there interference with other wireless networks? Are the access points configured incorrectly? Certified Wi-Fi measuring devices provide the answer.
The Wi-Fi heat map, the result of the screening, shows exactly where the Wi-Fi ‘radiates’ well and where there is still room for improvement. After all, there are many sources of interference in logistics: signal overlaps, faulty batteries in industrial trucks, the sheer mass of clients logged on or even particularly thick walls. Once the problem has been identified, the next step is optimisation.
Based on the Wi-Fi analysis, the IT service provider develops the right solution: sometimes new access points are needed, other times it may be sufficient to reposition the existing devices and reconfigure them if necessary. It is advisable to upgrade the network components to modern technologies such as Wi-Fi 6 to benefit from even higher speed, lower latency and generally better performance. Any wireless gaps, overlaps or other problems will be a thing of the past. The security aspects should not be forgotten: A good IT service provider will ensure that your Wi-Fi is not only faster and more comprehensive after optimisation, but also more secure.
Modern encryption, separate company and guest access, security tokens – these are just three measures that will make your industrial WiFi more secure. Don’t worry, you don’t have to tackle this yourself: A good IT service provider has it all covered. In addition to performance, security should be a top priority for them, which must also be reflected in the selection of network components. For example, access points without so-called “backdoors” should be used. Such backdoors could easily be used to switch off security-relevant functions – so, to outsmart hackers, it is better to opt for branded products that fulfil strict data protection requirements.
Network planning is particularly important in logistics. It may be enough to use an inexpensive access point at home, and many people don’t take the configuration too seriously. However, the situation is different in an industrial environment: If the Wi-Fi and therefore the data exchange does not work reliably, employees in the warehouse and on the yard, for example, will not be able to work properly. It is therefore worth prioritising the aspects of performance, security and support and commissioning an IT service provider. This will also ensure the scalability of the Wi-Fi.
It is generally advisable to carry out regular reference measurements in logistics halls. After all, a change in the inventory on the shelves or in the layout of the warehouse can quickly lead to the signal no longer arriving correctly. Often, just a few adjustments will ensure that the Wi-Fi coverage in the warehouse is maximised. Whether you're planning a new Wi-Fi network or optimising it, you’ll always receive the right support and can look forward to high-performance Internet with a comprehensive signal. This way, the scanner will work even in the furthest corner!
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