Sierra Wireless > Case Studies > Global Connectivity and Single Point-of-Management for Digitalli's IoT Deployment

Global Connectivity and Single Point-of-Management for Digitalli's IoT Deployment

Technology Category

Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Middleware, SDKs & Libraries
Networks & Connectivity - Cellular

Applicable Industries

Retail
Telecommunications

Applicable Functions

Maintenance
Procurement

Use Cases

Inventory Management
Retail Store Automation

The Customer

Digitalli

About The Customer

Digitalli is an audiovisual communication company based in Paris. The company creates, produces, and installs video experiences for luxury retailers. Its clients include leading brands such as LVMH, L’Oréal, PUIG, and many more. Digitalli specializes in creating, designing, and producing point-of-sales films and adverts that can be used as part of in-store displays to promote products. The company handles the entire end-to-end process, from scripting the film to installing and managing the audiovisual and technology systems. It also offers a range of interactive solutions such as touchscreen technology, as well as tracking, presence, and motion sensors, so displays can adapt to the movement and position of customers.

The Challenge

Digitalli, a Paris-based audiovisual communication company, specializes in creating, designing, and producing point-of-sales films and adverts for luxury retailers. The company faced a significant challenge in monitoring its installed equipment to ensure its proper functioning. Any sudden malfunction could negatively impact the consumer experience, the visual aesthetic of a store, and ultimately, sales and brand image. Regular maintenance checks and fixing screens during unexpected outages proved to be expensive. Digitalli sought an IoT solution with an advanced management platform for remote monitoring of all network assets. However, deploying an IoT solution in a retail environment was not straightforward due to the need for multiple internal approvals and security clearances. Digitalli wanted to implement a cellular connectivity solution to connect its assets independently of its retail partners' systems. However, managing multiple SIM vendors and product inventories, tracking costs across different jurisdictions, and monitoring data consumption posed significant challenges.

The Solution

Digitalli opted for Sierra Wireless’ AirLink LX40, a compact, robust, and secure router that instantly connects to cellular networks. The LX40 supports IoT applications such as IP cameras, point-of-sale terminals, and indoor and outdoor video screens. It also supports low-power wide-area (LPWA) technologies, including LTE-M or NB-IoT, ensuring reliable coverage in indoor spaces, basements, and hard-to-connect places. This allowed Digitalli to set up its screens optimally without concerns about landline connection availability. Later, Digitalli chose Sierra’s Smart Connectivity for AirLink, using an embedded eSIM instead of a physical SIM. This simplified management as device SIMs could be activated over-the-air and did not require separate provisioning. The eSIMs were pre-integrated, providing instant global connectivity. Sierra’s Smart Connectivity for AirLink is designed to keep IoT devices connected anywhere in the world. It includes a global SIM that securely connects to cellular networks in 160+ countries. Digitalli can remotely activate the service, monitor its equipment globally, and troubleshoot any issues.

Operational Impact

The implementation of Sierra Wireless’ AirLink LX40 and Smart Connectivity for AirLink has brought significant operational benefits to Digitalli. The company can now remotely monitor its equipment, ensuring maximum uptime and enhancing the consumer experience. The solution provides global connectivity, allowing Digitalli to expand its operations without worrying about managing multiple vendors and networks. The use of eSIMs has improved security by protecting the physical infrastructure from tampering or theft. The single management platform and one point of accountability have simplified the procurement process and improved efficiency. The solution has also minimized downtime by maintaining access to multiple networks in every country and automatically connecting to the next best available option in case of any disruption.

Quantitative Benefit