Sensolus signs partnership with Belgian telecom operator Citymesh
Sensolus, specialised in connected asset management, is joining forces with telecom operator Citymesh. The partnership comes after Citymesh took over the Belgian IoT-Sigfox network last year. With this collaboration, Sensolus will gain access to the portfolio of Citymesh customers who will switch to the Sensolus platform with their trackers. Citymesh in turn expands its multi-technology offering with the IoT products from Sensolus. As a result of the Sensolus and Citymesh collaboration, existing and new customers get a one-stop shop for all their connectivity needs. Those who rely on the power of Internet of Things (IoT) can count on future-proof technology thanks to the extensive tracking functionalities of Sensolus. Customers are now able to safely take the step from merely asset localisation, to process optimisation and efficiency gains.
In 2021, the West Flanders-based telco Citymesh took over the Belgian national IoT Sigfox network. For Ghent-based Sensolus—which at the time was using Engie M2M's Sigfox network for the data traffic of various types of its trackers—it was a logical step to make the switch to Citymesh. The two Belgian companies are now taking this opportunity to establish a unique partnership in the market.
"In addition to the IoT network, Citymesh took over a large customer base of companies using IoT trackers and software," says Koen Vanwalle, Sales Executive BeLux at Sensolus. "For us, this partnership means a lot of additional business. As we roll out this switch to our technology, customers will gradually make this transition to the trackers and platform of Sensolus. We will integrate the data from their current trackers into our platform for the time being, and when the battery of their trackers runs out, we will replace them or expand our services with Sensolus trackers. We can already achieve results in the short term, while existing customers benefit from a particularly smooth changeover."
Multi-technology offering
For Citymesh, the partnership creates opportunities for cross-selling and expands their service portfolio. The telecom operator assists its customers with all their connectivity challenges, whether it is Wi-Fi for office buildings or a private 5G network for robotics along production lines. Thanks to Sensolus, it can further expand its multi-technology offering with additional IoT solutions. "Citymesh is ready to take on every challenge and every one of our customers can count on a fully customised approach," says Maarten van Aerde, Market Manager Industry & Enterprise at Citymesh. "As technology specialists, both Citymesh and Sensolus have a lot of expertise in the field of connectivity. Together we offer all-in-one solutions for the connectivity of our customers."
Ready for the future
Ultimately, it is the customers who stand the most to gain from this new partnership. Not only through the multitude of connectivity solutions from Citymesh, but also through the doors that Sensolus’ IoT solutions open. For instance, the Sensolus trackers are equipped with innovative features, such as the unique memory function which allows routes to be reconstructed, even after losing connection. Additionally, the trackers can be connected to other sensors in its range that offer added value—for example, measuring the temperature of cargo or indicating how fully stocked containers are.
"In the past, tracking technology was limited to locating assets. Today, the location is just one piece of the puzzle," Koen Vanwalle explains. "Non-powered asset monitoring is all about process optimisation. Thanks to the compatibility, by combining our tracking solutions, companies can gain insights that help improve their business processes and increase quality control and efficiency. This makes them ready for the future."
Cross-pollination
Lastly, Sensolus and Citymesh acknowledge the great value of the partnership in terms of cross-pollination. The partners share the same passion for connectivity and keep a close eye on innovation in the market as well as new technology development. "We want to strengthen each other. When we spot opportunities for each other, we share them without hesitation. By doing so we can support the customer to the best of our abilities. Through working closely together, we can leverage all the potential in the market today, and tomorrow," concludes Maarten Van Aerde.